Paige Bueckers has been ruled out of the Dallas Wings’ matchup against the Minnesota Lynx due to an illness, the team announced. This comes just days after Bueckers cleared the WNBA’s concussion protocol, having missed the previous three games following a head injury.
The Wings had been optimistic about Bueckers’ return after she was cleared on Saturday, signaling she might rejoin the lineup soon. However, an illness has now delayed her comeback, further complicating her rookie season. Dallas, currently battling injuries and struggling for consistency, was looking forward to reintegrating Bueckers one of their top draft picks and a key figure in their long-term plans.
Bueckers has shown flashes of brilliance in limited action this season, providing playmaking and offensive versatility. Her absence has been felt during the team’s recent skid, as the Wings have struggled with depth and scoring efficiency. Head coach Latricia Trammell emphasized earlier in the week how important it is to manage Bueckers’ health carefully given her potential impact down the stretch.
The Wings are now forced to lean once again on veterans like Arike Ogunbowale and Natasha Howard to carry the offensive load against a strong Minnesota squad. Bueckers’ status will continue to be monitored as she works to regain full strength. While her concussion concerns are officially behind her, the Wings are prioritizing full recovery before rushing her back into action.
Dallas is hoping the illness is a short-term setback and that Bueckers will be available soon, especially with a packed midseason schedule ahead. Fans will be eager to see the UConn standout back on the floor, but the team remains cautious in its approach to ensure her long-term health and performance.
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