The Minnesota Lynx are poised for continued success as they re-enter regular season play following the All-Star break, largely due to the triumphant return of their standout player. Meanwhile, their upcoming opponent, the Toronto Tempo, faces a challenging road ahead, grappling with both player injuries and defensive vulnerabilities.
Minnesota Lynx Poised for Post-All-Star Success with Collier's Strong Return Against Toronto Tempo
On Tuesday evening, July 27, 2026, the Minnesota Lynx, owners of the WNBA's leading record, are scheduled to clash with the Toronto Tempo in Minneapolis. The Lynx's campaign receives a significant boost with the full recovery of forward Napheesa Collier. Having undergone double ankle surgery during the off-season, Collier made her re-entry to the court on July 22, 2026, contributing an impressive 24 points and 10 rebounds in an 86-76 victory over the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. Coach Cheryl Reeve expressed satisfaction with Collier's immediate impact, highlighting her seamless integration back into the team's potent lineup which also features All-Stars Kayla McBride and Olivia Miles.
Conversely, the Toronto Tempo arrives in Minneapolis in a precarious position, having lost seven of their last eight games, including a decisive 109-83 defeat to Las Vegas on July 20, 2026. The expansion team's struggles are compounded by injuries to key players like Brittney Sykes (20.1 ppg) and Kiki Rice (12.7 ppg), who have collectively missed 27 games. While Rice is anticipated to return from a left ankle injury sooner than Sykes, who is recovering from left plantar fasciitis, their absence has undeniably hampered the team's performance. Furthermore, the Tempo's defense has been a major concern, allowing an average of 94.9 points per game over their recent eight-game slump and surrendering 100 points or more on three separate occasions. Their league-low rankings in steals and blocks further underscore their defensive challenges, particularly in perimeter defense and protecting the rim. Marina Mabrey, who showcased her offensive prowess with 23 points and five three-pointers at Saturday's All-Star Game, remains a bright spot for the Toronto squad.
This upcoming matchup presents an intriguing contrast: a top-tier team bolstered by the return of a star player, against a struggling team battling injuries and defensive inconsistencies. The Lynx's balanced attack, now fully operational with Collier's presence, will severely test Toronto's ability to contain an opponent while simultaneously trying to revitalize their own scoring and defensive efforts. For the Tempo, finding a way to mitigate Collier's impact without exposing themselves to the Lynx's perimeter threats will be crucial.
