The Minnesota Lynx announced that Napheesa Collier has been officially listed as probable for a Wednesday game against the Seattle Storm, which would represent her season debut in 2026. Collier has been sidelined since sustaining injuries to both ankles during the previous season—one during regular play and another during a playoff series against the Phoenix Mercury. She underwent surgical procedures on both injuries during the offseason.
Collier earned widespread recognition for her performance in the 2025 season, averaging 22.9 points per game while shooting 53.1% from the field and 40.3% from three-point range. She also contributed 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, leading to first-team All-WNBA and first-team All-Defense selections. She was among the leading candidates for MVP honors that season. In recent comments, Collier discussed her approach to rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of controlling her mindset and maintaining her role as a supportive teammate while recovering.
The timing of Collier’s potential return is notable, as it would occur just before the All-Star break. The matchup itself carries significance given that Minnesota narrowly defeated Seattle 105-102 in their previous meeting. The Lynx have maintained a strong record of 21-6 without Collier this season and are currently on a six-game winning streak. Much of the team’s success has been attributed to rookie Olivia Miles, who is averaging 19.6 points per game on 50.1% shooting, along with 4.8 rebounds and 6 assists per game.
Collier, a former UConn standout and 2019 Rookie of the Year, has yet to win a WNBA championship during her tenure with Minnesota, which began in 2019. The Lynx reached the Finals in 2024 but lost to the New York Liberty. The team was identified as a championship favorite earlier this month heading into the 2026 season.
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