Overview

• Bueckers left Tuesday’s loss to the New York Liberty with back tightness in the third quarter, received locker-room treatment and returned to finish with 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
• The No. 1 overall pick called it a pulled muscle and said she will rely on rest, treatment and monitoring to avoid a prolonged absence.
• Dallas sits at 8-22 this season and depends on its rookie All-Star leader, who tops the team in points, assists, steals and blocks.
• She previously missed time under concussion protocol and for illness, underscoring the franchise’s emphasis on cautious load management.
• Bueckers did not take part in Thursday’s practice, leaving her status for Friday’s rematch against New York up in the air.