The Minnesota Lynx’s star forward and WNBA MVP contender, Napheesa Collier, has been ruled out for Friday’s game against the Phoenix Mercury, as first reported by Athlon Sports. The matchup was highly anticipated, featuring a duel between standout forwards Satou Sabally of the Mercury and Collier of the Lynx.
Phoenix Mercury is set to face the Minnesota Lynx on Friday, a game that attracted attention due to the expected face-off between top forwards Satou Sabally and Napheesa Collier. Unfortunately for Minnesota, Collier has been sidelined with an injury.
Collier was initially listed as questionable before the game, with Minnesota’s head coach Cheryl Reeve describing her knee issues as "precautions." Reeve mentioned that Collier, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, has been managing knee problems since 2023. When asked about Collier’s status for the game, the coach was initially uncertain.
Before the game commenced, the team confirmed Collier would not be playing against Phoenix. The star players were spotted in casual attire engaging with fans at PHX Arena. This will mark Collier’s first missed game of the season. Since the start of the 2025 WNBA season, she had been consistently active and available for the Lynx, who have won five straight games and look poised to maintain their streak even without her presence.
Collier, the team’s leading scorer, has been instrumental this season, averaging 26.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Meanwhile, the Mercury have been on a roll as well, securing back-to-back wins. In their latest game, Sabally and her teammates defeated the Chicago Sky 94-89, with Sabally contributing 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Fans will get the chance to see the anticipated showdown between Sabally and Collier on Tuesday, June 3rd, when the Mercury visit Minnesota.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025.
Fan Take: This injury news is a pivotal moment for WNBA fans, as it impacts one of the season’s most exciting rivalries between Sabally and Collier. The absence of Collier could shift the competitive balance and adds an unpredictable twist to the league’s narrative, highlighting the resilience and depth of the teams involved.
