Las Vegas Aces vs Connecticut Sun: Injury Report, Starting-5, Prediction, and More on Tonight’s WNBA Preview

They tip off tonight with very different moods in the locker rooms: the Las Vegas Aces, at 6–7, are fighting for momentum, while the Connecticut Sun, struggling at 2–12, search for a spark to end a losing spiral. With injuries depleting the Sun and key players returning to health for Vegas, this matchup is set to be a test of depth and resilience. Tonight’s clash might not just define the fifth quarter—it could define both team’s seasons.

Injury Report: Will Marina Mabrey be playing against the Aces?

The Sun’s backcourt is ailing. Guard Marina Mabrey, injured in the second quarter against Dallas on June 20, is out for at least 2–4 weeks with a left knee injury. Just days earlier, coach Rachid Meziane confirmed that guard Leila Lacan won’t return until July due to overseas commitments. With Mabrey and Leila sidelined for the Aces game, Connecticut is stretched painfully thin inside and missing veteran guard presence. Las Vegas, while down players of its own, may see Megan Gustafson return around July 3 and Parker‑Tyus by mid‑August, giving them room to absorb the Sun’s short-handedness.

Starting Lineup of Aces vs Sun:

Connecticut Sun

Aneesah Morrow (#24)
Tina Charles (#31)
Bria Hartley (#14)
Jacy Sheldon (#4)
Saniya Rivers (#22)

Las Vegas Aces

Kiah Stokes (#41)
A’ja Wilson (#22)
Chelsea Gray (#12)
Jewell Loyd (#24)
Jackie Young (#0)

Where to watch :

Prediction: LV Aces Vs Connecticut Sun

Statistically, it’s a mismatch on paper. The Sun ranks near the bottom of the league offensively, averaging just 71.8 points per game, while their defense concedes 87.6. Las Vegas, conversely, scores 80.2 per game while holding opponents to 82.9. Their field-goal percentages—38.9% for Connecticut versus 39.8% for Vegas—mirror the Sun’s offensive stagnation contrasted with the Aces’ steady execution. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives Las Vegas a commanding 84.8% chance to win, a reflection of their scoring power and Connecticut’s depth issues. At the forefront, A’ja Wilson leads the Aces with 21.1 points per game, while Tina Charles remains the Sun’s leading scorer with 16.1 ppg.

May 23, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) celebrates hitting a game-winning three-point basket against the Washington Mystics in the fourth quarter of their game at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Expect Las Vegas to press hard from the tip, exploiting mismatches off the bounce and controlling the boards. The Sun’s lack of guard playmaking due to Mabrey’s absence will likely put them on their heels against Vegas’ transition game. Connecticut’s best hope lies in their defense: if they can slow the pace, force turnovers, and let Tina Charles work in the half-court, they might scrape close early. But history and the analytics suggest the Aces will pull away, perhaps winning by 12–15 points—say, 88–74 in favor of Las Vegas.

The stakes go beyond tonight’s box score. For the Sun, it’s a proving ground for rookies like Morrow, Sheldon, and Rivers—whether they can learn on the fly and build confidence. For the Aces, consistency is the goal. Las Vegas needs to beat teams they’re expected to beat to keep pace in a competitive Western Conference. Shooting efficiency, ball movement, and rebounding are key: cornerstones of a well‑oiled playoff contender.

Tonight isn’t just another WNBA game—it’s a turning point. Will the Aces blaze forward, or will the Sun find the spark long overdue? The answer could change the narrative of this season’s journey.

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