Final Sky-Aces injury report: Wilson and Carrington status
DIRECT ANSWER: For Friday's July 3 Sky-Aces rematch at T-Mobile Arena, A'ja Wilson is questionable with a right leg injury after missing Tuesday's Commissioner's Cup final, while DiJonai Carrington is ruled out as Chicago continues her recovery from foot surgery. Both teams arrive with key absences. Las Vegas still enters as the healthier favorite on this interconference night (10 p.m. ET, ION).
Key Takeaways
- A'ja Wilson is questionable for Las Vegas after sitting out Tuesday; DiJonai Carrington is ruled out for Chicago.
- The Aces (14-5) host the Sky (6-13) in an immediate rematch after Sunday's meeting in Chicago.
- Chicago also lacks Rickea Jackson (torn ACL); Vegas is without Dana Evans and Janiah Barker.
- Covers.com lists Wilson day-to-day and favors Chicago +8.5 with the MVP's status uncertain.
- Jackie Young (31 points Tuesday) and Kamilla Cardoso (24 points Sunday) headline the stars who are available.
Why is A'ja Wilson questionable for the Sky-Aces rematch?
Las Vegas listed Wilson as questionable Friday because of a right leg injury, per Yahoo Sports. She already missed Tuesday's Commissioner's Cup championship loss to the New York Liberty, putting her in danger of a second straight absence.
Wilson was hurt during the June 28 Sky-Aces game in Chicago, the same contest where she finished with 30 points and 15 rebounds while Kamilla Cardoso led the Sky with 24 points and eight rebounds. Covers.com notes the MVP frontrunner missed the Commissioner's Cup final and is day-to-day, with Las Vegas having little reason to rush her back against a 6-13 opponent.
Will DiJonai Carrington play against the Aces?
No. Chicago has ruled out guard DiJonai Carrington as she remains sidelined to begin the season while recovering from foot surgery, according to the final injury report. That removes a key perimeter piece from a Sky team that dropped to 6-13 after Sunday's home loss to Las Vegas.
In that game, Azura Stevens matched Cardoso's scoring punch with 24 points, six rebounds and three assists, but Chicago still could not slow a Vegas side that had already beaten them once this week. Without Carrington again, Chicago must lean on its remaining depth on a road trip that starts in Las Vegas.
Who else is ruled out for Chicago and Las Vegas?
Beyond Carrington, the Sky have ruled out forward Rickea Jackson for the remainder of the season because of a torn ACL. On the Vegas side, the Aces ruled out Janiah Barker (right leg injury) and Dana Evans (left leg injury), thinning the rotation even if Wilson plays limited minutes.
When Wilson does sit, Jackie Young has carried the offense. She posted 31 points and seven assists in Tuesday's loss to New York, while Chennedy Carter added 18 points off the bench. That backcourt production will matter again if Wilson cannot go, especially with Cardoso patrolling the paint for Chicago.
How does the injury report shape Sky-Aces odds?
Despite Wilson's uncertain status, oddsmakers still favor Las Vegas. Covers.com opened the Sky as +8.5 underdogs (-120) with the Aces at -8.5 (+100) and a moneyline of Chicago +270 / Vegas -340. The site projects a Vegas win but recommends Chicago covering the number.
Chicago is 5-2 against the spread in the last seven meetings with Las Vegas, including a June 28 cover despite Wilson's 30-point night. The Aces are 0-6 ATS in games Wilson missed over the last three seasons, a trend that keeps this Bizarre World rematch worth watching even without two headline stars on the floor.