Valkyries vs Aces

Iliana Rupert

GS · C

Not Injury Related: Rupert signed a multi-year contract with Golden State during the offseason and missed the start of training camp due to an overseas commitment. Her status for the 2026 regular season now appears to be in jeopardy due to her pregnancy. The 24-year-old made 21 regular-season appearances (11 starts) for the Valkyries last year and averaged 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 23.1 minutes per game. If Rupert is sidelined in 2026, Janelle Salaun, Kiah Stokes and Laeticia Amihere are candidates to see increased work.

NaLyssa Smith

LV · F

Leg: It's a big blow for the defending-champion Aces ahead of the postseason. Smith started all 38 of her appearances for Las Vegas, so a spot in the first unit is now open. Brianna Turner appears to the most likely candidate to replace Smith in the starting lineup going forward.