Paige Bueckers, Aziaha James Injury Update From Shootaround Before Dallas Wings’ Face Minnesota Lynx

Grant AfsethSeptember 1, 2025September 1, 2025no comment

Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings, WNBA, Aziaha James

Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images

Dallas Wings rookie guards Paige Bueckers and Aziaha James participated in shootaround Monday morning, a positive sign as they manage injuries ahead of the matchup against the Minnesota Lynx. Bueckers is listed as probable with a left calf issue, while James is doubtful with a right ankle injury.

Bueckers missed Wednesday’s loss to Connecticut due to illness but returned Friday to post 16 points and 10 assists in Atlanta, recording her second career double-double. She has averaged 18.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 32 games this season, leading the shorthanded Wings in multiple categories. James, meanwhile, had 22 points and six assists in the game against Connecticut before exiting late due to injury and being sidelined against Atlanta.

Dallas Wings Continue to Navigate Injuries

Dallas (9-31) has battled through one of the league’s lengthiest injury reports. Eight players are currently listed: Bueckers (probable, left calf), Luisa Geiselsöder (out, right shoulder), Tyasha Harris (out, left knee), James (doubtful, right ankle), Haley Jones (out, right knee), Arike Ogunbowale (out, right knee), JJ Quinerly (out, left knee), and Li Yueru (out, left knee).

With only eight available players against Atlanta on Friday, three recent hardship signings carried rotation minutes. Amy Okonkwo has averaged 11.3 points in her first four appearances, while Christyn Williams debuted that night, reuniting with her former UConn teammate Bueckers.

“I’m just super excited overall,” Williams told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “This is my first official WNBA game, so I’m super grateful for the opportunity and I’m excited to be able to play with Paige again.”

Looking for Answers in Minnesota

The Wings enter Monday on a seven-game losing streak and have only one win in their past 13 contests. Still, head coach Chris Koclanes praised Bueckers’ ability to balance scoring and playmaking despite defenses loading against her.

“She takes what the defense gives her,” Koclanes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “She moved the ball, found cutters, and made the right reads. She balances her own scoring with getting teammates involved. She’s such a team player.”

Bueckers, a Hopkins, Minnesota native, will play in her home state for the second time since entering the league. Over the weekend, the Lynx (31-8) clinched the WNBA’s top seed and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT at Target Center, airing locally on KFAA29 and nationally on NBA TV.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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