The Aces have been performing like the championship favorite all season long, but Las Vegas has been hit with a bit of adversity as it pursues back-to-back titles.
Two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker is dealing with a foot injury that could keep her sidelined for an extended period. While Parker is no longer in her prime, she gives the Aces incredible versatility on both ends of the floor.
Will she be able to suit up again this year? Here's everything we know about Parker's injury and the latest news on when she may return to the court.
MORE: Key dates for remainder of 2023 WNBA season
What is Candace Parker's injury?
The Aces announced on July 25 that Parker underwent surgery on a fracture in her left foot.
"Parker has been playing on a fracture all season, but after consulting with doctors, the only option for her to be healthy again and avoid further injury was to have surgery," the team said in its statement.
Parker released a separate statement on Instagram, saying she had been "tolerating the pain" but will now "rehab and work my way towards being healthy as soon as possible."
How long will Candace Parker be out?
Las Vegas has not yet shared a specific recovery timeline for Parker. The team only said that she will remain out indefinitely.
With Parker stuck on the bench, the Aces will rely heavily on their core of A'ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young. Backup center Kiah Stokes will likely receive more minutes to give Becky Hammon's rotation a boost in the frontcourt.
Aces schedule 2023
Here are Las Vegas' last 15 games of the 2023 regular season:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 1 | vs. Dream | 10 p.m. |
| Aug. 6 | at Liberty | 3 p.m. |
| Aug. 8 | at Wings | 8 p.m. |
| Aug. 11 | vs. Mystics | 10 p.m. |
| Aug. 13 | vs. Dream | 9 p.m. |
| Aug. 17 | vs. Liberty | 10 p.m. |
| Aug. 19 | vs. Sparks | 3 p.m. |
| Aug. 22 | at Dream | 7 p.m. |
| Aug. 24 | at Sky | 8 p.m. |
| Aug. 26 | at Mystics | 7 p.m. |
| Aug. 28 | at Liberty | 7 p.m. |
| Aug. 31 | vs. Mystics | 10 p.m. |
| Sept. 2 | vs. Storm | 9 p.m. |
| Sept. 8 | at Mercury | 10 p.m. |
| Sept. 10 | vs. Mercury | 3 p.m. |
Candace Parker stats 2023
- 9.0 points per game
- 5.4 rebounds per game
- 3.7 assists per game
- 1.5 steals per game
- 0.9 blocks per game
- 1.7 turnovers per game
- 23.6 minutes per game
- 46.5 percent shooting
- 89.3 percent free throw shooting