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Paige Bueckers Breaks Massive WNBA Record in First 5 Games 5 May 27, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and forward Maddy Siegrist (20) react after a play against the Connecticut Sun in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Dallas Wings Drop Massive Paige Bueckers Injury Update Before Minnesota Lynx Matchup

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Grant Afseth | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 4:39 AM ET

Dallas Wings star rookie Paige Bueckers is on the verge of returning to the court.

The No. 1 overall pick in April’s WNBA Draft has cleared concussion protocol after missing the team’s past three games, the Wings announced Saturday. She is officially listed as probable (illness) for Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Lynx.

Bueckers entered concussion protocol last week following a collision late in the Wings’ loss to the Chicago Sky. At the time, the team said she was expected to miss at least two games. She remained out for a third contest on Friday but was present on the bench — her first appearance with the team during a game since sustaining the injury.

Her return would be a significant boost for the Dallas team, which has struggled in her absence. The Wings (1–8) have lost four straight games and sit at the bottom of the WNBA standings.

Paige Bueckers’ Recovery Progress

According to on-site reporting from DallasHoopsJournal.com, Bueckers progressed steadily through the concussion protocol this week.

She spent most of Thursday’s practice session on the exercise bike during the media viewing period. Still, she later joined her teammates on the court for post-practice shooting drills, staying behind to take additional shots.

Bueckers was again dressed in practice gear during Friday’s shootaround and was an active presence on the bench during that evening’s loss to the Los Angeles Sparks — a key sign of clearance in the league’s concussion recovery process.

In addition to the clearing protocol, Bueckers is managing an illness designation, which remains the final factor in determining her availability for Sunday.

Impact of Paige Bueckers’ Absence

Paige Bueckers Breaks Massive WNBA Record in First 5 Games 4 May 27, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) drives the ball against Connecticut Sun guard Bria Hartley (14) in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Before the injury, Bueckers had quickly become an essential piece of the Wings’ rotation. Through six games, she is averaging 14.7 points (second on the team), 6.7 assists (fourth in the WNBA), 4.7 rebounds, and 2.0 steals, while leading the team in minutes played (34.0 per game).

Without her, Dallas has been forced to rotate several wings and combo guards into primary ball-handling roles. The lack of a true point guard has led to increased turnovers and inconsistent offensive execution during the current four-game losing streak.

The Wings also remain without veteran guard Tyasha Harris (left knee injury), further compounding the team’s backcourt challenges.

Outlook Before Facing the Minnesota Lynx

“She’s Learning Really Fast”: Arike Ogunbowale Praises Paige Bueckers’ Point Guard Growth 3 May 27, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts after a play against the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Bueckers’ return could provide the stabilizing presence Dallas needs as it looks to regroup offensively and climb out of an early-season hole.

Her status for Sunday’s game will ultimately hinge on how she responds to illness recovery in the final lead-up to tipoff. But having cleared concussion protocol and rejoined the team in practice settings, Bueckers is trending toward a full return.

If she does take the floor, it will mark a welcome return for both the Wings and their fans — and it would come at a time when Dallas sorely needs a spark.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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