The Las Vegas Aces have suffered a major setback heading into the 2026 WNBA postseason.
Aces forward NaLyssa Smith will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a non-contact left leg injury, the team announced Thursday.
Smith suffered the injury during Las Vegas’ 88-78 victory over the Toronto Tempo on Aug. 23. She was unable to return to the game after going down in the third quarter.
The Aces have not disclosed the specific nature of Smith’s injury or whether she will require surgery. (Las Vegas Aces)
The injury ends a productive first season in Las Vegas for Smith. The 6-foot-4 forward started all 38 games she appeared in and averaged 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 63.8% from the field, according to Basketball-Reference. (Basketball Reference)
Smith had become an important part of the Aces’ frontcourt alongside four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, providing size, rebounding and interior scoring.
Her absence leaves Las Vegas without one of its primary frontcourt contributors as the team enters the most important stretch of the season.
The Aces will now have to find ways to replace Smith’s production as they pursue another WNBA championship.
More updates on Smith’s injury and her recovery timeline are expected as additional information becomes available.
