The Minnesota Lynx, holding the WNBA's best record at 21-6, welcome back perennial MVP contender Napheesa Collier after she missed the first 10 weeks of the 2026 season following offseason surgery on both ankles. Collier, who shot 50/40/90 last season and finished second in MVP voting, was cleared for Wednesday's game at the Seattle Storm. Coach Cheryl Reeve acknowledges her return will create a "domino effect" on minutes and production for players who excelled in her absence.

Rookie Olivia Miles, the No. 2 pick averaging 19.6 points and 6.0 assists, leads the Rookie of the Year race alongside All-Star starter Natasha Howard (16.1 points, 8.1 rebounds). Veterans Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride provided stability. Reeve likens Collier's comeback to a golfer returning from layoff — expecting rust but not diminished greatness. Collier hasn't played competitively since October, her longest injury absence.

Frontcourt depth will shift. Howard and Nia Coffey anchored the interior, with Howard embracing a complementary role alongside Collier. The Miles-Collier pairing — an MVP-caliber forward with a pro-ready point guard — could define Minnesota's championship pursuit. Miles gains a co-star to share offensive burden while learning from Collier in real time.