The Dallas Wings face the New York Liberty for the second night of a back-to-back on July 28, following a blowout loss to the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday. One of the biggest questions heading into this key matchup is whether rookie star Paige Bueckers will be available for Dallas.
The reigning WNBA champions, the Aces, now sit at 17-7 after dismantling the Wings 106-80 behind another dominant performance from MVP A’ja Wilson. Dallas was short-handed in that game and struggled to keep pace, especially without the impact of Bueckers on the court.
While Dallas waits for clarity on Bueckers, the Liberty are dealing with a major absence of their own. Two-time MVP and seven-time All-Star Breanna Stewart will not suit up for New York after suffering a lower leg injury earlier this week against the Los Angeles Sparks. Although an MRI showed no significant damage and she’s expected to stay with the team on this road trip, Stewart’s absence is a massive blow for the Liberty.
The Wings will need to take advantage of the hole left by Stewart’s absence. That starts with attacking the paint and getting production from their guards. A healthy and productive Bueckers would be a major boost as Dallas looks to bounce back in front of their home fans.
Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings
Is Paige Bueckers available?
The Dallas Wings released their injury report Monday afternoon, and Bueckers is not listed—meaning she is expected to be active for the game against New York. The only players listed as out are Ty Harris (left knee) and Maddy Siegrist (right knee). In addition, Myisha Hines-Allen is set to return after missing Sunday’s game with a lower leg injury.
see also
Fever coach Stephanie White addresses Caitlin Clark’s latest injury update
Bueckers was sidelined on Sunday as a precaution due to patellar tendinitis. With Dallas scheduled to play four games in six days, the coaching staff opted to rest their young guard to manage her workload and avoid long-term setbacks.
The Wings will welcome her return to the lineup. Bueckers last appeared in Thursday’s win over the Golden State Valkyries, scoring 17 points in 37 minutes. While Dallas hopes to maximize her production, they’ll need to carefully monitor her minutes moving forward.
What about the Liberty?
Sabrina Ionescu is coming off arguably her best performance of the season. She poured in 30 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and four steals during Saturday night’s narrow loss to the Sparks. With Stewart sidelined early in that game, Ionescu stepped up and carried the offensive load, proving once again just how essential she is to New York’s success.
