Why Was Paige Bueckers Ruled Out Tonight? What’s Next for the Wings Star?
When the Dallas Wings tipped off against the Connecticut Sun on August 27, fans were left looking for answers: Was Paige Bueckers playing? The question had been swirling for days, but ultimately the answer disappointed many—Bueckers, after brief hope she might suit up, was ruled out just minutes before tipoff due to illness.
Why Didn’t Paige Bueckers Play?
Paige Bueckers was ruled out of the Wings vs. Sun game after a rough week battling an illness. Despite being initially listed as “questionable” and even making it to shootaround the morning of the game, real-time updates revealed she was not fit to play and was moved to inactive status right before game time.
There’s a familiar disappointment that comes with these last-minute changes. Fans watched social media tick by, clinging to optimism as news of Bueckers’ participation at shootaround emerged. For those following along on Twitter or Yahoo Sports live blogs, it was an emotional swing—from “she might play!” to “she’s out” in under an hour.
Head coach Chris Koclanes addressed the news candidly in the post-game interview—he admitted Bueckers had been trying hard to get healthy, but her status never improved enough to risk putting her on the floor.
When Will She Return?
Paige Bueckers is set to return tonight, August 28, 2025, and is officially available for the Dallas Wings’ matchup against the Connecticut Sun after initially being listed as questionable with an illness.
According to @DrakeKeeler, “She’s good, she’s ready to go. Just a little sick, like everybody else, but she’s gonna tough it out and play,” confirming that Bueckers has been cleared and will take the court at College Park Center despite still recovering.
Though not quite 100%, her participation marks her return, and fans can expect to see her suit up and lead the Wings in a game with major implications for the 2026 draft.
Bueckers’ Recent Performance and Struggles
Paige’s absence was especially hard to swallow since she’s fresh off a legendary stretch; only days before, she’d dropped a career-high 44 points against the Sparks—the top single-game mark for the entire WNBA season.
But then came the game versus Golden State, where she managed only nine points, ending a streak of 30 consecutive double-figure scoring efforts.
Many believe her illness was already impacting her performance in that outing—a theory supported by her uncharacteristic lack of energy.
