** Lynx’s Napheesa Collier to Miss Weeks with Ankle Injury

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The Minnesota Lynx are facing a significant challenge as star forward Napheesa Collier has been ruled out for a minimum of two weeks due to a right ankle sprain. This injury comes at a critical time, as Collier is not only a key player for the Lynx but also a leading contender for the WNBA MVP award.

The injury was confirmed after Collier underwent an MRI on Monday, with the team announcing that she would be re-evaluated in the coming weeks. According to CBS Sports, the sprain occurred during the Lynx’s commanding 53-point victory over the Las Vegas Aces—a game that marked the largest road win in league history.

Collier sustained the injury late in the third quarter while attempting to make a fastbreak layup. As she made her move, she inadvertently stepped on the foot of Aces forward Alanna Smith, causing her ankle to roll severely. The moment was alarming, as Collier immediately collapsed to the court in visible pain. The Lynx called for a timeout to attend to her, and although she attempted to rise with assistance from teammates and opponents, the pain proved too intense.

Ultimately, the Lynx’s athletic trainer was able to help her off the court, but she did not return for the remainder of the game. This development raises concerns about the Lynx’s ability to maintain their position at the top of the standings, as they prepare to face the Seattle Storm on Tuesday without their star player. With Collier sidelined, the Lynx will need to rely heavily on their depth and the contributions of other key players if they hope to preserve their No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

Collier’s absence will be felt not just on the scoreboard but also in the locker room, as her leadership and presence are invaluable to the team. The Lynx have a tough schedule ahead, and they must quickly adapt to life without their MVP candidate.

As reported by CBS Sports, the Lynx are set to play at least four games during Collier’s expected recovery period. These upcoming matchups will be critical in determining their playoff positioning as they aim to secure home-court advantage.

In the meantime, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Lynx adjust to this setback. The injury to Collier could serve as a pivotal moment in their season, one that may ultimately define their playoff run. The team will look to find a silver lining in this challenging situation and rally together in Collier’s absence.

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