Remember Paige Bueckers’ first pro basket? It was a harsh first taste of the pros that likely came with a bruise to remember vs the Las Vegas Aces in the preseason. She drove straight into the Aces’ defense, floated in a lefty shot, and crashed hard to the baseline. It was a statement shot. Everyone celebrated the highlight. But little did anyone know that it was the start of a string of losses for Dallas.

Now here we are, deep into the regular season, and the Wings have dropped 10 of their last 11. They roll into Michelob ULTRA Arena tonight hungry for a win. But so are the Aces. After back-to-back losses, they can’t afford to drop another one, especially not to a team still trying to find its footing. But will the Wings have their star rookie with them? What’s Paige Bueckers’ status heading into this clash?

Paige Bueckers’ availability vs Aces

After sitting out with a concussion and illness, the rookie star returned for the last game and remains on the cleared list heading into tonight’s clash against the Las Vegas Aces. But the Wings’ injury report is still a busy one as DiJonai Carrington picked up a shoulder injury in Wednesday night’s loss to the Phoenix Mercury. She’s currently listed as probable for tonight’s matchup. Myisha Hines-Allen (knee) is questionable, while Tyasha Harris (knee) and Teaira McCowan (National Team obligation) are officially ruled out.

But it’s not just the Wings feeling the injury bug. On the other side, A’ja Wilson is listed as doubtful with a head injury she sustained in the Aces’ loss to the Sparks. Megan Gustafson and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus are also out. Joyner Holmes, though, is listed as probable.

Predicted starting lineups

Dallas Wings:

• Myisha Hines-Allen
• Luisa Geiselsoder
• Arike Ogunbowale
• DiJonai Carrington (If unavailable, NaLyssa Smith could return to the starting lineup)
• Paige Bueckers

Las Vegas Aces:

• Kiah Stokes
• A’ja Wilson (If out, Tiffany Mitchell or Elizabeth Kitley may step in)
• Chelsea Gray
• Jewell Loyd
• Jackie Young

Can Paige Bueckers & Co. break the slide?

Dallas is in a tailspin. They’ve lost six straight, dropped 10 of their last 11, and are sitting at the bottom of the standings with a 1–10 record. But amid the chaos, Paige Bueckers is shining. She dropped 35 points, 6 boards, and 4 assists in their last outing – an 80–93 loss to Phoenix. 

Before that, Dallas fell 65–81 to the Lynx and 79–93 to the Sparks. The issue is that even when one star shows up, there’s no collective rhythm. Arike Ogunbowale, usually the spark plug, saw a dip in efficiency last game. DiJonai Carrington has been the reliable second scorer, but if Dallas wants to stay in the fight, she and NaLyssa Smith may need to combine for at least 30 points. 

As for the Aces, they’re coming off back-to-back losses too, but their struggles feel a little different. Even in defeat, Jackie Young exploded for 34 points last game, Chelsea Gray continues to distribute with poise, and the team still holds a 4–4 record. But it’s not so great for a team of their caliber. So, for them, this matchup is a statement opportunity.

Vegas hasn’t lost at home to Dallas since 2018. And considering how the Wings are currently looking, that streak doesn’t seem in danger. A’ja or no A’ja, the Aces have the upper hand. But if Bueckers can cook up another monster game – and actually get some help – maybe, just maybe, this night won’t end in another L. Still, when you take on a team with a point to prove and a stacked roster like Vegas, you’d better bring more than just one star.