Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier faces uncertainty ahead of Saturday’s game against the LA Sparks due to a back injury. The reigning WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, who has participated in every game this season, might miss her first appearance after leaving Tuesday’s 76-62 victory over the Las Vegas Aces early in the second quarter.
Collier contributed seven points and six rebounds in just 19 minutes before exiting. According to Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, Collier has long battled back problems stemming from a bulging disk, which remains stable but unresolved. Although Collier has rested significantly since Tuesday’s contest, her availability will be confirmed only at game time.
LA Sparks Bolstered by Kelsey Plum’s Return as Lynx Await Collier’s Status
The returning presence of Kelsey Plum provides the Sparks with a boost, and they may take advantage if Collier is sidelined. In their previous matchup on June 13, Collier delivered an outstanding performance with 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks, shooting efficiently from the floor. That effort helped the Lynx secure a resounding 101-78 win, improving their record to 10-1.
Should Collier be unavailable, players like Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride will need to step up to maintain Minnesota’s competitive edge against the Sparks.
Collier’s Impressive Career Numbers Against LA Sparks
Across 16 games facing the Sparks, Napheesa Collier has averaged 20.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 56 percent from the field. She boasts a 12-4 record against this long-standing Western Conference opponent, including a perfect 2-0 mark in the current season. Her most recent performances show elevated production, hitting 27.5 points per game, 7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, along with notable defensive stats such as 2 steals and 1.5 blocks, with shooting percentages of 67.6 percent overall and 71.4 percent beyond the arc.
All-Star Recognition and MVP Buzz Surround Collier’s Stellar Season
Collier is standing out as one of the WNBA’s premier players this year. She currently leads the MVP race by a significant margin and ranks second in fan voting for the All-Star game, trailing only Iowa’s Caitlin Clark with 484,758 votes. Among frontcourt contenders, Collier holds the top spot. Her season averages include a league-best 24.4 points per game over 11 games, shooting 52.4 percent from the floor and 42.1 percent on three-pointers, all career highs.
The Lynx’s reliance on Collier’s scoring, defense, and leadership means her game-time availability will heavily influence Minnesota’s strategy and chances against the Sparks tonight. Her health status will continue to be closely monitored as the Lynx pursue another strong run in a competitive WNBA season.