The Minnesota Lynx face a crucial challenge tonight in San Francisco against the Golden State Valkyries, with the availability of star forward Napheesa Collier still uncertain due to a lingering knee issue. This game marks a high-stakes Commissioner’s Cup contest where the Lynx, undefeated at 6-0, aim to maintain their perfect start, while the Valkyries try to gain momentum in their debut season.
Napheesa Collier’s Playing Status Remains Uncertain
As the Lynx prepare to face the Valkyries, the question of whether Napheesa Collier will suit up remains unresolved. Collier, Minnesota’s standout forward, continues to be listed as questionable because of a knee condition that has persisted since 2023. This was the same designation she held before the Lynx narrowly defeated Phoenix 74-71 recently, a game she missed due to the injury. Since then, no new updates have been released, leaving fans and analysts uncertain about her participation tonight.
Collier’s impact on the Lynx has been immense—she averaged 28.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 steals, and one block per game during Minnesota’s 5-0 start, positioning her as a key leader in their strong Western Conference performance. The “questionable” tag signals roughly a 50% chance she might play tonight, but she is not currently on the official injury report. This ambiguity complicates the Lynx’s preparation, as her presence or absence significantly alters the team’s dynamics.
After the recent match against the Mercury, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve provided insight into Collier’s condition.
Nothing happened in (Tuesday’s game against Seattle). It’s more precautionary,
she explained.
It’s something she’s been dealing with since 2023.
Collier’s knee soreness has generally been manageable, and she has a history of overcoming setbacks, though the team remains cautious.
Collier’s resilience is well documented. In July 2024, during a game against Connecticut when she was in MVP consideration, plantar fasciitis flared, sidelining her for several crucial games leading up to the Paris Olympics. Despite this, she returned in time to help Team USA secure the gold medal. Her comeback to the Lynx on August 15, 2024, was marked by a stellar performance—posting 17 points and 12 rebounds—which fueled Minnesota’s playoff run ending at the WNBA Finals. Even more recently, in March 2025, she battled through a rolled left ankle in the Unrivaled League and still earned the league’s inaugural MVP award, showcasing her determination.
Though uncertainty persists tonight, Reeve’s remarks and Collier’s history offer cautious optimism for Lynx fans hoping to see their star back on the court. The pivotal question now is whether Minnesota can protect their flawless record if Collier sits out once again.
Full Rosters Ready as Lynx and Valkyries Gear Up
Aside from Collier’s uncertain status, both teams enter tonight’s game largely healthy, with no other players listed on their injury reports. This means the starting lineups for both sides are expected to be at full strength.
The Minnesota Lynx starting five expected to take the court includes:
- Jessica Shepard
- Bridget Carleton
- Alanna Smith
- Kayla McBride
- Courtney Williams
Should Collier return unexpectedly, Bridget Carleton may see reduced minutes or could even come off the bench to accommodate her teammate. The Lynx have demonstrated their depth and versatility, but Collier’s status remains the main variable.
The Golden State Valkyries will counter with their starting lineup featuring:
- Kayla Thornton
- Stephanie Talbot
- Janelle Salaun
- Temi Fagbenle
- Veronica Burton
There is a possibility Julie Vanloo may replace Veronica Burton in the starting unit, but otherwise, the Valkyries are expected to keep their core players on the court. Bench contributions from Cecilia Zandalasini, Monique Billings, and Carla Leite will be vital in maintaining the team’s energy and fire throughout the game.
The Battle Ahead: Underdogs Seeking to End Lynx’s Winning Run
The Golden State Valkyries, a young expansion franchise, enter tonight’s game with a 2-3 record and a strong desire to claim a stunning victory over the undefeated Lynx. They have not played at home since their narrow victory over the Washington Mystics on May 21 and are eager to prove they belong in the league’s competitive landscape. Their odds of winning against Minnesota sit around 24.8%, highlighting the challenge that lies ahead.
When Collier was sidelined in the last game against Phoenix, teammates Kayla McBride and Alanna Smith stepped up significantly—McBride posted 20 points, Smith contributed 19 points along with four critical blocks, and Natisha Hiedeman delivered a game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds. These performances confirmed Minnesota’s collective strength beyond their star player.
Tonight’s Commissioner’s Cup matchup will not only test the Lynx’s resilience but also highlight the Valkyries’ hunger for respect and success. The stakes are high for Minnesota as they attempt to preserve their spotless record, while the Valkyries look to make a powerful statement on their home floor against a dominant squad.
Implications of Collier’s Potential Absence for the Lynx
The uncertainty surrounding Napheesa Collier puts immense pressure on the Lynx, both tactically and psychologically. As the focal point of their offense and defense, her possible absence could force Minnesota to adjust strategies rapidly and rely on bench players to fill the void. The Lynx’s early-season excellence is largely attributed to her impact, making this game a critical measure of their depth and adaptability.
Should Collier sit out, the onus will fall on leaders like Kayla McBride and Alanna Smith to sustain offensive momentum while ensuring strong defensive stands. Meanwhile, coach Cheryl Reeve’s approach to managing minutes and rotations will be crucial to maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
For the Golden State Valkyries, a victory tonight could boost confidence and accelerate their development as a team. Conversely, for the Lynx, preserving the undefeated streak would reinforce their dominance and send a message as the season progresses. The outcome promises to influence momentum for both franchises heading deeper into the WNBA campaign.