In a Western Conference showdown, the Dallas Wings are ready to welcome the reigning champions, the Las Vegas Aces. Entering this matchup, the host’s aims are clear: continue their winning momentum while ending the Aces’ four road-game winning streak. However, they face a hurdle themselves.

At UConn, the guard tore the ACL in her left knee. The leg is continuing to be a concern for the Wings, as their latest injury update reveals they might have to step on the hardwood without her this Thursday.

In Wings’ official injury report, Bueckers is listed as probable with a left leg issue.

In Friday night’s 86-69 loss to the Atlanta Dream, Bueckers leapt to block a shot from Rhyne Howard. However, when coming down, she oddly stuck to Howard’s body and fell straight on the hardwood. She stayed on the floor for some time before leaving for the sidelines for medical assistance. While this was a scare to everyone, she actually returned to finish the game.

That concussion possibility is now probably returning as a left leg concern. While probable, it is important to note that Bueckers played 36 minutes against the Liberty to tie teammate Azzi Fudd for a game-high 24 points in a big 91-76 win. But that’s not all. There’s more fortunate news.

According to Dallas Hoops Journal’s Grant Afseth, Paige Bueckers fully participated in practice at SMU despite being listed on the injury report. That is a positive sign that her team still expects her to suit up against A’ja Wilson and the Aces.

Leading the team in scoring, Bueckers is currently averaging 19.3 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 52.2% from the field. She has also been nearly automatic from three-point range, knocking down 48.3% of her attempts from beyond the arc. Thanks to her, the Wings recently secured a win over the New York Liberty, which has given her team a much-needed boost in confidence.

Her ability to dictate pace, create efficient looks, and punish defenses from every level has quickly turned her into one of the biggest matchup problems in the league. And the Aces have experienced that firsthand, even if only in the preseason matchup.

During the preseason, the Aces and the Wings locked horns at the Moody Center, and Paige Bueckers led her team to a massive win with the final score being 101-84. While she only scored 11 points, her playmaking abilities with nine assists helped.

So if she were somehow unable to play on Thursday, it would be an added advantage for Las Vegas. But the injury concerns for the Wings do not stop with just Bueckers.

Former Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith is also on the injury report as probable due to illness. Smith has played an important role for Dallas this season, especially on the defense. Averaging 3.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 17.4 minutes per game, her versatility alongside Jessica Shepard and Awak Kuier has given Dallas more flexibility in the frontcourt rotation.

So if Bueckers and Smith were ultimately forced to sit out against Las Vegas, the Wings would suddenly need several players to step into much bigger roles on both ends of the floor.

Dallas Wings Could Enter Emergency Mode Without Paige Bueckers and Alanna Smith

With Bueckers playing some of the best basketball of her young career, the Wings are capable of challenging anybody this season, but that’s only till their biggest star stays healthy. Without her, Dallas would face a massive challenge because her impact goes far beyond just scoring.

She gives the Wings elite secondary playmaking, floor spacing, efficient shot creation, and another steady ball-handler who can take pressure off Arike Ogunbowale. So replacing her would never be a one-player job.

When Bueckers came to the Wings, many believed that the two ball-heavy guards would be fighting to get more time on the floor. Instead, they have become a big reason for the Wings’ offense in the backcourt.

Without Bueckers, responsibilities would immediately fall on Ogunbowale as the focal point of the offense. While she already carries a heavy scoring load, Bueckers’ absence would force her to handle even more playmaking responsibilities, especially when the Aces defense is loaded with elite perimeter defenders. But if Bueckers were to sit, the Wings should have a good substitute in her former UConn teammate.

Azzi Fudd has been coming off the bench for the Wings, but with Bueckers down, she could get a starting role. Fudd could slide into a much larger role, considering her performance against the Liberty. Her shooting gravity would help in keeping the floor open and prevent Las Vegas from collapsing too aggressively on Ogunbowale.

Alternatively, if Dallas wants a more defensive-minded approach, veteran and former Ace Alysha Clark can be another strong option. Clark comes with a championship experience, and she can hold a steady presence against players like Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd.

Odyssey Sims can also see her responsibilities increase immediately, as she could become a key secondary initiator tasked with controlling tempo and making sure the Wings do not become too isolation-heavy offensively.

If Alanna Smith also misses this game, Dallas will need even more frontcourt production from players like Jessica Shepard and Awak Kuier, while Maddy Siegrist and Li Yueru could also see expanded minutes.

For now, these are just contingency plans. With Paige Bueckers fully participating in practice, there is a strong chance Dallas will have its core pieces available.