Final Injury Report for Mercury-Aces: Will Dana Evans, Monique Akoa Makani Play?
The Las Vegas Aces are at home on Saturday afternoon as they host the Phoenix Mercury in their 2026 WNBA season opener.
Las Vegas enters Saturday's game looking to start the season off with a win in a rematch of last season's WNBA Finals where the Aces swept the Mercury in four games to win the title.
On the other side, Phoenix enters Saturday's contest looking to steal a victory on the road over the defending champions as they try to build off their WNBA Finals run from last season.
While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Saturday afternoon's matchup, both squads may be without some of their key players due to injuries.
Mercury Injury Report: Will Monique Akoa Makani Play?
For the Mercury, they have three players listed on their injury report, including guard Monique Akoa Makani.
Phoenix has ruled out Akoa Makani due to an overseas commitment as she is expected to miss the first four games of the season.
Phoenix Mercury's injury report @ Las Vegas Aces on Saturday:
— Aya Abdeen (@ayabdeen) May 9, 2026
- Sami Whitcomb – NWT (Left Knee)
- Monique Akoa Makani – NWT (Partial Season Suspension – Overseas Play)
- Valériane Ayayi – NWT (Partial Season Suspension – FIBA Clearance)#WNBA@ThePodiumFinish
The Mercury have also ruled out Sami Whitcomb due to left knee surgery as she is expected to miss at least four weeks while Valeriane Ayayi is out while waiting for a letter of clearance that will grant her permission to play both overseas and for the Mercury.
Aces Injury Report: Will Dana Evans Play?
On the other side, the Aces have two players listed on their injury report, including guard Dana Evans.
Las Vegas has ruled out Evans due to a left leg injury that she suffered during the Unrivaled playoffs and there is no timetable for her return.
Las Vegas Aces' injury report for Saturday:
— Aya Abdeen (@ayabdeen) May 9, 2026
- Dana Evans – Out (Left Leg)
- Janiah Barker – Out (Concussion Protocol)#WNBA
The Aces have also ruled out Janiah Barker due to a concussion as she will miss the first game of the season.
Fans can catch Saturday afternoon's matchup between the Mercury and Aces from Las Vegas at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
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This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 8:30 AM.