It’s the homecoming everyone had circled. Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers is set to return to Minnesota for her first pro game in her home state. And, yes, she is expected to suit up tonight against the Minnesota Lynx.
After a hot start to her WNBA career despite Dallas’ 0-2 record, all eyes are on Bueckers as the Wings try to snap their early skid against an undefeated Lynx squad.
Paige Bueckers Is Good to Go in Her Minnesota Return
There’s no injury report keeping Bueckers on the bench. The Dallas Wings confirmed the rookie sensation is active and available for the clash at Target Center in Minneapolis on May 21, tweeting out: “No injuries or absences to report.”
That’s a huge sigh of relief for Wings fans after Bueckers carried the team with 19 points and eight assists in a gritty performance against the Seattle Storm.
It wasn’t just the stats, either. Bueckers looked more aggressive with the ball, taking 14 shots and pushing the pace for a Wings offense that, outside of her, has struggled to get into a rhythm. She’s showing flashes of what made her a star at UConn: sharp reads, smooth jumpers, and a knack for taking control in crunch time.
Hopkins’ own Paige Bueckers as a WNBA player with the Dallas Wings, shooting around inside Target Center.
Lynx host Wings for home opener tomorrow night at 7p. pic.twitter.com/qDdgQO1Sc0
— Alec Ausmus (@A_TwiceKSTP) May 20, 2025
And let’s not forget the storybook layer here. Bueckers is a Minnesota native, born in Edina, and a five-year varsity standout at Hopkins High. She’s not just returning to her home state, she’s stepping onto a court she’s practically grown up around.
For a Wings team still trying to find its footing, there might not be a better setting to lean on Bueckers to spark something big.
Wings Searching for First Win vs. Familiar Lynx Foes
This won’t be the first time the Wings and Lynx face off this season. Dallas dropped its opener to Minnesota last week during a 99-84 loss that saw the Lynx’s Napheesa Collier drop a monster 34-point night. Since then, Minnesota has kept it rolling, sitting at 2-0 after a convincing win over the Los Angeles Sparks.
The Wings, on the other hand, are still looking for that elusive first W. They’ve shown flashes of potential, cutting a 17-point deficit down to just three in the fourth quarter during a 79-71 loss to Seattle.
Dallas’ shooting has been rough from beyond the arc through two games. If there’s a game to flip the narrative, this might be it. Bueckers has the crowd, the momentum, and maybe even the revenge angle after Minnesota handed Dallas that opening night loss.
The Wings will need every bit of her spark, and then some, to avoid falling to 0-3.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST on WNBA League Pass.