DHJ Quick Take: Alanna Smith Injury Update
- The Defensive Anchor: Having Alanna Smith available enables the Wings to continue to build chemistry, especially as Jessica Shepard enters the mix. Smith is leaned on as a defensive anchor and versatile stretch big to complement a team with perimeter firepower.
- The Marshall Variable: The downgrade of Rayah Marshall (concussion) to questionable is the lone setback in an otherwise stabilizing roster.
- Star Watch: While Arike Ogunbowale (ankle) remains out, her presence at shootaround suggests she’s progressing before the May 9 opener.
AUSTIN — Alanna Smith will be available for the Dallas Wings‘ preseason finale Sunday against the Las Vegas Aces at the Moody Center after entering the day questionable with a left quad injury. The 2025 WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year is the centerpiece of the Wings’ frontcourt and the team’s most impactful free agency signing of the offseason.
In Thursday’s 95-80 preseason-opening win over the Indiana Fever, Smith finished with 5 points, 4 rebounds, and a team-high 5 assists in 19 minutes. Her defensive versatility, screening, and shooting gravity helped Dallas pull off its 36-17 second quarter.
Paige Bueckers identified Smith as a key factor for her ability to screen physically, generate separation for ball handlers, and stretch the defense as a 3-point threat herself.
“Alanna does a really good job of screening, hitting bodies, and creating space and separation,” Bueckers told Dallas Hoops Journal. “She’s a threat finishing and from the 3-point line, so that helps.”
Smith’s availability also restores the Wings’ projected starting frontcourt for Sunday, with Jessica Shepard and Costanza Verona available to play, both arriving from the Italian league championship-winning Beretta Famila Schio.
Rayah Marshall Downgraded to Questionable
Rayah Marshall was downgraded to questionable on the same update that cleared Smith. The team listed the same concussion that kept Marshall out of Thursday’s preseason opener as the reason. Marshall had appeared to clear protocol when she was omitted from the Saturday injury report.
Marshall joined the Wings as part of the offseason trade that sent Diamond Miller to the Connecticut Sun.
The Rest of the Report
Arike Ogunbowale is out for the second straight game with a right ankle injury. Ogunbowale traveled with the team to Austin and was on the court during Sunday morning’s shootaround. Awak Kuier remains out as her arrival in Texas is set for after Sunday’s game.
JJ Quinerly was cleared for a game for the first time since suffering a left knee injury on Aug. 20, 2025, that ended her rookie season early and required surgery on Oct. 3. Shepard, Verona, and Quinerly are all set to make their preseason debuts Sunday.
Up Next
The Wings tip off against the 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 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
