DHJ Quick Take: Wings Near Full Strength for Indy
- The Probable Advantage: Seeing Alanna Smith and Aziaha James listed as “probable” is the best possible news for the Wings’ flight to Indianapolis. While Jose Fernandez has been cautious with his public comments, the official designation suggests that both key pieces of the rotation are expected to be available to counter the Fever’s interior and perimeter threats.
- The Masked Anchor: Smith’s status as the “frontcourt anchor” is vital against Aliyah Boston. Even with a protective mask, her ability to switch and protect the rim (evidenced by her plus-19 in just 12 minutes against Vegas) is the difference between a high-scoring shootout and a controlled defensive game plan.
- Backcourt Reinforcement: Aziaha James is likely to play despite an ankle sprain, giving her a chance to build on being a training camp and preseason standout.
- The Star-Studded Stage: With Bueckers, Fudd, Clark, and Boston all on the same floor on ABC, the Wings, at full strength, ensure this isn’t just a “narrative” game but a legitimate high-level basketball test for the league’s most improved roster.
INDIANAPOLIS — The Dallas Wings listed Alanna Smith and Aziaha James as probable on the team’s injury report Friday, ahead of Saturday’s regular-season opener against the Indiana Fever.
Smith is listed with a face injury. James is listed with a left ankle injury. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. CT at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
“I think they’re progressing well,” head coach Jose Fernandez said following Thursday’s practice. “Aziaha back today looked good, and I think Alanna’s on schedule.”
Alanna Smith Progressing After Preseason Finale Injury
Smith exited the preseason finale against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday at Moody Center after taking contact to the face from A’ja Wilson. She finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds on 5-of-6 shooting, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc, and led all players with a plus-19 rating in 12 minutes before the injury.
The reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year signed a three-year max contract with Dallas this offseason and has served as the team’s frontcourt anchor throughout training camp.
Fernandez declined to commit to a specific timeline for Smith’s return when asked whether “on schedule” meant she would be available Saturday.
“Well, she’s on schedule. We’ll see,” Fernandez said. “I’m not a doctor or an athletic trainer. She’s on schedule.”
He said the Wings will defer to their medical staff before clearing Smith for game action.
“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.”
Aziaha James Returns to Drills After Ankle Sprain
James sprained her left ankle during Tuesday’s practice and was held out of the next two sessions before returning to drills Thursday.
The second-year guard averaged 17.5 points in 24.0 minutes per game during the preseason and posted a team-high 18 points off the bench in the preseason win over Las Vegas.
Dallas Wings Open the Season Against Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Saturday’s matchup is one of the most anticipated games on the WNBA’s opening weekend. The afternoon will mark the regular-season debut of the Wings’ rebuilt backcourt of Paige Bueckers and No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd under Fernandez. Indiana is led by guard Caitlin Clark and 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston.
The Wings make their home debut Tuesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. CT against the Atlanta Dream at College Park Center.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- Dallas Wings Thursday Practice Interviews: Alysha Clark, Maddy Siegrist And Jose Fernandez Detail Preparation For Indiana Fever
- Alanna Smith, Aziaha James ‘Progressing Well’ Ahead Of Dallas Wings Season Opener vs. Indiana Fever
- WNBA GM Survey Votes Paige Bueckers Top Player To Build Around Over Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson
- Dallas Wings Managing Injuries To Alanna Smith And Aziaha James Before Regular Season Opener
- Dallas Wings Sign Costanza Verona And Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu To Developmental Player Contracts
- ‘The Sky’s The Limit’: Arike Ogunbowale Details Re-Signing With Dallas Wings, Eyes Championship
- Dallas Wings Wednesday Practice Recap: Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd Detail Preseason Takeaways, Preparation For Opener vs. Indiana Fever
- Dallas Wings WATCH: Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd And Jose Fernandez Speak After Wednesday’s Practice
- 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
- Dallas Wings WATCH: Arike Ogunbowale, Awak Kuier Speak After Tuesday’s Practice
- Dallas Wings Make Six Roster Cuts, Down To 12 Players As Deadline Nears
- Dallas Wings Cap Preseason With 101-84 Rout Of Las Vegas Aces In Austin
