The Minnesota Lynx have established themselves as one of the WNBA’s top teams during the opening half of the 2026 season, compiling a 15-4 record and climbing to the top of the league standings. Despite playing without their biggest star for the entire season so far, Minnesota has consistently found ways to win and position itself as a championship contender.
Now, the Lynx could be getting an important boost. The organization provided a positive update on Napheesa Collier’s recovery, signaling that the All-Star forward is making meaningful progress after undergoing surgeries on both ankles during the offseason.
Collier has not appeared in a game this season as she continues her rehabilitation. While her recovery has taken longer than initially anticipated, the latest development suggests she is moving closer to returning to competitive action, giving Minnesota hope that its roster could soon be at full strength.
Her eventual return would provide another major weapon for a Lynx team that has already exceeded expectations without its franchise player. With the second half of the season approaching, Minnesota appears well positioned to strengthen its pursuit of another deep playoff run.
1. Lynx Share Positive Recovery Update
Minnesota announced Wednesday that Collier has resumed participating in team practice activities, an encouraging step in the rehabilitation process following surgeries on both her right and left ankles.
According to the team’s statement, Collier continues to recover as expected under the supervision of the medical staff. While the organization did not provide a specific timetable for her return to game action, officials indicated that additional updates will be shared as her rehabilitation progresses.
Returning to practice represents an important milestone for any player recovering from significant injuries. It allows athletes to gradually rebuild conditioning, regain confidence, and increase basketball-related workloads before competing in regular-season games.
Although the Lynx remain cautious with their franchise cornerstone, the latest news suggests that Collier is steadily moving closer to making her long-awaited season debut.
2. Long Recovery Followed Difficult 2025 Injuries
Collier’s rehabilitation stems from injuries sustained during the closing months of the 2025 campaign. Her health issues began in August when she suffered a sprained right ankle during a game against the Las Vegas Aces, forcing her to miss several weeks.
Later in the postseason, she experienced an even more serious setback. During Game 3 of Minnesota’s semifinal series against Phoenix, Collier tore multiple ligaments in her left ankle, ending her playoff run and creating the need for offseason surgery.
Because both ankles required medical procedures, the recovery process became considerably more complex than a typical rehabilitation. The Lynx prioritized a cautious approach to ensure Collier would return only after fully regaining her strength and mobility.
Earlier projections suggested she could resume basketball activities in early June, but Minnesota ultimately extended her recovery timeline. While that delayed her return, it also reflected the organization’s commitment to protecting one of the league’s premier players for the long term.
3. Minnesota Continues Winning While Awaiting Star Forward
Even without Collier, the Lynx have maintained one of the league’s best records. Their balanced roster and consistent team play have allowed them to remain atop the standings throughout the first half of the season.
One of the biggest reasons for that success has been rookie guard Olivia Miles. The first-year standout has quickly become an important contributor, delivering strong performances that have helped offset the absence of the team’s leading veteran.
The possibility of pairing a healthy Collier with the emerging Miles has generated considerable excitement around the organization. Their complementary skill sets could provide Minnesota with one of the WNBA’s most balanced and dangerous lineups heading into the postseason.
Before that can happen, however, the Lynx remain focused on maintaining their momentum. Their upcoming road game against the New York Liberty offers another opportunity to strengthen their position in the standings while patiently awaiting Collier’s return, which could significantly elevate the team’s championship aspirations during the second half of the season.