The Paige Bueckers injury was a devastating blow to the Dallas Wings, a team already reeling. When Bueckers was ruled out for at least two games due to concussion protocol following a gritty performance against the Chicago Sky, the Wings were already struggling with a 1–6 record. Losing her felt like losing the soul of their offense.

Ironically, her injury came during one of her finest outings of the season. She delivered a standout stat line with 15 points, five rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and three blocks, while shooting an efficient 54.5 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc. Her impact was undeniable, and her absence has only made things worse. 

Since then, the Wings have dropped four more games, three of them by double digits, and their record currently stands at 1-9. The results underline the offensive void she left behind. Without Bueckers, the team’s fight has dimmed, and their scoring troubles have only deepened. So, will the Wonder Girl be back in time for their game against the Phoenix Mercury?

Will Paige Bueckers play against the Phoenix Mercury? Dallas Wings Injury Report

The rookie guard missed three games due to a concussion and sat out an additional contest with an unspecified illness. But it’s good news for Dallas fans as the No.1 Draft pick is set to return for their game against the Phoenix Mercury. However, the Wings have lost a veteran for the season.

After missing several weeks due to a knee injury, the Dallas Wings announced Tuesday morning that guard Tysha Harris underwent a procedure and will be out for the rest of the year. Teira McCowan remains on her National Team obligation for Turkey. For the Phoenix Mercury, Megan McConnell is still a week away from returning due to a left knee injury. Kahleah Copper had to undergo knee surgery, and her estimated return is not until later this month.  There is some positive news as Head Coach Nate Tibbetts told the media that both Alyssa Thomas and Natasha Mack are expected to play tonight against the Dallas Wings.

Phoenix Mercury vs. Dallas Wings Predicted Starting Lineups

Phoenix Mercury (6-4): 

1. Alyssa Thomas
2. Monique Akoa-Makani
3. Sami Whitcomb
4. Kathryn Westbeld
5. Satou Sabally

Dallas Wings (1-9):

1. Arike Ogunbowale
2. DiJonai Carrington
3. Paige Bueckers
4. Myisha Hines-Allen
5. Luisa Geiselsoder

Match Preview: Dallas Wings vs Phoenix Mercury

The Phoenix Mercury go into this game as the overwhelming favorites, as they stand at a 6-4 record and have been pretty stable so far this season. Song with that they have the added injection of Alyssa Thomas coming back after her injury, along with Natasha Mack.  Until her injury, Thomas averaged 15.2 points and 8.0 assists per game, but it will be seen if she has the same mojo returning from her injury. With her back, the pressure on Satou Sabally will be lifted a little, as no other player in the squad other than these two has averaged more than 10 points per game. 

On the other hand, the Wings have their savior in Paige Bueckers coming back in the lineup, which would motivate them to do better. Wings have been a different team with her on the court, despite the results not reflecting much. They have scored 9 more points on average when Paige was available, while also having 2% more assists on average. Bueckers’ overall numbers have been mindblowing too, averaging 14.7 points, 6.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game.

With Paige Bueckers back in the lineup, Arike Ogunbowale can finally breathe a little easier. In Bueckers’ absence, the scoring burden had largely fallen on Arike’s shoulders. These two were expected to develop a dynamic partnership, but that vision has not materialized yet. Arike has been a bit of a hit-or-miss presence this season.

She is currently averaging 16.3 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Her most recent performance, where she posted 26 points, six assists, and five rebounds against the Minnesota Lynx, was a reminder of her offensive firepower. However, that kind of impact has not been consistent. In ten games so far, she has scored in double figures in only five, highlighting a clear struggle with consistency. When she is locked in and hitting her shots, like she was against the Lynx, she becomes a serious problem for any defense.

The Wings will hope Arike has a good day and Paige continues her form so they can finally have their second win of the season and the first win at the Commissioner’s Cup. This game marks the first meeting of the season between Dallas and Phoenix, and the Wings will want to surprise Sabally and Co.