Wings Coach Announces Paige Bueckers News After Missed Practice originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Paige Bueckers has been the brightest spot in a difficult season for the Dallas Wings. Selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, she’s lived up to the hype with averages of 18.6 points, 5.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 24 games—leading all rookies in scoring and emerging as the team’s offensive engine. With her performance, she is also making a strong case for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award.
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Still, the Wings have struggled mightily. Their 8-22 record is second-worst in the WNBA, and they currently sit 12th in the standings. Bueckers has shouldered a heavy load in her first year, and a recent in-game scare involving her back left fans worried just days before Dallas’s next outing.
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5).© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dallas Wings Coach Gives Update on Paige Bueckers’ Status
On Thursday, the Wings confirmed that Paige Bueckers missed practice due to tightness in her back (h/t Joey Mistretta of ClutchPoints). The rookie briefly exited Tuesday’s loss to the New York Liberty while grabbing her lower back, later revealing she had likely pulled a muscle while dribbling. Though she returned and finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, the missed session raised concerns about her availability for Friday’s game.
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In response, Wings head coach Chris Koclanes addressed the media after practice, and provided a reassuring update — announcing the news that she is expected to play on Friday
“Paige Bueckers did not practice today,” Koclanes told reporters.
When asked about her status, he said, “Just rest, day-to-day, but she should be good to go for tomorrow.”
The update comes with some sort of relief for Dallas faithfuls as it suggests that the injury isn’t serious and Bueckers is expected to be back on the court without any restrictions.
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Dallas Wings Need Paige Bueckers on the Floor
Bueckers is the Wings’ top scorer and floor general, and any absence—no matter how brief—would be a major setback. With playoff hopes fading fast, Dallas can’t afford to lose its most reliable player.
The rookie continues to lead all first-year players in scoring and has been the team’s most consistent contributor. Her presence is key if the Wings hope to make any kind of late push, or at the very least, finish the season on a positive note.
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With 14 games left to play in the regular season, the Wings would hope the 23-year-old guard can stay healthy and perhaps help salvage what is left of their 2025 campaign.
Related: Paige Bueckers’ Dallas Wings Make Trade Decision After 22nd Loss
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
