DHJ Quick Take: Wings Upgrade Smith, Sims To Available For Connecticut Sun
The Dallas Wings upgraded forward Alanna Smith and guard Odyssey Sims to available ahead of Thursday’s game against the Connecticut Sun, clearing both to play for the first time in weeks.
- Who’s available tonight? Alanna Smith (concussion protocol) and Odyssey Sims (left ankle) have both been upgraded to available.
- What changed? Smith was listed as questionable and Sims as probable on Wednesday’s report; both cleared the final hurdle Thursday.
- Why does it matter? Dallas gets back a reigning co-Defensive Player of the Year and a veteran ball-handler for the first time since early June.
- What’s next? Dallas plays the Connecticut Sun tonight at 7 p.m. CT at PeoplesBank Arena, airing on KFAA and streaming on Prime.
HARTFORD, Conn. — The Dallas Wings upgraded forward Alanna Smith and guard Odyssey Sims to available ahead of tonight’s game against the Connecticut Sun, clearing the health report just hours before tip-off at PeoplesBank Arena.
Both players had trended in that direction on Wednesday’s game status report, with Sims listed as probable and Smith as questionable. Thursday’s upgrade means Dallas will have its full rotation available for the first time since early June.
Alanna Smith Returns From Concussion Protocol
Smith has missed Dallas’ last several games while working through the league’s concussion protocol, an injury that stemmed from a head-to-head collision with Chicago’s Gabriela Jaquez on June 20. It followed a nasal fracture she suffered in the preseason, which she had already been playing through behind a protective mask. Awak Kuier moved into the starting lineup in her absence, with Jessica Shepard also seeing an expanded frontcourt role.
In 15 games this season, Smith is averaging 3.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 15.1 minutes per game, shooting 37.9% from the field and 71.4% from the free-throw line.
Odyssey Sims Back From Ankle Injury
Sims has been out since suffering a left ankle injury June 5 against the Los Angeles Sparks, when she was taken off the court in a wheelchair. Her return gives Dallas back a veteran ball-handler who started 7 of the team’s first 10 games this season.
In those 10 games, Sims is averaging 6.0 points, 0.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 17.0 minutes per game, shooting 47.9% from the field and 41.7% from three.
The health report clears the way for a full-strength Dallas team on a night with plenty of storylines already attached. Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, both former UConn standouts, will play at the venue formerly known as the XL Center for the first time in their professional careers, returning to the building where Bueckers went 14-1 and Fudd went 19-2 during their college careers.
What’s Next For The Dallas Wings
Dallas opens a four-game road trip tonight at 7 p.m. CT against the Connecticut Sun at PeoplesBank Arena, airing locally on KFAA and streaming on Prime. It’s the first meeting between the two teams this season; Dallas won last year’s regular-season series, 2-1.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
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- Dallas Wings List Odyssey Sims Probable, Alanna Smith Questionable Ahead Of Connecticut Sun Matchup
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