Wings Anticipate Return of Sabally and Siegrist

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Wings are poised for a significant boost as they expect the return of star players Satou Sabally and Maddy Siegrist following the Olympic break. Sabally, a 2023 All-Star, has been sidelined for all 25 games this season due to a shoulder injury but recently competed for Germany in the Paris Games. Team president and CEO Greg Bibb indicated that a timeline for her return will be established this weekend, with hopes that she will be ready “early in the second half” of the season. The Wings are set to resume play on August 16 against the Connecticut Sun, with Siegrist potentially rejoining the lineup for their second game after the break on August 20 against the New York Liberty. Both players’ returns, however, could complicate the status of Odyssey Sims and Monique Billings, who were signed under hardship contracts as injury replacements. As players return from injury, the team will need to release one of the hardship players, creating uncertainty around Sims and Billings’ futures with the team. Sims, a seasoned 10-year veteran, has stepped up in the absence of injured players, averaging 17.2 points over nine games. Meanwhile, Arike Ogunbowale continues to lead the Wings with an impressive average of 22.3 points per game, including a record-setting 34 points in the All-Star Game. Sabally, who averaged 18.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists last season, sustained her injury while helping Germany qualify for the Olympics, where she notably scored 33 points against Japan.