Star player Napheesa Collier of the Lynx sidelined for minimum of two weeks due to ankle sprain, jeopardizing MVP prospects.
The Minnesota Lynx are facing a challenging period without their star player, Napheesa Collier, who suffered a right ankle sprain during Saturday's game against the Las Vegas Aces [6]. Collier, a key figure in the Lynx's lineup, is expected to be out for at least two weeks [1], potentially missing four games [2].
Collier's injury occurred with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter, and she was helped off the court by teammates [3]. An MRI at Mayo Clinic Square confirmed the sprain, following evaluations by team physician Dr. Elena Jelsing [1].
The Lynx are currently leading the WNBA standings with a 5.5-game advantage [5]. However, their upcoming schedule features little margin for error, with three games against the New York Liberty [2]. The absence of Collier, who averages a league-high 23.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.7 blocks [4], could potentially impact the team's playoff push.
Collier's injury has forced the Lynx to rely on various teammates, such as Courtney Williams, Jessica Shepard, Alanna Smith, DiJonai Carrington, and others, to fill the gap in scoring, defense, and playmaking [4].
Regarding the MVP race, Collier had been a strong candidate prior to the injury, leading the Lynx to a win at the WNBA All-Star game and demonstrating star-level performance in the season [2][3]. However, the injury’s timing and her continued absence may disrupt her momentum and visibility, making it more challenging for her to accumulate stats and influence games, critical factors for MVP voting [1].
For the Defensive Player of the Year award, Collier’s defensive contributions have historically been strong, but missing multiple games and possibly returning before full strength could detract from her chances [4]. The Lynx’s defensive schemes have had to adjust without her, giving other players a chance to showcase their defensive skills instead.
The emergence of Aari McDonald on the Indiana Fever could ignite their playoff push, according to the Editor's Pick [7]. The absence of Collier adds intrigue to the MVP race, with Alyssa Thomas and Sabrina Ionescu as potential contenders [1].
The team's focus will be on balancing their pursuit of the No. 1 seed with ensuring Collier is at full strength for the playoffs [1]. An extended absence for Collier could open the door for other MVP candidates. Teammate Kayla McBride stated that Collier was in "good spirits" after the injury [8]. However, McBride also acknowledged the emotional blow to the team with Collier's injury [8].
No WNBA MVP has ever missed more than five games in a season, but Collier's projected seven missed games would still fall within historical norms for award eligibility [1]. Collier's return and performance in the remaining season will be crucial to her award races.
The Lynx will begin life without Collier on Tuesday against the Seattle Storm [9]. Defensively, Collier's quest to repeat as Defensive Player of the Year becomes more complicated, with A'ja Wilson now considered the favorite [4].
References: 1. ESPN 2. The Athletic 3. Star Tribune 4. CBS Sports 5. Sports Illustrated 6. NBC Sports 7. Editor's Pick 8. Yahoo Sports 9. WNBA.com
- The absence of Napheesa Collier due to a right ankle sprain may impact the Minnesota Lynx's playoff push, as she averages significant contributions in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, and blocks.
- As Collier is expected to miss four games, there is potential for other MVP candidates to emerge, such as Alyssa Thomas and Sabrina Ionescu.
- With Collier out, the Lynx will face a challenging period in their WNBA season, particularly in their upcoming games against the New York Liberty, and their defense may need to adjust to her absence.
