Surprising Unrivaled injury update could have major implications

Napheesa Collier is the latest WNBA star who could be held out of Sunday’s postseason Unrivaled action. Collier is now questionable with a left ankle injury, and in turn, relief contract player Kiki Jefferson has been assigned to the Lunar Owls. She’s the most recent player to be added to Unrivaled’s injury report ahead of the semi-finals, which tip off Sunday at 7:30pm.

Collier has been one of Unrivaled’s most dominant players this season; she was named to the All-Unrivaled First Team, and won the league’s 1-on-1 tournament. Collier is averaging 25.7 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game this season.

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In turn, the Lunar Owls have been the league’s best team this season, amassing a 13-1 record and outscoring opponents by 170 points. (For context on just how dominant the Lunar Owls have been, the next-best team in Unrivaled this past season was the Rose, who went 8-6 and outscored opponents by 34 points).

Skylar Diggins-Smith, Shakira Austin and others will have to step up if Collier sits

The Owls were largely expected to dominate the competition given their dominance this past season, but if Collier sits, that would significantly hurt their chances. Shakira Austin, who has been a solid backup big this season, would play a much larger role on both ends. In addition, Skylar Diggins-Smith, who was recently named to the All-Unrivaled Second Team, would carry an even larger offensive load, as well as Allisha Gray, who has been the team’s second-leading scorer.

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Courtney Wiliams has been effective as a backup point guard but has played a more limited role for the Owls; she’s averaged 9.4 points in 9.5 minutes per game. If the team is to go without Collier, Williams is another player who will look to up her production.

Already, several key WNBA players will miss Unrivaled’s playoff debut

While the Lunar Owls missing their best player could end up being highly consequential, it could also help neutralize the playing field, considering just the litany of injuries other playoff teams are facing.

For the Rose Club, Angel Reese will sit due to a hand injury suffered in the final game of the regular season, while Kahleah Copper, who has missed more than half of the season with a leg injury, continues to be out.

For the Laces Club, Kate Martin will continue to sit out due to a leg injury, while Jackie Young is questionable with illness.

For the Vinyl, Arike Ogunbowale is questionable with a right leg injury.

Gameplay is set to tip off on Sunday at 7:30pm ET when the Laces and Rose face off. Then, the Vinyl and Lunar Owls will compete at 8:30pm ET. The winner of those two semi-finals games will square off in the championship gam eon Monday night.