Napheesa Collier: Injury Update Today | Jersey | Injury | Husband

Napheesa Collier has been one of the standout stars in the WNBA during 2025—both for her performance on the court and her off-court endeavors. However, recent developments concerning an ankle injury have put her status in question as the Minnesota Lynx navigate critical playoff matchups. In this article, we bring you the latest updates on her injury, the significance of her jersey & league undertakings, and insight into her personal life, especially her husband, Alex Bazzell.

1. Introduction

Napheesa Collier, power forward for the Minnesota Lynx, has been having a breakout season. Her performance has been MVP-level at many points, combining scoring, defense, rebounding, and playmaking.

But sports careers also often face physical tests. Recently, Collier suffered an ankle injury during one of the playoff games, sparking concerns about her ability to continue in the postseason. Alongside that, her media profile has grown due to off-court ventures such as the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league and her family life. This makes understanding her current status all the more important.

2. Recent Injury: What Happened

The Incident

• On Game 3 of the WNBA second round (Lynx vs Phoenix Mercury), Napheesa Collier suffered what appears to be a recurrence or aggravation of a previous ankle injury. This occurred in the closing moments of the game following a collision with Alyssa Thomas.

• She was emotional, visibly hurt, and was helped off the floor into the locker room by team medical staff.

Previous Ankle Issues

• Earlier in August 2025, Collier had sustained a right ankle sprain during a regular-season game vs the Las Vegas Aces. The injury came after her feet tangled with teammate Alanna Smith. She was helped off, walked into the locker room, and was expected to be out for at least two weeks.

• That sidelined period had already raised concerns about her ability to maintain her MVP push and to be fully healthy for the playoff stretch. Napheesa Collier injury update.

3. Medical Update & Prognosis

What We Know So Far

• After the Game 3 injury vs Phoenix, head coach Cheryl Reeve and medical staff have speculated Collier may have suffered a fracture. However, no definitive imaging results (MRI, X-ray) have been publicly confirmed yet.

• Given that this is either a recurrence or worsening of a prior ankle issue, the medical team is likely to proceed with caution. Collier’s mobility, pain, swelling, and imaging will guide further decisions.

Potential Scenarios

1. Rest and Rehabilitation
   If the injury is a sprain or minor bone bruise, she may require rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatories. Healing time could range from 1-2 weeks for mild sprains to several more for severe sprains or sub-fracture issues.

2. Fracture or Significant Structural Damage
   If a fracture is confirmed, that could mean a longer recovery: several weeks to months depending on the bone(s) involved, need for immobilization, etc. That could jeopardize her availability for later playoff games.

3. Impact of Previous Injury
   Since she had an ankle issue earlier in the season, even if the current diagnosis is mild, the risk of lingering issues, recurrence, or reduced effectiveness is higher.

Expected Timeline

• As of now, she is “in question” for upcoming games.

• The “official” status (day-to-day, out, doubtful, etc.) is pending further tests.

• If treatment is favorable, it’s possible she misses one or two more games, especially at home, to ensure she returns at full strength. If worse, she might miss more or the rest of the series. Napheesa Collier injury update.

4. Impact on Team & Season

On-Court Implications

• The Lynx are now potentially facing elimination scenarios in their playoff series against Phoenix. Her absence or limited performance could strongly diminish Minnesota’s chances.

• Collier is key on both ends: she contributes scoring, rebounding, shot-blocking, and defensive versatility. Losing her affects lineup rotations, defensive matchups, and offensive spacing.

Off the MVP / Awards Front

• Collier has been one of the front runners for MVP awards this season; an ankle injury, especially if it causes her to miss multiple games or lowers her effectiveness, could impact voting and narrative.

• Also, absence may affect her rhythm, conditioning, and performance when she returns — which in high-stakes playoff games matters a lot.

Team Psychology and Depth

• The team’s confidence may take a hit. When a star player gets injured in a tight game, momentum can swing.

• Depth becomes crucial: bench players will need to step up. The coaching staff must adjust strategy (e.g., shorter rotations, more off-ball sets, perhaps more inside presence if Collier is limited).

5. Jersey Info & Unrivaled League Details

Collier’s Jersey with Lynx

• Napheesa Collier wears #24 for the Minnesota Lynx.

