The wait is over. Paige Bueckers is finally set to make her return for the Wings after missing two games due to patellar tendinitis. But her comeback has arrived with a shadow of disappointment. Some unfortunate arrangements are waiting for her on the very day she’s ready to suit up again. In the past five days alone, the Wings have welcomed two players back from EuroBasket. Hence, released two in return. They have traded veteran forward NaLyssa Smith and signed a replacement in Liatu King. She appeared on a hardship contract in 12 games for the Los Angeles Sparks this season, averaging 3.0 points and 2.1 rebounds.

On the other hand, the Mercury are riding fresh off a loss against the Aces. Yet they come in as the overall 2nd seeded team tonight. To add to the analysis, the Wings are in a compromising position. Paige Bueckers felt the weight of it on Wednesday, when she was one of just six players available for practice between transactions and injuries. Let us break it down for you.

The Injury Report

Dallas Wings

• DiJonai Carrington: Doubtful (Rib)
• Ty Harris: Out (Left Knee)
• Myisha Hines-Allen: Questionable (Right Ankle)
• Arike Ogunbowale: Out (Left Thumb)
• Maddy Siegrist: Out (Right Knee)

At this point, the Wings’ injury report looks like a predicted starting 5 lineup. But Paige Bueckers isn’t losing any hope just yet. “Unfortunately, I have been through this,” Bueckers said, reflecting on her time in college with the UConn Huskies. “It’s actually kind of fun to play when the odds are stacked against you.” 

The Wings will be extremely shorthanded tonight. That just means one thing: Bueckers will have no choice but to carry much of the load for an undermanned Wings side while being injured herself. Because they are desperately looking to improve on its 5-13 record.

Phoenix Mercury

• Lexi Held: Out
• Murjanatu Musa: Day-to-day (Right ankle; questionable for Thursday vs. Dallas)

The Mercury are carrying a relatively healthy roster. The only major setback they are facing is the absence of their star Lexi Held. On Thursday night, during Phoenix’s hard-fought 89-81 win over the defending champion New York Liberty, Held dove for a loose ball in the third quarter. She had suffered a partially collapsed lung, medically known as a Pneumothorax. And the same condition is keeping her out from tonight’s matchup.

Predicted Starting 5

Dallas Wings

• Paige Bueckers
• Li Yueru
• Kaila Charles
• JJ Quinerly
• Aziah James

Phoenix Mercury

• Alyssa Thomas
• Kathryn Westbeld
• Satou Sabally
• Kahleah Copper
• Monique Akoa Makani

Phoenix Mercury vs Dallas Wings: Game Preview

When Dallas faces Phoenix tonight, ESPN’s numbers favor the Wings. According to it, they have a 56.2% chance to win. It could be true because Phoenix does have the offensive firepower (83.6 PPG compared to Dallas’ 81.5). However, Dallas dominates the boards (36.4 RPG vs. Phoenix’s 34.0) and comes in riding momentum from their tough 79-71 victory over Washington.

The X-factor might be the growing connection between rookie Paige Bueckers and center Li Yueru. Bueckers is back after missing two games, and her return should help Dallas play faster with better inside-out balance. Yueru, who is putting up 7.3 points and rebounds since arriving, brings energy, shot-blocking, and infectious enthusiasm. “Besties now,” Bueckers says about her chemistry with Li Yueru, and it’s translating on court.

Phoenix has been strong lately at 7-3 in their last ten, but if Dallas can harness this duo’s energy, they might dominate the paint and pull off a home win.