WNBA Injury Report: Stars Near Crucial Returns as Midseason Approaches

The physical toll of the 2026 WNBA season has tested the depth of several championship contenders. However, as the calendar turns toward late June, a wave of positive recovery news is providing a much-needed boost to locker rooms across the league. From MVP candidates ramping up their on-court activities to vital role players shedding their walking boots, the focus is shifting from setbacks to resilience.

The most anticipated return belongs to Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier. The 2025 MVP runner-up has been sidelined since undergoing left ankle surgery on March 24, which followed a separate procedure on her right ankle in January. The dual surgeries were necessary after Collier suffered multiple ligament tears during the 2025 playoffs, but her rehabilitation has progressed steadily throughout the spring.[1]

Initially ruled out until at least early June, Collier has officially resumed on-court basketball activities. She recently signed a one-year supermax contract extension with Minnesota, signaling the franchise's absolute confidence in her full recovery. While she missed the opening weeks of the season, her impending return will inject elite two-way production into a Lynx squad that has managed to stay highly competitive in her absence.[1]

In Las Vegas, the two-time defending champion Aces are finally seeing their backcourt return to full strength. Point guard Chelsea Gray, who missed the start of the season with a lower-leg injury, has successfully reintegrated into the starting lineup. Gray recently celebrated a historic milestone upon her return, becoming just the fourth player in WNBA history to amass 4,500 points, 1,000 rebounds, 1,500 assists, and 100 blocks.[3]

The Aces are now awaiting the return of their primary bench scorers. Guard Chennedy Carter, who was averaging 14.4 points per game before being sidelined by a leg injury and a subsequent illness, is nearing clearance. Following a recent victory over the Golden State Valkyries, head coach Becky Hammon indicated that Carter might be ready to go and is being evaluated on a day-to-day basis.

Additionally, Las Vegas guard Dana Evans is ramping up her rehabilitation program. Hammon confirmed that Evans is expected to return to the court before the end of the month, which will alleviate the heavy minutes currently being shouldered by Gray, Jackie Young, and Jewell Loyd. The Aces also welcomed back Kelsey Plum in late June after she missed time with a left leg injury, further solidifying their perimeter rotation.[3]

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Sparks are managing a frustrating setback for rising star Cameron Brink, though the prognosis remains optimistic. Brink suffered a left ankle sprain on June 15 during a matchup against the Valkyries and had to be assisted off the court. While she has been ruled out indefinitely, head coach Lynne Roberts described the issue as a good ankle sprain, suggesting structural damage was avoided.[2]

Brink had been enjoying a stellar campaign before the injury, averaging 9.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while shooting an efficient 53.8 percent from the field. In her absence, the Sparks are leaning heavily on veterans Nneka Ogwumike and Dearica Hamby to anchor the frontcourt, demonstrating the all-hands-on-deck mentality required to survive the grueling summer schedule.[2]

The Dallas Wings have also navigated their share of adversity. Starting point guard and leading scorer Paige Bueckers was forced to miss time in mid-June due to a right ankle injury. The setback temporarily disrupted the rhythm of one of the league's most potent offenses, forcing Dallas to adjust its game plan on the fly during a critical stretch of Commissioner's Cup play.

Despite Bueckers' absence, the Wings have stayed afloat by relying on the emergence of rookie Azzi Fudd and the steady rebounding of veteran Arike Ogunbowale. Across the WNBA, these injury hurdles highlight the vital importance of roster depth. As stars like Collier, Carter, and Bueckers march toward full health, the league's playoff picture is poised for a dramatic reshuffling in the coming weeks.