Napheesa Collier to debut with Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday

Napheesa Collier, a perennial MVP candidate, was officially listed as "probable" for the Minnesota Lynx's game against the Seattle Storm on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. This much-anticipated game would mark Collier's first appearance of the 2026 season. She had sustained injuries to both ankles last season, one during the regular season and another during the playoff series against the Phoenix Mercury. After undergoing surgery on both ankles in the offseason, she had yet to play in the current season.

During the 2025 season, Collier averaged a career-high 22.9 points per game and was recognized as a first-team All-WNBA and first-team All-Defense selection for her stellar performance. She also averaged 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. Last week, she humorously shared about "fighting" with doctors daily to return to the court but expressed a positive outlook on her recovery journey. "I would say just embrace. One, I think everything happens for a reason," Collier stated.

This upcoming game is particularly significant for Collier as it takes place just before the All-Star break from July 23-27. In their previous encounter on Monday, the Lynx narrowly defeated the Storm 105-102, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams. The matchup on Wednesday is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET and will be available on WNBA League Pass.

Surprisingly, the Lynx had performed well without Collier, currently leading the league standings with a 21-6 record. They entered Wednesday's game riding a six-game winning streak, aided by rookie Olivia Miles. Miles has emerged as a standout rookie in the 2026 class, averaging 19.6 points per game along with 4.8 rebounds and 6 assists. Coach Cheryl Reeve highlighted how Miles added a true point guard to the roster, which complements Collier’s skills.

The Lynx, who have won four WNBA championships, last claimed the title in 2017. Collier joined the Lynx in 2019 and is yet to win a championship with the team. They reached the Finals in 2024 but lost to the New York Liberty. In the previous season, the Lynx exited the postseason as the No. 1 seed but fell in the semifinals against the Mercury.