The WNBA’s 2025 season has hit another alarming bump with Paige Bueckers, the Dallas Wings‘ No. 1 overall draft pick, officially placed in concussion protocol.
The team confirmed on Friday that the rookie guard will miss at least two games following a head injury sustained during Thursday’s narrow 97-92 loss to the Chicago Sky.
Bueckers, who has been a bright spot in a challenging 1-5 start for the Wings, will sit out Saturday’s rematch against the Sky in Arlington and Tuesday’s game against the Seattle Storm. She will be re-evaluated after the second contest, as the Wings take a cautious approach to her return.
In just her first professional season, Bueckers has already made a strong impression, averaging 14.7 points, 6.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
She’s shooting 43.7% from the floor and 33.3% from three-point range, anchoring the backcourt alongside Arike Ogunbowale.
Ogunbowale and Wings depth tested without Bueckers
With Bueckers sidelined, the pressure now falls heavily on Arike Ogunbowale, who delivered a career-high 37-point performance in Thursday’s defeat.
While Ogunbowale is no stranger to leading the offense, the Wings will need more contributors to keep pace in a competitive Western Conference.
Potential replacements include Maddy Siegrist, JJ Quinerly, and Aziaha James, all of whom are being considered for starting duties in Bueckers’ absence.
Compounding the situation is the uncertain status of Tyasha Harris, Bueckers‘ usual backup, who is questionable for Saturday’s matchup due to a lingering knee issue. Harris missed the previous game in Chicago and remains day-to-day.
The Wings have little margin for error if they want to turn their season around. Despite high expectations surrounding Bueckers, Dallas has struggled to close games and find consistency.
With the spotlight on them again Saturday at 8 PM EST, they’ll need to regroup quickly to avoid falling deeper in the standings.
The timing of Bueckers‘ injury also adds to the league’s growing list of unavailable stars, most notably Caitlin Clark, whose own injury has kept her off the court recently.
With two of the most anticipated rookies now sidelined, the WNBA’s early-season excitement has shifted to concern as fans await their return.
Dallas will continue to monitor Bueckers‘ recovery closely, with further updates expected after Tuesday’s contest. For now, the team is focused on protecting their young cornerstone’s health while trying to salvage momentum in her absence.
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