Lynx expect Napheesa Collier season debut vs Storm

Napheesa Collier is listed as probable to make her 2026 season debut for the Minnesota Lynx in the final pre-All-Star game against the Seattle Storm, after offseason surgeries on both ankles following a left ankle ligament tear in last season’s playoffs. The five-time All-Star has not played since September 2025, with rehabilitation and a ramp-up period that included return to practice on July 1. Minnesota has thrived without her, leading the league at 21-6 thanks to standout contributions from rookie Olivia Miles and veteran Kayla McBride, while contending with defensive lapses. Miles delivered a historic 32-point, 8-rebound, 8-assist game to spark a recent win over Seattle, as McBride earned Player of the Week honors and the Lynx maintained their pace. If Collier returns, she would provide a major upgrade to an already buoyant lineup ahead of a potential extended title push, with her contract situation and past accolades amplifying the stakes. The team’s success without her has underscored the balance and depth Minnesota has built this season, making her return a pivotal development for the stretch run.