The entire WNBA was holding its breath awaiting a Napheesa Collier injury update. The superstar MVP favorite went down with an ankle injury during Saturday’s game. Now, after running tests, the Minnesota Lynx have provided us with an update:
The good news is that Collier avoided severe structural damage and can be re-evaluated before the end of the regular season. Minnesota’s last regular-season game is scheduled for September 11th. Assuming the two-week timeline begins on Saturday, her earliest return could be on August 16th against the Liberty. That optimistic timeline would only cost Collier three games.
But optimism is difficult with ankle injuries. Re-evaluation could mean that her ankle needs more rest. Extending her absence to three weeks would mean a seven-game absence. Any further, and her entire remainder of the regular season could be jeopardized.
With a 5.5 game lead over the rest of the WNBA, Minnesota likely won’t be in a rush to get her back on the floor. But it’s going to be nerve-wracking for the Lynx, and for Collier herself. On a personal level, missing the rest of the season could jeopardize her MVP award. It’s a situation that bears intense monitoring for many reasons.
