{
  "id": 3947244,
  "title": "Major WNBA injury shakes up playoff race",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/major-wnba-injury-shakes-up-playoff-race",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T10:41:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SB Nation",
    "slug": "sb-nation",
    "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/womens-sports/1126504/nalyssa-smith-injury-las-vegas-aces"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NaLyssa Smith of the Las Vegas Aces has suffered a non-contact leg injury, causing her to miss the remainder of the season. Acquired ahead of last year's midseason trade deadline, Smith averaged 11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds in 37 games, leading the league in field goal percentage at 63.8%. The Aces, with a 26-13 record, are third in the WNBA and eyeing their fourth championship title, led by A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray. All three stars are set to represent the US at the FIBA World Cup, commencing next week. Following the injury, Brianna Turner, who has averaged 12.8 minutes per game, will likely assume a more significant role. With Smith sidelined, Turner's minutes will likely increase, along with those of Cheyenne Parker-Tyus and Kierstan Bell. Stephanie Talbot, who has averaged just 16.7 minutes per game, may also see increased playing time under head coach Becky Hammon. Despite Smith's absence, the Aces remain one of the few teams with a legitimate shot at the WNBA championship. However, they lose some offensive versatility with Smith sidelined. The Minnesota Lynx, currently with the league's best record (31-8) and point differential, also pose a significant challenge. Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries have outperformed the Aces this season, boasting the second-best record (28-11) and point differential (+6.9).",
  "summary": "NaLyssa Smith is out for the remainder of the season after suffering a non-contact leg injury late last week, the Las Vegas Aces announced on Thursday. Smith, who was acquired by the Aces ahead of last year’s midseason trade deadline, averaged 11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds over 37 games this season, and led the league […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}