Napheesa Collier update: Lynx star upgraded to probable for Sunday

Collier has missed the last seven games after suffering a right ankle injury on August 2 against the Las Vegas Aces. The Lynx managed to go 5-2 without their best player during that span. After their first two-game losing streak of the season, they got back into the win column on Friday night thanks to Jessica Shepard's historic triple-double and Kayla McBride's scoring.

Collier has played in 26 of the Lynx's 36 games this season. She leads the WNBA in scoring at 23.5 points per game and also ranks second in steals, fourth in blocks, and ninth in rebounds per game. It's been a sensational season from the five-time All-Star and reigning defensive player of the year.

Prior to getting hurt, Collier was the clear-cut favorite to win her first MVP award. She had been the best player on by far the best team in the league. 

Collier is likely still the favorite to win the award, especially since she has eight games to add to her numbers, but Aces star A'ja Wilson has certainly made a strong push. Wilson, who has won three of the last five MVPs, ranks second in both scoring and rebounding while leading the W in blocks per game. She's been on fire lately.

Wilson, who has played in 34 games, leads the league in total points and total rebounds. She had 36 points in a win on Saturday, bringing her season average to 23.2 (0.3 behind Collier). 

Assuming Collier plays in the final eight games of the regular season and returns to her previous form, it still feels like her award to lose. At 29-7, the Lynx have easily the best record in the WNBA. Wilson's Aces are six games back at 24-14, half a game behind the Atlanta Dream for second place. However, Collier is no longer the runaway favorite to win it.

It's a 6:00 p.m. CT game between the Lynx and Fever on Sunday in Minneapolis.