Latest WNBA injury could have major playoff implications

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - AUGUST 23: Teonni Key #7 of the Toronto Tempo and NaLyssa Smith #3 of the Las Vegas Aces look on during the game at Rogers Arena on August 23, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elizabeth Ruiz Ruiz/Getty Images) (Photo by Elizabeth Ruiz Ruiz/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith injured her left knee in Sunday night’s game against the Toronto Tempo, going down late in the third quarter and getting carried off the court.

Smith did not return for the rest of the game, and Las Vegas did not share additional updates about her injury and potential timetable.

Prayers up to NaLyssa Smith who goes down in a non contact injury. pic.twitter.com/Fm3Faz6UTc

— Gio (@jsmove7) August 24, 2026

But if the injury is serious — and potentially season-ending — that could have far-reaching implications for the Aces, who are eyeing their fourth title in five seasons.

Smith is averaging 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 63.8% from the field. The 6’4 forward has started all 38 games for the Aces, playing 24.3 minutes per game and anchoring the frontcourt alongside four-time MVP A’ja Wilson. And, even more important than the counting stats have been Smith’s ability to make the Aces a more physical and defensively versatile team.

NaLyssa Smith was massive for the Aces last season

The Aces acquired Smith last year at the midseason trade deadline, and she became crucial to their in-season turnaround and playoff success. She averaged 7.1 points and 5 rebounds in the playoffs, putting together multiple big-time performances against the Indiana Fever in the WNBA semi-finals (posting back-to-back 18-point and 16-point games in two big-time wins for the Aces).

Smith was ultimately a huge part of Las Vegas’s title run and became even more integral to the team in her second season with the club.

If the injury is a season-ending one, the Aces will be significantly hampered. The team will also need more from backup bigs Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, Brianna Turner, and Kierstan Bell. Parker-Tyus, who missed last season while on maternity leave, is averaging 5.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10.7 minutes per game.

Turner, in her first season with the Aces, is averaging 1.6 points and 1.7 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game.

And Bell, who has been with the Aces since 2022, is averaging 2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per game. All three players could see increased opportunity to impact the team if Smith is sidelined for an extended period.

The Aces currently have the third-best record in the WNBA at 26-13, with five regular-season games left. They currently sit half a game behind the Golden State Valkyries (25-11) in the standings and 5.5 games behind the Minnesota Lynx (31-7).