Naphesa Collier’s Injury Hits Minnesota Lynx

The Minnesota Lynx might be without one of their top players for a chunk of August. Naphesa Collier is set to miss at least two weeks following a sprained right ankle sustained during a match against the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday, according to reports.

The Lynx currently boast a strong 24-5 record, leading the league as they approach critical games, though they’ll be missing one of their stars—who’s also in the running for both Defensive Player of the Year and MVP honors.

Collier will undergo reevaluation in about two weeks, which puts that date roughly around August 18. That absence will extend to at least four games, as noted by ESPN’s Kendra Andrews. The injury occurred in the third quarter while the Lynx held a commanding 40-point lead, making the situation even more frustrating.

In an effort to grab an offensive rebound, Collier ended up rolling her ankle, struggling to exit the court with the assistance of team staff. It’s a really unfortunate time for her to be sidelined, especially as the intensity ramps up in the league.

This season has already been emotional for Collier, especially after recently earning her third consecutive Western Conference Player of the Week title. She’s been averaging 23.5 points per game, ranking high in both rebounds and defensive stats—though now, those contributions will be missed.

As the regular season wraps up on September 11, the Lynx are eager to maintain their top position and secure the number one seed in the upcoming playoffs. However, Collier’s MVP campaign could take a hit with her missing some critical matchups due to this injury.