The semifinal series between Las Vegas and Indiana Fever has been tense and unpredictable. Indiana stunned the Aces in Game 1, but the Aces answered in Games 2 and 3. The Aces forced Game 5 by winning Game 4 behind a massive effort from Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell.
With everything on the line, attention turns to injuries and who can deliver in the deciding game. In particular, the absence of Caitlin Clark looms large, while A’ja Wilson remains at full strength for the Aces.
Las Vegas Aces Injury Report
The Las Vegas Aces are entering Game 5 with a clean bill of health. No players are listed as out or questionable. A’ja Wilson is fully available and is expected to be a focal point again. Her performance has been reliable throughout the series, and with no injury concerns, she can carry her normal workload.
In seven games in the playoffs, she is averaging 24.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. Wilson shoots nearly 48% from the field and 44% from the three-point line. This has been Wilson’s season so far.
A’ja Wilson clinched her fourth MVP title, third DPOY, and second scoring title among other major accomplishments.
Given the health of the Aces roster, matchups will favor their depth if Indiana cannot rotate properly. The Aces should be able to exploit mismatches and maintain fresh legs late.
Indiana Fever Injury Report
Indiana Fever is severely shorthanded. Their injury list for Game 5 is long and includes players who have been out for some time. Caitlin Clark is ruled out for the season with a groin injury and has not participated in the playoffs. She was left off the active roster entering the postseason.
Sophie Cunningham (guard) is out, having sustained damage (MCL) earlier in the season. Chloe Bibby (forward) is out for the year with a knee injury. Damiris Dantas is out again with a concussion. She is not cleared to return.
Sydney Colson (guard) is also out, with a torn ACL earlier in the season. Aari McDonald (guard) is out after suffering a broken bone in her right foot.
With those losses, Indiana’s guard rotation is extremely thin. Players such as Odyssey Sims, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, and Natasha Howard are shouldering heavy minutes. The absence of multiple key guards and forwards leaves Indiana vulnerable, especially late in games.
Prediction for Game 5
Las Vegas enters as the strong favorite given their full health and depth. On paper, everything is favoring the Aces.
If Indiana is to win, they must overcome their injuries by stringing together high-effort defense, controlling turnovers, and dominating the paint via Aliyah Boston. But with a depleted bench, fatigue may catch up.
Barring a miracle, Las Vegas appears set to advance to the Finals. At the same time, Indiana has proven that they shouldn’t be counted out until the last buzzer. So, fans are in for a treat from tip-off at the Michelob ULTRA Arena.
Read More:
Ailing Caitlin Clark Misses Special Honor to Support Fever vs A’ja Wilson’s Aces in WNBA Playoffs
“Better Without Caitlin Clark”: Fans React As A’ja Wilson’s Aces Snatch Close Win vs Resilient Fever
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