• Her performance has made that jersey one of the more recognizable in the league this season.

Unrivaled – 3-on-3 Women’s Basketball League

• Collier co-founded Unrivaled, a women’s 3-on-3 professional basketball league, along with Breanna Stewart. The aim is to give WNBA players more earning opportunities in the off-season and less need to go overseas.

• Her husband, Alex Bazzell, serves as league president.

• In January 2025, Unrivaled’s first season tipped off. Jerseys for teams have been released, and the community has reacted positively. Alex Bazzell responded simply: “Jerseys are here!” when the uniform was unveiled.

• The jersey sponsorship includes brands, patches, etc., showing the league’s interest in professionalism and branding.

6. Life Off the Court: Husband & Family

Who is Alex Bazzell

• Name & Role: Alex Bazzell is a trainer (skills coach) for basketball players, and co-founder of the tech brand Through the Lens. He is also heavily involved in Alex-driven initiatives and has become a key part of Collier’s support system.

• Career Highlights: He has trained elite players in both men’s and women’s basketball (NBA and WNBA), including notable names. His work is respected for its intensity, professionalism, and holistic approach.

Relationship & Family

• Napheesa Collier and Alex Bazzell have known each other since high school / early college: Bazzell first saw Collier playing in high school and later became her trainer at UConn.

• They began dating around her junior year in college. They got engaged in October 2019.

• Their daughter, Mila Sarah Bazzell, was born on May 25, 2022. Collier and Bazzell married on October 7, 2022, in St. Louis. Napheesa Collier injury update.

Support & Off-Court Collaboration

• Bazzell is not just a spouse but also a professional partner: he helps with training, business ventures, and supports Collier’s involvement in Unrivaled and in growing her brand.

• Their collaborative efforts are seen in how Unrivaled is structured: offering better pay, equity positions, and branding – areas that reflect both Collier’s performance and Bazzell’s business/training acumen.

7. FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions about Napheesa Collier’s current situation.

Q: Did Napheesa Collier break her ankle?
A: It is not confirmed yet. After her recent injury in Game 3 versus Phoenix, coach Cheryl Reeve has speculated that a fracture may have occurred. We are awaiting medical imaging results.

Q: How long will she be out?
A: That depends on the severity. If it’s a sprain or mild injury, a few weeks could be enough. If there’s a fracture, it could be longer. Previously, an ankle sprain from August cost her at least two weeks.

Q: Will Collier’s injury affect the Lynx’s playoff chances?
A: Yes. Collier is central to Minnesota’s game plan. Her absence would force adjustments in offense, defense, and rotations, and could influence the outcome of the series.

Q: What is her jersey number?
A: She wears #24 for the Minnesota Lynx.

Q: What is Unrivaled and how is the jersey relevant?
A: Unrivaled is a 3-on-3 women’s basketball league co-founded by Napheesa Collier (and Breanna Stewart) to give players earning and playing opportunities outside the WNBA season. The unveiling of jerseys for the teams in Unrivaled has been part of its branding and launch. Her husband, Alex Bazzell (league president), posted “Jerseys are here!” when the uniforms were revealed.

Q: Who is Napheesa Collier’s husband and how did they meet?
A: Her husband is Alex Bazzell. They first met when Collier was in high school. Bazzell later became her trainer at UConn. They dated for several years, had a daughter (Mila Sarah Bazzell) in May 2022, and got married in October 2022.

Q: Has she won a WNBA championship yet?
A: As of this writing (September 2025), Napheesa Collier has not won a WNBA championship.

8. Conclusion

Napheesa Collier’s 2025 season has been exceptional, filled with award nominations, statistical achievements, and off-court ventures that make her a leading figure in women’s sport. The recent ankle injury, however, injects uncertainty into her immediate future—both for her personally and for the Lynx. The community waits on medical imaging and official reports to see how serious this setback is.

Her jersey remains emblematic of her star status, and her work with Unrivaled and other business/training ventures (along with her husband’s support) show that her impact goes beyond what she accomplishes on the court.

As fans and observers, we’ll be keeping an eye on further announcements: the exact medical diagnosis, her potential return date, and how her team adjusts in her absence. If all goes well, Collier could bounce back and help lead the Lynx deep into the playoffs. If not, her absence may be a defining moment for the team’s postseason aspirations.