​Despite not having star forward Napheesa Collier in the lineup for the first 27 games of the 2026 WNBA season, the Minnesota Lynx have managed to put together an impressive 21-6 record.So, Lynx fans are understandably excited to see what the team will look like once Collier returns from her injuries.Those injuries included torn ligaments in her left ankle and a muscle in her left shin that were suffered in the playoffs last season, according to ESPN.According to a new report, Lynx fans might get their wish as soon as Wednesday afternoon when Minnesota takes on the Seattle Storm.MORE: Sophie Cunningham shows no mercy at youth basketball campIs Napheesa Collier playing tonight?The Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile are reporting that Collier is expected to make her 2026 debut on Wednesday when the Lynx face off with the Storm for the second time in three days.“Napheesa Collier will make her season debut for the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday, as the team atop the WNBA standings welcomes the back-to-back MVP runner-up back to its lineup against the Seattle Storm,” the report stated. “Her return, confirmed by a Lynx team official familiar with the decision, is barring any unforeseen setbacks.”MORE: Sabrina Ionescua denies report she turned down 3-Point ContestThe expectation is Collier will have her minutes limited, the report adds.After Collier makes her debut on Wednesday, the Lynx will have almost a week off before their next game because of the All-Star break, so Collier will get some rest as she continues to get acclimated upon her return from a lengthy absence.Impact of Napheesa Collier’s returnThe Lynx were already sporting the WNBA’s best record, so one can only imagine how much better things will get once the two-time MVP runner-up gets back in the lineup.Not only is Collier an elite scorer, as evidenced by her 22.9 points per game last season, she’s also a top-notch rebounder and defender, and she’s a very good distributor for her position.MORE: Sophie Cunningham takes subtle jab at WNBA over 3-Point Contest snubAdding her into a lineup that includes breakout rookie Olivia Miles, Kayla McBride, Natasha Howard and Courtney Williams gives Minnesota arguably the best group in the WNBA.The Lynx were already considered one of the top title contenders in the league before Collier’s return, so getting the five-time All-Star back only bolsters that view.