Wings vs. Dream: Injury-Ridden Dallas Faces Atlanta Showdown!
The Dallas Wings, plagued by a series of unfortunate injuries, are set to face the Atlanta Dream on the road this Friday. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT at the Gateway Center, with national coverage on ION. Bob Rathbun and Tabitha Turner will be providing commentary, with Tenitra Batiste reporting from the sidelines.
The Wings (9-30) are coming off a tough 101-95 loss to the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday. Adding to their woes, Luisa Geiselsöder and Aziaha James sustained injuries late in the game and were unable to return. Prior to her injury, James had a standout performance, scoring a game-high 22 points and matching her career-best with six assists. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream (24-14) are looking to bounce back from an 81-75 defeat at home against the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday, where Brionna Jones led the team with 19 points.
This will be the fourth meeting between the Wings and Dream in 2025, with Atlanta currently holding a 2-1 series lead. The Dream narrowly defeated the Wings 88-85 in their most recent encounter on July 30 in Texas. Naz Hillmon led the Dream with 21 points in that game, while Paige Bueckers had 21 for Dallas.
However, the injury situation for Dallas is dire. Arike Ogunbowale, Li Yueru, JJ Quinerly, and Luisa Geiselsöder are confirmed to be out. Aziaha James and Haley Jones are doubtful, and Paige Bueckers is questionable. This leaves the Wings with limited options, potentially having only three of their top-12 players available.
This injury crisis couldn't come at a worse time, as the Wings already struggle defensively, allowing the second-most points per game in the WNBA (87.8). The Atlanta Dream, boasting the third-best offensive rating in the league and armed with talents like Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, and Brittney Griner, are poised to capitalize on Dallas's weakened state. Analysts predict a high-scoring game for Atlanta, with a focus on them exceeding 91.5 points.
Key Players to Watch
- Allisha Gray (Dream): A key offensive weapon for Atlanta.
- Rhyne Howard (Dream): Another significant scoring threat.
- Brionna Jones (Dream): Provides a strong inside presence.
- Brittney Griner (Dream): A dominant force in the paint.
- Paige Bueckers (Wings): If healthy, a crucial player for Dallas.
Game Status Report
- Paige Bueckers – Questionable (Illness)
- Luisa Geiselsöder – Out (Right Shoulder)
- Ty Harris – Out (Left Knee)
- Aziaha James – Doubtful (Right Ankle)
- Haley Jones – Doubtful (Right Knee)
- Arike Ogunbowale – Out (Right Knee)
- JJ Quinerly – Out (Left Knee)
- Li Yueru – Out (Left Knee)