Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers is edging closer to a return, but her status remains uncertain heading into a crucial stretch for the struggling team.
Bueckers was cleared from concussion protocol over the weekend after missing three games but was held out of Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Lynx due to an unrelated illness. The earliest she could return is Wednesday, when Dallas hosts the Phoenix Mercury.
“Just dealing with an illness and just being extremely cautious and supportive as an organization,” Wings head coach Chris Koclanes said before Sunday’s game. “Hope to have her back soon.”
Paige Bueckers Cleared From Concussion, Now Battling Illness
Bueckers entered concussion protocol after sustaining a head injury in the Wings’ May 29 loss to the Chicago Sky. The team initially expected her to miss at least two games. Sunday marked her third straight absence, though she was present on the bench for the first time since the injury.
Cleared from protocol Saturday, Bueckers’ return was delayed by illness, with Dallas opting to take a cautious approach as the team sits at 1–8, the worst record in the WNBA.
The next update on her availability is likely to come on Tuesday ahead of the Wings’ game against Phoenix.
Dallas Wings Are Struggling
Bueckers has been one of Dallas’ most important players through six games, averaging 14.7 points (second on the team), 4.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists (fourth in the WNBA), and 2.0 steals per game. She also leads Dallas in minutes, averaging 34 per contest.
Her absence has been felt on both ends of the court. Without Bueckers and injured point guard Tyasha Harris, Dallas has struggled to establish offensive flow or consistent ball movement. Dallas has lost four straight games without Bueckers and has relied on rookie JJ Quinerly and veteran Dijonai Carrington to fill backcourt roles.
Dallas also remains without center Teaira McCowan, who is competing at EuroBasket. The Wings are also running out of time, with Luisa Geiselsöder, who emerged as a starter against Minnesota, will depart after the upcoming two-game road trip.
Timeline for Possible Return
The Wings are hopeful Bueckers could be ready to face the Mercury on Wednesday, but her return depends on whether her illness subsides and she is cleared for full game activity.
“Hope to have her back soon,” Koclanes said, offering no firm timeline.
Bueckers’ quick impact during her rookie season has made her absence glaring. She delivered Dallas’ only win of the year with a 21-point, 80% shooting performance against the Connecticut Sun.
As Dallas searches for stability, getting their No. 1 overall pick back on the floor remains critical to reversing the team’s early-season slide.
