DHJ Quick Take: Monitoring the Final Countdown
- The Long View on Alanna: Jose Fernandez is playing it close to the vest regarding Alanna Smith. While “on schedule” is a positive phrase, the emphasis on the “long season” suggests the medical staff is prioritizing her long-term safety over the Week 1 spotlight. If Smith isn’t cleared for the contact required to battle Aliyah Boston, look for Jessica Shepard to shoulder even more defensive responsibility in the paint.
- The Aziaha James Spark: Seeing Aziaha James back in drills is the biggest win of the day. Her preseason performance proved she is the engine of the second unit, and her return to the floor suggests the ankle sprain isn’t as severe as initially feared. Having her length and scoring available is a massive relief for a backcourt that needs to stay fresh against Caitlin Clark.
- Transitioning to Game Mode: With 15 practices in the books, the “tapering off” phase has begun. Fernandez’s decision to treat Friday as a shootaround suggests the tactical foundation is set. The focus now shifts from installation to execution, particularly the defensive coverages designed to disrupt the Fever’s transition game.
- The Mask Factor: The individual work Smith is doing on the side is likely part of her adjustment period with the protective mask. Playing at her high-intensity, “anchor” style requires clear peripheral vision, and these solo sessions are critical for her comfort level before she’s thrown back into the live-action “fire.”
- Home Opener Looming: While the focus is on the ABC matchup in Indy, Tuesday’s home opener against the Atlanta Dream serves as a reminder of the frantic early schedule. Getting the roster healthy for the flight back to Arlington is just as important as the outcome on Saturday.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Dallas Wings head coach Jose Fernandez offered an encouraging update on the statuses of Alanna Smith and Aziaha James following Thursday’s practice, with both players continuing to work back from injuries two days before Saturday’s regular-season opener at the Indiana Fever.
“I think they’re progressing well,” Fernandez said. “Aziaha back today looked good, and I think Alanna’s on schedule.”
James, who suffered a sprained ankle during Tuesday’s practice, returned to the floor Thursday and went through drills with her teammates. Smith, who is recovering from a nasal fracture sustained Sunday in the preseason finale against the Las Vegas Aces, was not part of the live portion of practice and went through individual work on the side.
Alanna Smith’s Availability for Saturday Remains Unclear
Fernandez did not commit to a specific timeline for Smith’s return when asked whether “on schedule” meant she would play in the opener at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
“Well, she’s on schedule. We’ll see,” Fernandez said. “I’m not a doctor or an athletic trainer. She’s on schedule.”
The Wings are going to prioritize player health over pressing to be available for one game. The expertise of the medical staff will be relied on to make any determination.
“Things continue to progress. I hope she feels good, and it’s a long season,” Fernandez said. “We’re not going to put anyone in a position where they’re not going to be successful individually, but also create any damage for them as a player and as a person. That’s the most important thing. We’ve got a really good medical staff.”
Smith took an elbow from A’ja Wilson on Sunday at Moody Center, an impact that left her mouth bleeding and ended her night after just 12 minutes. She had been the most efficient player on the floor for either side at the time of the injury, finishing with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and a team-high plus-19 on 5-of-6 shooting, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc.
The reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year will need to wear a protective mask once cleared to return to game action, as Dallas Hoops Journal noted. Smith joined the Wings on a three-year max contract this offseason as the franchise’s signature free-agent addition and has been treated as the frontcourt anchor throughout training camp.
Aziaha James Back On the Floor After Tuesday’s Ankle Sprain
James’ return to drills represents a meaningful step forward after she was held out of both Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s sessions. The second-year guard was Dallas’ leading scorer in the preseason finale at Moody Center, posting 18 points off the bench in the 101-84 win over Las Vegas. She averaged 17.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 3.0 steals in 24.0 minutes per game during the preseason.
With the game being on Saturday, the Wings do not need to submit an injury report until Friday evening. A formal designation for either player’s availability against the Fever will be known at that time.
James, who averaged 7.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 17.7 minutes as a rookie, has been a standout throughout training camp and preseason.
Jose Fernandez Sets Tone for Final Practice Before Opener
Thursday’s session was the Wings’ second consecutive day of measured work after stretches of more demanding training camp practices. Fernandez said the team will treat Friday more like a shootaround given the early Saturday tip-off.
“We went pretty hard the last two days, so now tapering off as it gets closer to game day,” Fernandez said. “We’ll treat tomorrow almost like a shootaround. It’s an earlier game, so we won’t shoot around the day of the game. So it’s just making sure we’re on the same page with the things we want to do on both ends of the floor.”
Thursday marked the team’s 15th practice of training camp, including shootarounds, and that Friday will likely be when focus shifts entirely to preparation for Indiana.
Up Next
The Wings open the 2026 WNBA regular season against the Fever on Saturday, May 9, at 12 p.m. CT in Indianapolis.
The Wings make their home debut Tuesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. CT against the Atlanta Dream at College Park Center.
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- Arike Ogunbowale Plans To Play Dallas Wings’ Opener Against Indiana Fever After Ankle Injury
- Dallas Wings Tuesday Practice Recap: Awak Kuier, Arike Ogunbowale Begin Chemistry Building; Aziaha James Injury
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