Paige Bueckers 'Should Be Fine' vs. Liberty Despite Back Injury, Wings HC Says

Dallas Wings superstar rookie Paige Bueckers "should be fine" for her team's home game against the New York Liberty on Friday evening despite a back injury that held her out of Thursday's practice, per head coach Chris Koclanes in response to a question from Myah Taylor of the Dallas Morning News about her status.

"Just rest, day-to-day," Kolcanes said. "She should be fine for tomorrow."

Bueckers told reporters after her team's 85-76 loss to New York on Tuesday that she endured a strained muscle as well as some tightness in her back while she was dribbling up the court.

The ex-UConn star called the injury "day-to-day" and said it would be handled with treatment and rest.

"It was pretty random," Bueckers said. "…Hopefully it won’t take me out."

Bueckers remained active and still ended up playing 31 minutes, posting 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

In 24 starts, Bueckers has averaged 18.6 points on 45.7 percent shooting, 5.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. It's been a phenomenal year for the 2025 WNBA draft's No. 1 overall pick, who led UConn to a national championship last April. Bueckers also started in this year's WNBA All-Star Game.

Bueckers has overcome serious injuries in her past, making her accomplishments all the more remarkable. In April 2021, Bueckers had ankle surgery to address an osteochondral defect. She suffered a tibial plateau fracture and lateral meniscus tear during the 2021-22 season for UConn and then sat all of 2022-23 with a torn ACL.

She returned for 2023-24, though, and earned unanimous first-team All-American honors for the second of three times, having also done so in 2021 before achieving the honor again in 2025.

This season, Bueckers has missed six games in total. Unfortunately, Bueckers suffered a concussion that forced her to miss time. She also dealt with an illness and a right knee issue.

Hopefully the back ailment that Bueckers dealt with isn't serious enough for her to sit. At this point, though, it appears Bueckers will be available for Dallas' game at New York, which is set for Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET.