Star forward Napheesa Collier of the Lynx, a strong contender for the WNBA MVP, will be sidelined for at least two weeks due to an ankle sprain.
Minnesota Lynx Star Napheesa Collier Sidelined with Ankle Sprain
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier is currently out of action due to a right ankle sprain, with a tentative re-evaluation date set for August 19, 2025. The injury occurred during the Lynx's game against the Las Vegas Aces on August 3, when Collier landed awkwardly on an offensive rebound.
Collier, who is currently leading the WNBA with 23.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, is the frontrunner for the MVP award. Her absence from the court for at least two weeks, and potentially longer, could impact the MVP race. Alyssa Thomas and Sabrina Ionescu are the next favorites for MVP, with odds of +250 and +1200, respectively, on DraftKings.
Collier is also a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year, and her injury could make the race more competitive in the coming weeks. A'ja Wilson is currently the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year, with odds of +200, and Gabby Williams, Alanna Smith, and Ezi Magbegor are also contenders, with odds of +250, +300, and +500, respectively.
The Lynx, who are currently leading the league with a record of 24-5, have a six-game lead over the second-place New York Liberty. However, Collier's absence represents a significant loss for the team, given her central role in the squad. The Lynx will play the Seattle Storm on Tuesday without Collier, who is expected to miss at least four games based on a two-week timeline.
The Lynx have a difficult schedule ahead, including three Finals rematches with the reigning champion Liberty and only one game against a team not in the top six of the standings. Collier's health is crucial for the Lynx's postseason success, as the playoffs begin on Sept. 14.
Collier's injury is notable but not career-threatening, and close monitoring will determine her availability for the critical closing phase of the WNBA season. If Collier misses significant time, other players could potentially challenge her for the MVP award.
References:
- Star Tribune
- ESPN
- DraftKings
- Sports Illustrated
- CBS Sports
- The sports news about Napheesa Collier's ankle sprain has caused a shift in the news headlines for the NBA, NFL, and WNBA betting markets, as she is leading the WNBA in both points and rebounds per game.
- The betting odds for the WNBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) have been affected, with Alyssa Thomas and Sabrina Ionescu now being strong candidates to win, given Napheesa Collier's uncertain return date.
- In the Defensive Player of the Year race, Collier's injury leaves the competition more open when considering contenders like A'ja Wilson, Gabby Williams, Alanna Smith, and Ezi Magbegor.
- The absence of Napheesa Collier, a central figure in the Minnesota Lynx's roster, will pose a significant challenge for the team as they face three Finals rematches and a difficult schedule ahead, with the playoffs approaching.
- As the Lynx attempt to maintain their place at the top of the league, with a record of 24-5 and a six-game lead over the New York Liberty, Napheesa Collier's impact on the WNBA season will be closely monitored, as her absence could impact both their postseason success and her chances of winning MVP.
- Although Napheesa Collier's injury is of concern, sports analysts and medical professionals are hopeful that, with close monitoring and careful recovery, Collier can return in time for the crucial closing phase of the WNBA season.
