The Dallas Wings have clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2023, setting the stage for Paige Bueckers’s debut WNBA postseason run, according to team reports. However, mounting injuries threaten to cut that postseason journey short. The Wings face an uphill battle in the bottom half of the playoff picture, needing to navigate elite competition without key contributors.
Injuries Deplete Dallas Wings Roster Ahead of WNBA Postseason
The Wings enter the postseason missing Azzi Fudd, who serves as the team’s best perimeter defender and volume 3-point shooter. Compounding those backcourt losses, forward Alanna Smith’s availability remains uncertain after she sustained a lower-leg injury during international competition. Smith appeared in just one game for the Australian national team at the FIBA World Cup before missing the remainder of the tournament.
Wings head coach Jose Fernandez addressed Smith’s status during a media availability on September 15, as reported by Wings reporter Drake Keeler on YouTube. “She’s in street clothes, and she’ll be evaluated by our doctor, so we’ll know more in the next couple of days,” Fernandez stated.
Did you know? Alanna Smith signed a three-year max contract this offseason after sharing the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year honors with A’ja Wilson.
Alanna Smith’s Difficult Injury-Plagued Season
Smith’s current absence caps off a turbulent individual campaign marked by recurring physical setbacks. She began the year recovering from a broken nose that required her to wear a protective mask. Later, she spent time in the WNBA concussion protocol and missed several games in July due to a separate leg injury.
Those interruptions impacted her production on the floor. Smith averaged 6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 0.5 blocks per game this season. Prior to the World Cup break, she showed flashes of returning to form, creating a strong defensive pairing alongside Awak Kuier.
Playoff Outlook Without Full Health
Without a fully healthy Smith anchoring the paint, Dallas lacks the interior defense required to slow down powerhouse contenders. The team faces daunting potential matchups against the Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces, or Golden State Valkyries. While Bueckers’s play gives the squad a fighting chance, overcoming elite rosters without Fudd and potentially Smith tests the depth of the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Dallas Wings in the WNBA playoffs?
Yes, the Dallas Wings secured a playoff spot for the first time since 2023.
Why is Azzi Fudd missing from the playoffs?
Azzi Fudd is sidelined with an injury, leaving the Wings without their primary perimeter defender and volume 3-point shooter.
What is Alanna Smith’s injury status?
Smith sustained a lower-leg injury during the FIBA World Cup while playing for the Australian national team and is currently being evaluated by team doctors, according to head coach Jose Fernandez.
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