The top storylines as the WNBA returns to action post-Olympic break

The GIST: The Olympic break is in the rearview mirror, the trade deadline is looming, and the playoffs start in just over a month. It’s all systems go as the WNBA returns to action tomorrow — here are the top-of-mind questions before the second half tips off:

Can the Las Vegas Aces three-peat? The two-time defending champs uncharacteristically struggled in the first half, but rediscovered their form just before the break. That said, the Aces are currently fifth in the league standings, notably behind last year’s runners-up, the NY Liberty, and the perennial playoff contender Connecticut Sun.

• With Chelsea Gray back in the lineup and the rest of their full house of Olympians — A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young — Vegas appears to be playing their cards right, but it’s a crowded race at the top.

Will anyone beat out Wilson for MVP? The aforementioned Wilson leads the league in scoring and a whole host of other categories, making her the clear MVP frontrunner through the first half of the season.

• If the two-time league and Paris Olympic MVP continues her A’One play, she’ll surely lock in her third career league honors, but keep an eye on NY’s Sabrina Ionescu and Connecticut’s Alyssa “the Engine” Thomas, who’ll be looking to close the gap.

Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese for Rookie of the Year? This transformational NCAA rivalry has carried over to the W, where superstars Clark of the Indiana Fever and Reese of the Chicago Sky remain the favorites for Rookie of the Year.

• When it comes to the tale of the tape, Clark leads the league in assists, while Reese tops all W hoopers in offensive rebounds. If the stats remain close, this one could come down to which rook (if either of them) can lead their team to the postseason. Just heating up.