Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier may not return to the court for the game against the Atlanta Dream scheduled for Friday night. The reigning WNBA Defensive Player of the Year has been sidelined for 10 days because of a back injury she suffered on June 17 during a match against the Las Vegas Aces. Collier’s status remains uncertain as the Lynx prepare to face a tough opponent.
Ongoing Struggles with Bulging Disk Affecting Player Performance
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve disclosed that Collier has been coping with a bulging disk in her back for several years. While the condition has neither worsened nor improved recently, it continues to impact her ability to play. Collier was listed as questionable for Tuesday’s loss to the Washington Mystics after participating in the team’s shootaround but ultimately was declared out. Since then, the Lynx have managed a solid 82-66 victory over the LA Sparks but fell 68-64 to Washington without her on the floor.
High Stakes Against a Formidable Atlanta Dream Frontline
The matchup against the Atlanta Dream presents a significant challenge, especially due to their strong frontcourt players like Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones. Without Collier, the Lynx might find it difficult to contain the Dream’s interior presence. Collier, a favorite for the MVP award this season, has delivered remarkable performances, averaging a league-leading 24.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks across 11 games. Her shooting accuracy has also been impressive, hitting 52.4% from the field and 42.1% from beyond the arc. Notably, all these numbers except rebounds and steals mark career highs for Collier.
Collier’s Past Performance Against the Atlanta Dream
Throughout 15 career games versus the Atlanta Dream, Napheesa Collier has posted averages of 17.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. She has maintained a shooting percentage of 46.0%, including 31.1% on three-pointers and 85.0% from the free-throw line. The Dream, now featuring a revamped roster and a distinct playing style, rank among the top five teams in both offensive and defensive ratings with a 10-5 record. This encounter offers the Lynx a crucial test against a physical and well-balanced opponent.
Viewing Details and Impact of Collier’s Status on the Game
The Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream game will be broadcasted live on WNBA League Pass starting at 7:30 p.m. ET from the Gateway Center Arena. The Dream enter the game as favorites by a narrow one-point margin, with a money line of -112. The outcome may hinge on whether Collier can take the court, as her absence would give the Dream a slight edge in what promises to be a closely contested battle.
“Collier has been dealing with a bulging disk for years, which hasn’t worsened but hasn’t improved, either.” —Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx Coach