Why is MVP candidate Napheesa Collier not playing tonight vs Sparks? Reason behind Lynx superstar's absence revealed

Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier won't be playing tonight against the LA Sparks in their final game of the regular season. Collier has been magnificent for the Lynx this season and she's one of the MVP candidates alongside the likes of A'ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Alyssa Thomas and Breanna Stewart.

But why is Collier listed as out by the Lynx? According to Minnesota's PR account on X/Twitter, the forward is not injured and is just being given rest. Minnesota has already locked up the No. 2 seed, so their game tonight versus the Sparks has no bearing regardless of the outcome.

In addition to Collier, the Lynx are also expected to rest All-Star guard Kayla McBride. They don't want to risk any injuries ahead of the playoffs that are set to begin on Sunday. Meanwhile, Dorka Juhasz is listed as questionable due to a right foot injury.

Naphessa Collier missed five games before the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game due to plantar fasciitis. The Lynx went 3-2 during Collier's absence, which showed how deep the team's roster is this season. Collier returned to play at the All-Star Game but was limited to just three minutes.

The UConn product also played at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averaging 6.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. She won her second gold medal with Team USA. Her first came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Collier returned with a vengeance after the break, leading the Lynx to an impressive 13-1 record. They have been the best team in the league in the second half of the season although they are not the betting favorites to win it all.

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Cheryl Reeve calls Napheesa Collier the MVP

Cheryl Reeve calls Napheesa Collier the MVP (Image Source: Getty)

Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve believes Napheesa Collier will be MVP of the WNBA. Reeve raved about his star player in an appearance on the "In Case You Missed It" podcast with Khristina Williams on Wednesday:

"She's not done yet. You know, Phee will be MVP of the WNBA. We know she was in the conversation last season. She's further in the conversation this season. We'll see how things turn out. We've still got more season to play, but her evolution has just been incredible," Reeve said.

"It's allowed our franchise to transition from its post-dynasty years into a group that has another chance to win a WNBA championship. That's because of the Napheesa Collier," she added.

Collier is averaging 20.4 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.9 spg and 1.4 bpg this season. She could have been the favorite to win the MVP award if A'ja Wilson wasn't having a historic campaign. She's likely to finish in the top three of the voting.

The four-time All-Star led the Lynx to the 2024 WNBA Commissioner's Cup and was named the Commissioner's Cup MVP. If they can carry their momentum to the playoffs, there's a chance they could win their first WNBA championship since 2017.

Do you think Napheesa Collier can lead the Minnesota Lynx to a WNBA title this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.