Main Character of Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Why Napheesa Collier was in the news
Napheesa Collier is a star forward for the Minnesota Lynx of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and a perennial MVP candidate. She is known for her elite two-way play and has been a cornerstone of the Lynx franchise.
On July 22, 2026, Collier was officially listed as probable to make her season debut for the first-place Minnesota Lynx in a game against the Storm scheduled for Wednesday. This marked her return after a 10-month absence, with her last action coming during the previous year's playoffs. The timing of her potential return was significant as the Lynx looked to maintain momentum at the top of the standings.
Collier's extended absence represented a notable gap in the Lynx's lineup during the early portion of the 2026 season. The team had continued to compete without her through May and into summer, with other players stepping into expanded roles during her recovery period. Her probable return on July 22 signaled a major development for a Minnesota team seeking to add depth and championship credentials as the season progressed.
The clues
- 1Listed as 'probable' for season debut against the Storm on Wednesday, July 23, 2026.
- 2The perennial MVP candidate returned to the first-place Minnesota Lynx roster this week.
- 3Had been absent from the court for ten months before her anticipated comeback.
- 4Last played competitive action during the 2025 playoffs before the extended absence.
- 5Signed a nutrition partnership deal with Thorne on July 21, 2026.
- 6Attended the University of Connecticut before entering professional basketball.
- 7Competes as a forward in the women's professional basketball league.
- 8Known by the nickname 'cette personnalité' throughout her basketball career.
- 9Goes by nickname 'cette personnalité'; her first name begins with N.
Sources
- CBS Sports Headlines 7/22/2026'The Queen returns': Napheesa Collier set to make season debut for first-place Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday