Jordin Canada, a critical guard for the Atlanta Dream, will be unavailable for the team’s upcoming WNBA game against the Dallas Wings on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Atlanta. This Jordin Canada injury update Atlanta Dream game comes after she suffered a right knee injury during a preseason matchup earlier this season, forcing her to miss what promises to be a highly anticipated contest.
The injury occurred on May 7, 2025, when Canada was actively defending Washington Mystics’ guard Jade Melbourne. Moments after attempting a shot, Canada’s right knee gave out upon landing, causing her to collapse and be unable to continue playing. She was promptly assisted off the court by teammates and taken to the locker room early in the game. Despite the disappointment, reports indicate that she is expected to fully recover in the coming weeks.
“The Dream announced Thursday that Canada is expected to make a full recovery from her knee injury in the coming weeks, Meghan L. Hall of USA Today reports.”
—Meghan L. Hall, Reporter
In contrast, the Dallas Wings enter the matchup with a healthy roster and no players listed as injured, setting the stage for an intense showdown where Atlanta will have to cope without one of their key defensive players.
Team Lineups Highlight Key Players for Both Sides
With Jordin Canada out, the starting lineups for the Atlanta Dream and Dallas Wings reflect strong but differing foundations. Atlanta’s roster boasts experienced talents such as Brittney Griner, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones, and Te-Hina Paopao. For Dallas, anticipation circles around rookie Paige Bueckers, alongside Arike Ogunbowale, NaLyssa Smith, Dijonai Carrington, and Myisha Hines-Allen—all under head coach Chris Koclanes’ leadership.
The projected starting fives are:
Atlanta Dream
- Brittney Griner
- Rhyne Howard
- Allisha Gray
- Brionna Jones
- Te-Hina Paopao
Dallas Wings
- Paige Bueckers
- Arike Ogunbowale
- NaLyssa Smith
- Dijonai Carrington
- Myisha Hines-Allen
Implications of Canada’s Absence on Atlanta Dream’s Defensive Stability
Canada’s injury leaves a notable gap in the Dream’s defensive lineup. Known for her quickness and effective guarding skills, her ability to pressure opposing players was evident during the preseason, including her incisive defense of Jade Melbourne. Her absence means Atlanta will have to adjust their defensive strategies significantly against a Dallas Wings lineup featuring dynamic scorers like Olsen and Bueckers.
Though the Wings have struggled with a 0-3 record this season, the health of their roster presents an opportunity for a potential upset against Atlanta’s formidable squad. Players like Arike Ogunbowale have shown real growth recently, and rookie Paige Bueckers’ energy adds an unpredictable element to the Wings’ attack. Combined with the coaching strategies of Chris Koclanes, Dallas aims to capitalize on the defensive void left by Canada.
Matchup Analysis: Strengths, Challenges, and Forecast for the Game
The Atlanta Dream have historically demonstrated strength through a size and athleticism advantage, spearheaded by Brittney Griner and Rhyne Howard. Both players have shown their ability to influence the game in scoring and rebounds, with Howard posting 24 points and Griner adding 21 points alongside eight rebounds during a recent loss to the Indiana Fever. Their presence in the paint and versatility create difficulties for opposing teams looking to penetrate the defense.
However, without Canada’s defensive prowess, the Dream face challenges containing swift guards like Bueckers and Ogunbowale, who excel at exploiting space and pace. Dallas Wings’ efficiency in fast breaks and ball movement could test Atlanta’s defense more severely than before, potentially shifting momentum in the Wings’ favor if they capitalize on these opportunities.
While the Wings will be conspicuously missing a win this season, the absence of a key Dream player like Canada may offer them a rare opening. Dallas’ ability to blend Bueckers’ youthful dynamism with Ogunbowale’s experience will be critical to challenging the Dream’s home-court advantage.
Outlook: Potential Impact on Season and What Lies Ahead
Jordin Canada’s injury update strikes a cautious note for the Atlanta Dream as they navigate the WNBA regular season. Losing an important defensive asset ahead of a pivotal game against the Dallas Wings may shift the competitive balance, especially with the Wings eager to seize their first victory of the season.
The game will test the Dream’s depth and resilience, potentially prompting adjustments in rotation and strategy to compensate for Canada’s prolonged absence. For Dallas, this matchup represents an opportunity to exploit a weakened opponent and gain momentum early in the season, potentially reshaping their prospects going forward.
As the WNBA season progresses, monitoring Canada’s recovery and the teams’ adaptations will be essential in understanding how this injury influences Atlanta’s defensive capabilities and Dallas Wings’ rise in the standings.