Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier out with ankle sprain; reevaluation expected "in coming weeks," team says
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier will be sidelined after spraining her right ankle against the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday, the team announced Monday, though it's unclear how long she will be out.
In a news release, the Lynx said Collier's injury was confirmed after she underwent an MRI at Mayo Clinic Square in downtown Minneapolis.
The team said she will be "reevaluated in the coming weeks."
The MVP frontrunner appeared to step on teammate Alanna Smith's left foot and immediately went down near Las Vegas' bench with the Lynx holding a 92-49 lead late in the third quarter.
She attempted to stand but sat back down on the court, writhing in pain, and was immediately surrounded by Aces starters A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, NaLyssa Smith and Kierstan Bell, who all held towels to shield her from exposure.
Collier's teammates, coaches and trainers eventually made their way to the opposite end of the court to tend to the 2025 All-Star MVP.
The WNBA on Monday announced Collier as the Western Conference Player of the Month for July.
The Lynx (24-5) have three games this week, including a WNBA Finals rematch in New York on Sunday against the Liberty. New York has its own injury issues with Breanna Stewart out for a few weeks with a bone bruise in her right knee.
Minnesota has a 5 1/2 game lead on New York in the standings.