Things look bleak for the Dallas Wings as they gear up against the number one-ranked team in the Western Conference standings on Sunday. While head coach Chris Koclanes has noticed significant improvement in the roster’s defensive capabilities, the same cannot be said about their locker room conditions, as rookie Bueckers and Tyasha Harris have been sidelined owing to injuries.

Despite appearing in nine games this season, the Wings have only been successful against the Connecticut Sun with a 109-87 win. They occupy seventh position in the Western Conference Division standings. The team began their season opener with a crushing 99-84 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Lynx. But instead of crawling back, they sank further in the second showdown with an 85-81 loss against the Lynx.

And though they say that third time’s a charm, will the saying bear some truth for the hopeful Wings? Or push them spiralling further into to bed of losses? That remains to be seen. But with her condition out of the concussion, teammates and fans wait in anticipation for Buecker’s hopeful return to the hardwood.

The Underdog WNBA account took to X (former Twitter) and broke the news regarding Buecker’s playing status ahead of Dallas Wings showdown against undefeated champions, Minnesota Lynx. The official account read, “Paige Bueckers (illness) ruled out Sunday.” As per the latest update of the Wings rookie, Bueckers has been ruled out.

The former UConn athlete was supposed to make a comeback against the Lynx. However, the latest injury update on the athlete came as a shocking revelation to the entire basketball fraternity. With 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists in her debut game against the Minnsota Lynx, Bueckers has shown her defensive prowess with the Wings.

Head coach Chris Koclanes cleared the air and confirmed Bueckers absence in the upcoming game. “Just dealing with an illness and just being extremely cautious and supportive as an organization,” Chris Koclanes said. “Hope to have her back soon.”

And while reasons for the rookie’s current playing status is unclear, Bueckers was suffering from a concussion. She apparently collided with Chicago Sky veteran Courtney Vandersloot during the second quarter of the game on May 29, 2025. However, her symptoms came to light after the game ended. In fact, the athlete has even missed three consecutive matches so far.

Having said that, the upcoming match would have marked a career high for Bueckers. The rookie was expected to break reigning 2024 ROTY’s record. Yes, you read that right. Bueckers only needed 12 points and 10 assists to become WNBA’s fastest player to clinch 100+ points and 50+ assists this season.

Last season, Caitlin Clark was crowned with Rookie of the month honors in May. Why? Simply because she became the fastest player in the league’s history to grab 150 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists. Indiana Fever star further dished a whopping 200+ points, 75+ rebounds, and 75+ assists in just 15 games.

In fact, other players including Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Angel Reese have held the fastest players titles. New York Liberty’s Ionescu became the fastest player to make 400 three-pointers, as Stewart became the fastest player in the league’s history to reach 5000 career points.

Moreover, Angel Reese was recently crowned as the fastest player to earn 500 points and 500 rebounds in just 38 games.

Paige Bueckers could have entered the list and beaten Clark’s record, if she participated against the Lynx. As of now, the feat seems like a far-fetched possibility for the star and her roster, who have been missing the athlete on the hardwood.

Myisha Hines-Allen signals important message for Dallas Wings locker room

“It’s important for everyone to step up, especially during this time right now,” Allen said. “We’re missing two of our point guards so we’re kind of leaning on, well…we are not ‘kind of’, we ‘are’ leaning on Arike and Nai to lead us.” Dallas Wings athlete, Myisha Hines-Allen referred to the absence of two guards, Paige Bueckers and Tyasha Harris in a post-game interview.

Moreover, she urged the locker room to step up and take responsibility of the roster in the absence of the two efficient guards. The team has been on a losing streak , especially after Bueckers was sidelined owing to a concussion. With her gone, the responsibility of the roster was rallied to Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington.

On the other hand, Harris took to the bench after she succumbed to a knee injury. The ESPN announced her status on the official website ahead of the tipoff and wrote, “Harris (knee) is out for Sunday’s game against the Lynx.” Besides, Teira McCowan has left the roster to participate in the upcoming 2025 EuroBasket.

But as Ogunbowale and others struggle without the promising guards in the paint, looks like the Wings will have to wait for a few more matches before the rookie rejoins. As a guard who dished 14 points 4.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists for Dallas Wings so far, Bueckers is the only respite that can bring a win for the dying roster. But in her absence, the last standing team on the WNBA’s regular season rankings have been doomed with nothing but a string of losses in their belt.