The Indiana Fever tried to repeat the Commissioner’s Cup final’s performance against the Minnesota Lynx on August 22 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena. But poor third-quarter performance handed them a 90-95 loss against the league leaders. The worst thing for the Indiana franchise was that they lost the game without Napheesa Collier in the lineup for the Lynx.
Now, with the next game at the Target Center between the two sides on August 24, the Lynx have shared a positive update on their 2025 WNBA regular season MVP candidate, which could put the visitors under pressure to perform.
The Minnesota Lynx Share Positive Update On Napheesa Collier’s Injury
The former UConn star missed seven games due to an ankle injury against the Las Vegas Aces on August 2. Many feared that her season would be over, watching her in pain and struggling to walk. Yet she attended the home games and supported her team with protection around her injured ankle.
A few games later, Phee was seen without protective cover, hinting at a speedy recovery. Still, the franchise kept her return under wraps and gave the star time to recover 100% before setting foot on the floor.
The side maintained winning momentum but lost back-to-back games for the first time in the 2025 season, without Collier. The team won the other five games, excluding the one against the Aces, where the forward played for 26 minutes before the injury. Now, the franchise has upgraded her status as probable for the upcoming game against the Indiana Fever.
Napheesa Collier has been upgraded to probable for the rematch against the Fever tomorrow: https://t.co/7hO1KoI0r0
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) August 23, 2025
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She participated in the pregame warm-ups on August 22 but was later ruled out of the game. The team has eight games left in the season, and the 28-year-old star will look to get back in ‘game-shape’ before the postseason matchups.
Refreshed Napheesa Collier could Be A Major Upgrade For The Minnesota Lynx
The Minnesota Lynx showed their depth without their 2024 MVP runners-up, and now having her back will be a huge bonus for the side. With the playoffs coming up in just three weeks, Coach Cheryl Reeve could give Phee some game time and rest other starters to keep them fresh.
During the congested regular-season schedule, a break closer to the postseason games will hand the four-time champions a slight edge over their opponents. The Phoenix Mercury superstar Satou Sabally already voiced concerns over the crowded schedule and rest days, but with rest to Collier and now to other starters, Reeves will have a much ‘energized’ side for the playoff games. The team’s top two-way player will impact scoring and defense for the side.