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Napheesa Collier is officially coming back on the basketball court.
Collier, who was listed as "probable" ahead of a Minnesota Lynx vs. Seattle Storm matchup on Wednesday (3 p.m. ET, League Pass), will to make her 2026 season debut after nearly 10 months away, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed.
It's unclear how many minutes the Minnesota star will play. Head coach Cheryl Reeve says she plans to encourage Collier to take her return slowly. Reeve acknowledges that won't be easy for a player of Collier's caliber.
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"(She) doesn't want to take time to get back," Reeve said. "It also makes her really good and a chance for her to be successful more immediately than later. She doesn't want that; she doesn't want a minute restriction, and she doesn't want for people to expect less than greatness from her."
Collier resumed team practice activities on July 1, a significant step toward returning to the court in anticipation of her season debut after undergoing surgery on both ankles.
"Feels good to be back," Collier said. "I'm progressing really well. Obviously, it's hard to be out and not with the team…trying to be a player-coach out there for them as best as I can, but definitely feels better to be on the court."
Collier's surgeries on both ankles occurred in the offseason after multiple injuries during the 2025 WNBA season. In August 2025, she injured her ankle during a 111-58 win over the Las Vegas Aces and missed 11 games. During Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury, Collier suffered a Grade 2 tear of three ankle ligaments and shin muscle after a collision with Alyssa Thomas.
Last season, Collier became the second WNBA player in league history to record a 50-40-90 regular season, shooting 50% from the field, 40% from the 3-point line and 90% from the free throw line. She finished second in MVP voting behind A'ja Wilson.
"Just her being in practice a little bit, it's like a sigh of relief almost," Minnesota guard Kayla McBride said. "She's just a great basketball player, and it's every facet of the game ... MVP type of player. But just overall, just a great basketball player. Somebody who's very steady. (Has) a lot of experience ... Overall, I'm just happy to see her healthy and back on the court."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lynx star Napheesa Collier to make WNBA season debut after nearly 300-day injury hiatus
