Mercury-Lynx injury report: Collier and Mack ruled out
Both Napheesa Collier and Natasha Mack are ruled out for Monday night's Mercury-Lynx game in Minneapolis. Collier remains sidelined after offseason ankle surgery, while Mack misses her seventh straight contest with a left-foot bone bruise. Sami Whitcomb is probable for Phoenix as the Lynx host at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Key Takeaways
- Napheesa Collier and Natasha Mack will not play in Monday's Mercury-Lynx matchup.
- Sami Whitcomb is probable for Phoenix; Emma Cechova and Maya Caldwell are also out for Minnesota.
- The Lynx (17-6) host the struggling Mercury (8-16) at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock.
- Minnesota has beaten Phoenix twice this season and enters on a two-game win streak.
- Covers lists Minnesota as a 12.5-point home favorite with a 169.5 total.
The Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury meet Monday, July 13, 2026, at Target Center in Minneapolis in a Western Conference clash that carries playoff positioning weight. Both clubs enter with key players unavailable, shaping how each coach deploys depth on a short turnaround.
Minnesota arrives at 17-6 after a 90-85 home win over the New York Liberty on Saturday. Olivia Miles scored 23 points with five rebounds and four assists, and Kayla McBride added 25 points in that victory. Phoenix sits at 8-16 after a 106-58 road loss to the Las Vegas Aces, its third straight defeat.
Will Napheesa Collier play for the Lynx?
No. Minnesota has ruled out star forward Napheesa Collier as she continues recovering from surgery on both ankles to begin the 2026 season. The Lynx said on July 1 that Collier had returned to team practice activities and continues progressing as expected, but Monday will not be her season debut.
Minnesota also ruled out center Emma Cechova for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL in her right knee. Covers lists guard Maya Caldwell as out as well. Without Collier, Miles and McBride have carried the offensive load — Miles averages 18 points and five assists per game, per AL.com.
Is Natasha Mack available for the Mercury?
No. Phoenix ruled out forward Natasha Mack for her seventh consecutive game because of a bone bruise in her left foot. Guard Sami Whitcomb is listed as probable with left knee injury management and is expected to play against Minnesota, according to Yahoo Sports.
With Mack sidelined, Phoenix will lean on guard Kahleah Copper, who leads the Mercury offense at 20 points per game. Monique Akoa Makani scored 13 points in Saturday's loss to Las Vegas, while Lexi Held added 11 off the bench.
Where can fans watch the Mercury-Lynx game?
Monday's Mercury-Lynx tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. CT) on Peacock. AL.com notes fans can stream the game live with a Peacock subscription. For more offbeat sports headlines, browse our Bizarre News & Florida Man section.
What do the betting lines say about the matchup?
Covers projects a comfortable Lynx win at home, listing Minnesota as a 12.5-point favorite with a 169.5 over/under. The site notes Phoenix is coming off the third-largest loss in WNBA history and that Minnesota held the Mercury to 37% shooting while winning the rebounding and paint battles in two prior 2026 meetings.
Covers also highlights Kayla McBride's scoring surge — she has topped 16 points in seven of her last eight games — as a player prop angle with Collier still out. The Lynx, tied for the WNBA lead with 17 wins alongside Las Vegas and Golden State, will look to extend a 12-game streak against Western Conference opponents with losing records.