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Is Napheesa Collier getting close to returning from ankle injury?

Originally posted on Bring Me The News | By Joe Nelson | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 10:50 AM ET

There are indications that Minnesota Lynx star forward Napheesa Collier might be — at least slowly but surely — getting closer to a return to the court from a right ankle injury.

Collier suffered the injury in Minnesota's 53-point victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Aug. 2. Prior to the injury, Collier was firmly in control of the MVP race and averaging 23.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.6 blocks per game.

The Lynx have listed Collier as doubtful on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's 6 p.m. CT road game against the New York Liberty. It's the second straight game Collier has been classified as doubtful, which is a step in the right direction considering she wasn't even with the team for the games against New York and Seattle on Aug. 10 and Aug. 5, respectively.

Collier, dressed in street clothes, joined the Lynx for their usual Electric Slide dance on the court following a win over the Liberty on Saturday, and she certainly didn't appear to be favoring her ankle at all.

BDAY DUB & BOOGIE. @lynxprowl pic.twitter.com/KFNihgPOTf
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) August 16, 2025

An MRI revealed that Collier suffered a right ankle sprain. The Lynx said on Aug. 4 that Collier would be "re-evaluated in the coming weeks and further updates on her progress will be provided when available."

The Lynx haven't missed a beat without her, going 4-0 amid a six-game win streak.

At 28-5 overall, the Lynx have already clinched a playoff spot and they are 6.5 games ahead of the WNBA's second-best record, which belongs to the Atlanta Dream at 28-12.

This article first appeared on Bring Me The News and was syndicated with permission.

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