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The Las Vegas Aces have ruled out Chelsea Gray for tonight's game against the Minnesota Lynx at the Michelob ULTRA Arena. Gray has not played for the Aces since Game 3 of the 2023 WNBA Finals due to a leg injury. She's expected to suit up this season, as well as for Team USA in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum have carried the Aces' backcourt in the absence of the 2022 WNBA Finals MVP. Rookie guard Kate Martin also earned important minutes under head coach Becky Hammon and even started the last game against the LA Sparks due to Young's illness.
The good news for Las Vegas is that Young will be back in the team's starting five and has recovered from her illness. Gray remains on the injury report along with Kierstan Bell, who has only played one game this season with a lower right leg injury.
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What happened to Chelsea Gray and when will she return from the injury?
Chelsea Gray suffered her injury in the third quarter of Game 3 of the 2023 WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty. Gray was defending Breanna Stewart when the injury occurred. She limped her way to the back and missed the series-clinching Game 4 victory for the Aces.
It's unclear what kind of injury Gray had, but it has been described as a lower left leg injury. She was in a walking boot for the majority of the offseason before being cleared to remove it when she's on the sidelines. She's only required to put it back on when going out in public for safety.
However, there's no clear timetable for her recovery although she was very sure last month that she'll be able to play this season. Being named for Team USA's roster also meant that she was closer to full strength.
Chelsea Gray faces fan backlash for being named in Team USA's 12-player roster
The Las Vegas Aces have four players on the 12-woman roster for Team USA's delegation in the 2024 Paris Olympics – A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray. Wilson is regarded as one of the best players in the world today, while Young and Plum have been integral in the Aces' championship wins.
Gray is also in the same category, but fans are not happy with her selection because of her injury. Some even thought that Team USA would have been better if they picked Arike Ogunbowale of the Dallas Wings or even Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever.
"Chelsea Gray hasn’t played a game all season but got selected for Team USA," a fan commented.
"Caitlin Clark will be on the USA team…. Chelsea G. been hurt, she gone replace her," one fan predicted.
"Man get Chelsea Gray a** off Team USA! Caitlin needs that spot I'm sorry," a fan wrote.
