Lynx maintain league lead as Collier prepares for season debut
Napheesa Collier is listed as probable for her first appearance of the 2026 WNBA campaign, but the Lynx have proven they can compete at the highest level without their MVP candidate.
The Minnesota Lynx have solidified their position at the top of the WNBA standings with a 21-6 record, entering Wednesday’s match against the Seattle Storm on a six-game winning streak. The team’s success has been sustained despite the absence of star forward Napheesa Collier, who is listed as probable for her season debut. The announcement came on Tuesday, marking the first time the perennial MVP candidate will take the court since the start of the 2026 season.
Collier’s absence has been necessitated by extensive medical interventions following injuries sustained during the previous campaign. She underwent surgery on both ankles during the offseason, having first suffered an injury during the regular season and a second during the playoff series against the Phoenix Mercury. The cumulative effect of these injuries sidelined her for the deciding Game 4 of the 2025 semifinals and the entirety of Unrivaled, the winter 3-on-3 league she co-founded.
Despite the loss of their primary offensive engine, the Lynx have adapted effectively. Rookie Olivia Miles has emerged as a critical component of the roster, averaging 19.6 points per game on 50.1 per cent shooting. Her contributions extend beyond scoring, with averages of 4.8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Head coach Cheryl Reeve has credited Miles with providing the team with a true point guard, a role that complements Collier’s playmaking style when she returns.
The timing of Collier’s potential return is significant, as this matchup serves as the final game before the WNBA All-Star break, scheduled from July 23 to 27. The Lynx recently defeated the Storm 105-102 on Monday, a narrow victory that highlighted the competitive nature of the upcoming rematch. The game is set for 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on WNBA League Pass.
Collier’s return comes as the Lynx continue to pursue their first championship in her tenure with the franchise. Although the team won four titles prior to her arrival in 2019, including a run to the 2024 Finals, they fell short against the New York Liberty and were eliminated in the 2025 semifinals. Earlier this month, the Lynx were identified as favourites to win the 2026 championship, a status maintained by their current form and the imminent availability of their most decorated player.
