Napheesa Collier returns: What it means for the Lynx
Napheesa Collier will make her 2026 WNBA debut for the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday against the Seattle Storm, coach Cheryl Reeve confirmed. The back-to-back MVP runner-up returns after dual ankle surgeries to a league-best 21-6 Lynx side, with her minutes carefully managed as Minnesota eyes a title push.
Key Takeaways
- Napheesa Collier debuts Wednesday vs. Seattle after Reeve cleared her following dual ankle surgeries.
- Minnesota is 21-6 with the WNBA's best record and top net rating without her.
- Rookie Olivia Miles (19.6 PPG) headlines a Lynx core that also features All-Stars Natasha Howard and Courtney Williams.
- Reeve says Collier is not at full tilt yet and will manage her minutes carefully.
- Collier averaged 22.9 points in 2025 as a back-to-back MVP runner-up still chasing a first title.
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When does Napheesa Collier return for the Lynx?
Collier is set for her season debut in Wednesday matinee action against the Seattle Storm. Minnesota listed her as probable after a weeks-long ramp-up, and coach Cheryl Reeve confirmed she would be available, according to The Athletic.
The five-time All-Star has not played since Sept. 26. She had offseason surgeries on both ankles after spraining her right ankle on Aug. 2, 2025, against the Las Vegas Aces and later tearing ligaments in her left ankle and a muscle in her left shin in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals against Phoenix, a result of a collision with Alyssa Thomas.
Collier has been a full participant in Minnesota practice since July 1. Reeve called the path an incredibly long, arduous journey with ups and downs mentally and physically, and said the team toasted Tuesday that the debut is a huge step even if it is not the end.
Why does her return matter for Minnesota's title hopes?
Without Collier, the Lynx still own the WNBA's best record at 21-6 and the league's best overall net rating, plus the third-best offensive rating and second-best defensive rating. Presumptive Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles has averaged 19.6 points, 5.9 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals, while Howard and Williams have delivered standout All-Star seasons.
Adding Collier upgrades a championship-caliber roster. In 2025 she averaged 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks on 53.1 percent shooting and 40.3 percent from three, earning first-team All-WNBA and All-Defense honors as MVP runner-up. If she returns to form and stays healthy, Minnesota remains a title favorite. Collier is still chasing her first WNBA championship; a Lynx title would be the franchise's fifth and first since 2017.
How will Collier mesh with Olivia Miles?
The league will soon see Collier and Miles share the floor for the first time. Reeve said she is just as excited to learn what they look like together and noted the rookie is eager to play with another veteran like Collier. Yahoo Sports projects the pairing as one of the best one-two tandems in the WNBA.
Reeve also sought to tamp down expectations, stressing Collier is not yet at full tilt. Collier has never come off the bench in her WNBA career, but Reeve said she will be mindful of the star's minutes in her debut after a recovery that cost Unrivaled and the first half of Minnesota's season.
Will Napheesa Collier play limited minutes Wednesday?
Yes. Wednesday is framed as availability and progress, not a finished product. At 29, Collier remains central to Minnesota's ceiling alongside Miles, Howard and Williams as the Lynx protect the top of the standings and push for a deep playoff run.