DHJ Quick Take: Rayah Marshall is Cleared to Play
- The Marshall Addition: After being downgraded earlier today, Rayah Marshall‘s clearance for the 6 p.m. tip-off is a major win for Jose Fernandez. The USC product and former 25th overall pick provides the length and athleticism needed to challenge the Aces‘ frontcourt in her first game action since the trade from Connecticut.
- Frontcourt Stabilization: With Rayah Marshall and Alanna Smith (quad) both available, the Wings finally have the interior depth that Curt Miller prioritized this offseason. This allows Jessica Shepard and Costanza Verona to integrate into their roles with a full defensive support system.
- The Injury Outlook: While Arike Ogunbowale (ankle) remains sidelined for precautionary reasons, the Wings‘ roster is nearly at full capacity. The final piece, Awak Kuier, is set to arrive in North Texas within the next 48 hours to begin regular-season preparation.
- National Exposure: With tonight’s game airing on ION, the debut of Marshall alongside Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd gives a national audience their first look at the “Star Era” depth in Dallas.
AUSTIN — Rayah Marshall has been upgraded to available for the Dallas Wings‘ preseason finale Sunday against the Las Vegas Aces at the Moody Center, clearing her to make her Wings debut.
Marshall had been listed as questionable earlier Sunday with the same concussion that kept her out of Thursday’s preseason opener at the Indiana Fever. The Wings cleared her ahead of the 6 p.m. CT tip-off.
The 25th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft out of USC, Marshall joined the Wings as part of the offseason trade that sent Diamond Miller to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick and Marshall. The 6-foot-4 forward gives Dallas additional frontcourt depth alongside the Sunday debuts of Jessica Shepard and Costanza Verona.
In her rookie season with Connecticut, Marshall averaged 1.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in 6.4 minutes per game across 30 appearances.
The remainder of the Wings’ injury report is unchanged. Alanna Smith is available after entering the day questionable with a left quad injury. Arike Ogunbowale is out with a right ankle injury, and Awak Kuier remains out as her arrival in Texas is set for after Sunday’s game.
Up Next
The Wings tip off against the Las Vegas Aces at 6 p.m. CT Sunday at the Moody Center in Austin, with national coverage on ION. Dallas opens the regular season May 9 in Indianapolis against the Indiana Fever.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- Jose Fernandez Details Dallas Wings’ Keys vs. Las Vegas Aces In Preseason Finale
- ‘Awak Will Be Back In Texas’: Awak Kuier Rejoining Dallas Wings As Roster Nears Whole
- ‘They Did a Great Job Assembling This Team’: Jessica Shepard Details Joining Dallas Wings, Ready To Play vs. Las Vegas Aces
- ‘It’s A Process’: JJ Quinerly Cleared For First Dallas Wings Game Since Knee Surgery
- What Dallas Wings Rookie Azzi Fudd Took From Her First WNBA Preseason Game
- Dallas Wings Open Preseason With 95-80 Win Over Indiana Fever Behind Paige Bueckers, Maddy Siegrist Double-Double
- Jose Fernandez Details Indiana Fever Backcourt Test, Dallas Wings Minutes Management
- Stephanie White: Dallas Wings Have ‘A Lot to Be Excited About’ After Pairing Azzi Fudd, Paige Bueckers
- ‘The Goal Is To Win’: Alanna Smith, Jose Fernandez Preview Dallas Wings’ Preseason Opener At Indiana Fever
- ‘She’s Going To Be Special’: Inside Azzi Fudd’s Early Impression At Dallas Wings Training Camp
- ‘A Dream Come True’: Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd Realize Decade-Long Journey To Dallas Wings Backcourt
