Wings Seek Victory as Injured Stars Eye Return

The Dallas Wings hope to have **Arike Ogunbowale** and **DiJonai Carrington** back in the lineup when they face the Indiana Fever in Indianapolis on Sunday. Both teams are looking for consistency.

Injury Updates for Dallas

The Wings, currently 6-15, have suffered two consecutive losses. However, there’s optimism surrounding the potential return of **Ogunbowale**, who averages 16.8 points per game, from a thumb injury. The status of **Carrington** (11.8 ppg), dealing with rib issues, remains uncertain, listed as day-to-day.

Recent Struggles

Without two of their top three scorers, Dallas lost to Chicago 87-76 on Wednesday. Rookie **Paige Bueckers** scored 17 points but struggled from the field, shooting 5-for-20. **Li Yueru** contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds, but the Sky proved too strong. The Wings shot only 36 percent as a team, while Chicago shot 50.9 percent.

“They’re only going to be better for … getting these experiences,” said Wings coach **Chris Koclanes**. “But that’s a lot of minutes that these players have never logged. … When your starting guard group has the shooting night that they did, it’s tough.”

Fever Seek Consistency

Indiana (10-10) is working to solidify player roles, particularly after integrating **Caitlin Clark** back into the lineup following a brief absence. Since returning from a groin injury, **Clark** has totaled 22 points on 9-for-29 shooting in two games. The Fever split those games. Notably, the WNBA saw a 17% attendance increase in 2024, largely attributed to the “Caitlin Clark effect” Front Office Sports 2024.

Fever’s Recent Win

Indiana secured a 99-82 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Friday. This followed an 80-61 loss to Golden State in **Clark’s** first game back. Against Atlanta, the Fever’s offense found its rhythm. Although **Clark** shot 5-for-17 for 12 points, she distributed nine assists.

**Kelsey Mitchell** capitalized on **Clark’s** passing, scoring 25 points. **Sophie Cunningham** added 16 points (4-for-5 from 3-point range), and **Aliyah Boston** scored 19 points.

Health Challenges for Indiana

Indiana has faced health challenges beyond **Clark’s** injury, with players like **Aari McDonald** and **Cunningham** missing significant time.

“We’ve been talking all year about building consistency,” said Fever coach **Stephanie White**. “(Friday was) game two with our whole roster. And we still haven’t had a practice with everybody.”

Previous Matchup

The Fever won the first game between these teams this season, 94-86, on June 27 in Dallas.