Paige Bueckers’ return to the floor will have to wait at least one more game. The Dallas Wings guard was ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the unbeaten Minnesota Lynx due to illness after previously clearing concussion protocol.
Head coach Chris Koclanes said the team is taking an abundance of caution as Bueckers works through the illness.
“Just dealing with an illness and being extremely cautious and supportive as an organization,” Koclanes said pregame. “So we hope to have her back soon.”
Koclanes confirmed that Bueckers’ illness is unrelated to her prior concussion, which sidelined her for the Wings’ last three games. “She cleared concussion protocol,” he said. “It’s unrelated.”
Bueckers was initially listed as probable (illness) for Sunday’s game before being downgraded to out. She had participated in portions of Thursday’s practice — spending the media viewing period on the exercise bike before joining the team for post-practice shooting drills — and was dressed in practice gear during Friday’s shootaround.
Bueckers’ potential return is critical for a Wings team that has struggled to maintain offensive flow without a true point guard. Dallas committed 15 turnovers in Friday’s loss to the Sparks, which led to 21 points for Los Angeles.
“They exposed us more than anyone has these past three games for not having a point guard. That was very evident,” Koclanes said after Friday’s game.
The Wings (1–8) will again lean on DiJonai Carrington, JJ Quinerly, and Myisha Hines-Allen to initiate offense against a Lynx defense that has already caused problems for Dallas in two earlier matchups this season.
Koclanes also hinted pregame that lineup changes were likely as the Wings continue to manage injuries and look for better combinations on the floor.
“Everything’s on the table right now as far as lineups,” Koclanes said.
As part of today’s adjustments, Luisa Geiselsöder will start at center, and Kaila Charles will move into the backcourt. Maddy Siegrist and NaLyssa Smith will come off the bench after starting in Friday’s game against Los Angeles.
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