ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings held morning shootaround Thursday with a few names to watch on the injury report, including Arike Ogunbowale and Alanna Smith, who did not participate.
Ogunbowale was added as questionable after not being listed previously. Smith dropped to doubtful against the Las Vegas Aces with an illness after being probable. Ogunbowale practiced throughout the week. Smith did not practice Wednesday.
Arike Ogunbowale Added to Injury Report
Ogunbowale gave the Wings 19 points, 5 assists, and a season-high 5 made 3-pointers in Sunday’s 91-76 win over the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. She’s averaging 15.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 31.9 minutes per game through 7 appearances this season.
With Ogunbowale finishing an overseas obligation in China during the preseason, the Wings started rookie Azzi Fudd. Fudd is coming off a career-best 24-point night in New York in 32 minutes, making her a natural candidate for an extended role. Aziaha James and Odyssey Sims are other guard options.
Alanna Smith Downgraded to Doubtful
Smith has started all 7 games this season, averaging 3.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 17.4 minutes per game.
If Smith cannot play, the Wings are likely to lean on Awak Kuier more, while Maddy Siegrist and Li Yueru are options to lean on for frontcourt minutes. Kuier has stood out over the last two games, averaging 13.0 points on 88.9% shooting from the field.
Paige Bueckers Remains Probable
Bueckers remains probable to play with a left leg injury after practicing fully this week and going through Thursday’s shootaround. She’s been instrumental in the Wings’ 4-3 start, averaging 19.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 32.7 minutes per game.
Las Vegas ruled out Dana Evans with a left leg injury.
Thursday’s Matchup
Tip-off is 7 p.m. CT on Prime. Las Vegas holds a 46-36 lead in the all-time series, and Dallas hasn’t beaten the Aces in the regular season since 2024.
