The Dallas Wings have officially ruled out Paige Bueckers for Saturday’s matchup against the Washington Mystics, citing a right knee injury, as confirmed in their most recent game status report .
This decision comes a day after Bueckers delivered a spectacular performance against the Indiana Fever dropping 27 points, along with six assists, two steals, and two blocks, in 36 minutes during Friday night’s 94–86 loss . Despite emerging unscathed throughout the game, the Wings are opting for caution and rest ahead of today’s contest.
Bueckers’ absence marks the fifth game she’s missed this season. Earlier, she missed three due to the concussion protocol, and an additional game following an unrelated illness . In her 13 games played, the No. 1 overall pick is averaging an impressive 18.4 points, 5.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.8 steals highlighting her immense impact on the court.
It’s not just Bueckers missing today’s tilt: the Wings are also without DiJonai Carrington (ribs), Luisa Geiselsöder and Teaira McCowan (national team obligations), Tyasha Harris (left knee), and Maddy Siegrist (right knee) . This leaves Dallas’s roster particularly thin, especially in the backcourt.
At 4–13, currently last in the Western Conference, the Wings are relying heavily on Arike Ogunbowale to orchestrate the offense in Bueckers’ absence. Ogunbowale posted 17 points in Friday’s defeat; expect increased responsibilities and possibly more minutes for Aziaha James and JJ Quinerly tonight .
Tonight’s game tips off at 7 p.m. local (CT) at College Park Center in Arlington, with the Mystics at 2–14, eyeing a crucial win to climb the standings a bit closer .
Bottom line
Bueckers out with right knee injury after back-to-back and heavy minutes.
Dallas is deeply shorthanded, backcourt is especially thin.
Backup guards will need to take on a major role tonight.
Monitor her condition if this is precautionary, she could return soon; if structural, she may miss more time.
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