DHJ Quick Take: Paige Bueckers Cleared To Play Through Left Leg Designation
- Bueckers Available: Paige Bueckers will play for the Dallas Wings against the Las Vegas Aces at College Park Center after carrying a left leg designation that had her listed as probable.
- Full Practice Week: Bueckers practiced fully this week and went through Thursday’s shootaround.
- The Engine Regardless: Bueckers anchors a Wings offense that ranks second in the WNBA in offensive rating, a role that holds no matter the team’s health.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Paige Bueckers will play for the Dallas Wings against the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday at College Park Center despite a left leg designation that had her listed as probable.
Bueckers practiced fully this week at SMU and went through Thursday’s morning shootaround. The second-year guard has been central to the Wings’ 4-3 start, averaging 19.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 32.7 minutes per game while shooting 52.2% from the field, 48.3% from three, and 80.6% from the free-throw line.
Coming Off A Career Milestone
Bueckers tied for the team lead with 24 points in Sunday’s 91-76 win over the New York Liberty at Barclays Center, finishing 7-of-13 from the field and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line in 36 minutes. During that game, she eclipsed the 820-point, 160-rebound, and 225-assist marks for her career, tying Caitlin Clark for the fastest player in WNBA history to reach those combined totals in 43 games.
She is also the only player in the WNBA this season with at least 130 points, 20 rebounds, and 35 assists through the team’s first 7 games.
Multiple Dallas Wings Players Dealing with Illness
Bueckers has been the engine of the Wings’ offense all season, and the illnesses sweeping the roster only sharpen a role that was already central. She anchors a team that ranks second in the WNBA in offensive rating and leads the league in assists per game at 23.4.
With Alanna Smith ruled out and Arike Ogunbowale a game-time decision due to illness, Bueckers may carry an even heavier load. Azzi Fudd is moving into the starting lineup going forward, while Maddy Siegrist will fill in for Smith.
Matching Up Against the Las Vegas Aces
Bueckers said this week that the Wings aren’t approaching the matchup with the Aces any differently despite the opponent’s pedigree.
“I think momentum is kind of non-existent in this league. Every single night any team can win,” Bueckers said. “Whether it be a winning streak or you’re playing well, you try to go into every game with a clean slate and try to be the best version of yourself and team you can be that night.”
She also pointed to the defensive assignment that awaits against reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, emphasizing a team-wide approach.
“She’s tough to guard in single coverage, so we know it’s not just a one-on-one matchup, but we’re guarding her with five,” Bueckers said. “And then obviously their guard play is amazing. They have one of the best backcourts in the league.”
Thursday’s Matchup
Tip-off is 7 p.m. CT on Prime. Las Vegas holds a 46-36 edge in the all-time series, and Dallas hasn’t beaten the Aces in the regular season since 2024.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- Paige Bueckers Goes Through Dallas Wings Shootaround Before Las Vegas Aces Game
- ‘I Would Not Hesitate Shooting’: Azzi Fudd Details UConn Approach That Unlocked Historic Game vs. New York Liberty
- ‘We’re Guarding Her With Five’: Paige Bueckers, Jose Fernandez Detail A’ja Wilson Matchup
- Dallas Wings Injury Report: Paige Bueckers, Alanna Smith Listed Ahead Of Las Vegas Aces Matchup
- Dallas Wings Practice Interviews: Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd And Jose Fernandez (May 27, 2026)
- ‘We Can Do Anything’: How Awak Kuier’s Two-Way Surge Is Giving Dallas Wings A Key Chess Piece
- Dallas Wings Practice Notes: Defensive Identity, Azzi Fudd’s Impact And Las Vegas Aces Preparation
- Paige Bueckers On Azzi Fudd’s Breakout Game vs. New York Liberty: ‘We Knew It Was Only A Matter Of Time’
- ‘Took It Personal’: Jose Fernandez Credits Halftime Defensive Adjustment In Dallas Wings’ 91-76 Win Over New York Liberty
- ‘Play A Little Bit Slower’: Azzi Fudd Adjusts Approach To Shatter Dallas Wings’ Rookie Record vs. New York Liberty
- Paige Bueckers Names ‘Controllables’ That Define Dallas Wings Identity After Win Over New York Liberty
- Azzi Fudd On Dallas Wings’ Selfless Culture, Earning Her Time: ‘It Doesn’t Matter If I’m Starting’
- ‘The Numbers Don’t Lie’: Azzi Fudd’s Rookie Record, Dallas Wings’ Suffocating Second Half Power 91-76 Win Over New York Liberty
