WNBA

Paige Bueckers may lose two key teammates on the Wings ahead of Mercury clash

Paige Bueckers and her Dallas Wings will look to defeat the Phoenix Mercury for the second time in a row next week.

Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings walks backcourt during a game against the Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center on July 03, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.
© Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesPaige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings walks backcourt during a game against the Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center on July 03, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.

Paige Bueckers’ return to the court was everyone hoped for, as she once again led her Dallas Wings back to winning ways. Despite still holding a 6–13 record, this recent performance gives fans renewed optimism for what’s next. Looking ahead to next week’s matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, the team’s star may be without two key players.

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The latest reports highlight the notable absences of both Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington from this weekend’s practice, as both players are dealing with different injuries. As a result, Chris Koclanes could once again be without two of his top players heading into the upcoming game.

The news was reported by WNBA insider Joey Mistretta, who shared via his official account on X (formerly Twitter) this minor setback the Wings will have to deal with heading into the week.

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“Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington did not practice today,” the insider reported via @JoeyMistretta_.

Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington

DiJonai Carrington #21 and Arike Ogunbowale #24 of the Dallas Wings react after a foul was called on their team in the fourth quarter of a game against the Minnesota Lynx at Target Center on May 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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What injuries are Carrington and Ogunbowale dealing with?

The Dallas Wings face significant challenges with key players sidelined due to injuries. Arike Ogunbowale, a critical offensive force, is currently dealing with a thumb issue, which has already led to one missed game and is likely to result in another. Her absence undoubtedly impacts the team’s scoring prowess.

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Adding to the Wings’ injury woes, Carrington remains sidelined due to a persistent knee issue. She hasn’t featured for the team since their mid-June clash against her former club, the Connecticut Sun, missing a significant stretch of games. Her ongoing recovery means the Dallas squad continues to navigate contests without a key contributor on the court.

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These concurrent health setbacks mean the Wings are operating without several core members of their roster, placing increased pressure on the remaining healthy players to perform at a high level, such as Paige Bueckers. The coaching staff faces the difficult task of adjusting strategies and rotations to compensate for the significant talent unavailable.

What’s next for the Wings?

  • vs Phoenix Mercury, July 7th
  • vs Chicago Sky, July 9th
  • vs Indiana Fever, July 13th
  • vs Las Vegas Aces, July 16th
  • vs Seattle Storm, July 22nd
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