Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles had an injury scare during Wednesday’s 96-87 win over the Los Angeles Sparks. However, she won’t miss time.
Minnesota’s status report ahead of Saturday’s game against the Portland Fire didn’t include Miles, a sign the rookie guard has cleared the concerns that arose when she rolled her left ankle earlier in the week. Napheesa Collier remains out, still working her way back from offseason surgery on both ankles.
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Tip-off between the Minnesota Lynx and Fire is set for 7 p.m. CT at Target Center.
Miles left Wednesday’s 96-87 win over the Sparks with 6:03 remaining in the fourth after rolling her ankle on a pass. She scored 18 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals in 26 minutes before leaving with a limp. She later updated social media, saying the injury wasn’t as serious as it seemed.
Mlies is delivering a remarkable rookie season with 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 23 games, making her a top Rookie of the Year contender and 2026 All-Star starter. She recovered from a right calf strain that caused her to miss two July games before facing the New York Liberty.
Collier hasn’t played this season recovering from ankle surgery after an injury last fall during the WNBA semifinals against Phoenix Mercury. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said she’s practicing again and close to returning, but no date is set. Reeve added that the Lynx still depend on her and will gradually reintroduce her once she’s cleared to play.
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As of Saturday, Minnesota’s four-game winning streak began July 8 with a road win over the Connecticut Sun. They also defeated the New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, and Sparks on Wednesday. The Lynx are 19-6, one of the top records. Kayla McBride leads with five straight 20-point games, including a season-high 37 against the Mercury.
The Fire reached 11-14 and sixth place in the Western Conference after ending a two-game losing streak Thursday with a 75-56 victory over the Washington Mystics. Carla Leite scored 14 points with 5 assists, and Serah Williams contributed 12 on 5-of-6 shooting. Portland led 28-13 early and kept the lead.
Saturday’s game takes place less than two weeks before the WNBA All-Star Game. Having Miles in the lineup will help Minnesota to maintain momentum going into the break. The top of the standings is tight, with the Golden State Valkyries and Las Vegas Aces each having one less loss than Minnesota, while the Dallas Wings only have two fewer.
