Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles is listed as "probable" for Friday's matchup against the Washington Mystics, but her status remains in question after she suffered an ankle injury during Wednesday's game.
Miles appeared to roll her ankle with 4:27 left in a win over the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday, Aug. 19. She was defending Valkyries guard Veronica Burton when she awkwardly planted her foot and stepped on Lynx star Napheesa Collier's foot. Miles limped to the baseline before falling to the ground in pain.
Miles has been a key player for the Lynx, averaging a team-high 19.9 points and 6.2 assists per game. Her impressive performance has drawn MVP mentions, and she is currently the leading Rookie of the Year candidate.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve praised Miles' maturity, saying, "She has a maturity about her. That's a rookie. It's high stakes, and you know she is going to be targeted and part of the other team's game plan."
Miles has had a history of injuries, including a right calf strain earlier in July that kept her out of two games. She also rolled her left ankle against the Los Angeles Sparks on July 15, but was able to return to the court without missing any additional games.
The Lynx are currently sitting firmly at No. 1 in the league's standings, and are looking to maintain their lead against the Washington Mystics, who are in sixth place.
The Mystics and Lynx have already played twice this season, with the Lynx winning one game and losing the other. Both games were played prior to Collier's season debut.
The Lynx will need to rely on other players to step up in the absence of Collier, who is listed as out for "rest" against the Mystics. This will be Collier's first missed game since she made her season debut on July 22.
The Lynx are required to submit a pregame status report at least 24 hours prior to tipoff, and Miles' "probable" status indicates a 75% chance that she will appear in the game against the Mystics.
The team will need to wait until closer to the game to confirm Miles' status, but for now, her availability for Friday's matchup remains in question.
Source: Yahoo Sports