Dallas Wings forward Alanna Smith has been ruled out of Thursday’s game against the Las Vegas Aces while in the WNBA’s concussion protocol, according to the league’s official injury report. Smith, the team’s highest-paid player, sustained a head injury during a collision with Chicago Sky rookie Gabriela Jaquez on June 20, 2026. This absence marks another setback for the veteran, who has battled injury issues throughout the 2026 season.
Why is Alanna Smith sidelined?
Smith entered the WNBA’s mandatory concussion protocol following a head-to-head collision during the first quarter of the Wings’ 93-92 win against the Chicago Sky on June 20, 2026. According to the team’s medical staff, she was unable to return to that contest after halftime. This current injury follows a previous nasal fracture Smith suffered during a May 3 preseason game against the Aces, which forced her to wear a protective face mask for several weeks.
How does Smith’s absence affect the Wings’ rotation?
The Wings have relied heavily on Jessica Shepard to fill the void in the frontcourt during Smith’s recent absences. According to team performance data, Shepard is currently posting career-high averages of 14.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while maintaining a 57% field goal percentage. While Smith provided a defensive anchor—having shared the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award with A’ja Wilson last season—Shepard has provided a significant offensive boost since transitioning into a starting role.
What is the historical context of Smith’s defensive impact?
Before joining Dallas, Smith spent two seasons with the Minnesota Lynx under coach Cheryl Reeve. Statistics show she started in all 81 games she appeared in for Minnesota, averaging 1.7 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. Her durability during that stint helped the Lynx secure consecutive playoff appearances, including a trip to the 2024 WNBA Finals. In contrast, her tenure in Dallas has been more limited, with Smith starting only seven of 15 games played this season while averaging 15.1 minutes per contest.
Comparison: Smith vs. Shepard 2026 Performance
| Player | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Alanna Smith | 3.5 | 2.9 |
| Jessica Shepard | 14.2 | 11.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WNBA concussion protocol?
The protocol is a mandatory medical process requiring players to be symptom-free before returning to basketball activities, overseen by team medical staff and independent neurologists, as defined by WNBA league policies.
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When can Alanna Smith return to the court?
The official injury report lists her as out for Thursday’s game. Her return depends on passing the league’s concussion evaluation, which does not have a set timeline.
Who is replacing Smith in the lineup?
Jessica Shepard has assumed the primary frontcourt duties for the Dallas Wings during Smith’s recovery.
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