Olivia Miles Sidelined by Calf Injury Ahead of Lynx-Sun Showdown

The Minnesota Lynx announced that rookie point guard Olivia Miles will miss the Monday, July 6, home game against the Connecticut Sun. The league’s injury report lists a right calf injury as the cause, marking the first game Miles has missed in her 20-game rookie season.

ESPNSportskeedaOlivia Miles Out With Calf Injury Ahead of Sun Vs Lynx on Monday

Selected No. 2 overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Miles entered the league from Notre Dame and TCU. She quickly became a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year and entered MVP discussions, earning a starting spot in the 2026 All-Star Game—the only rookie selected. Her emergence has coincided with the Lynx’s rise to a league-leading 15-5 record.

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Head coach Cheryl Reeve has guided the Lynx throughout the season. Fellow guard Natasha Howard, a starting frontcourt All-Star, will remain in the lineup. Center Dorka Juhász is listed as probable after returning from a right-foot injury, while forward Napheesa Collier continues rehabilitation from offseason ankle surgeries.

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Through 20 games, Miles averages 18.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per contest, leading all rookies in points and assists. The Lynx sit atop the Western Conference at 15-5, a record built on Miles’ scoring bursts and playmaking.

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Coach Reeve explained that Miles reported cramping during the previous loss to the New York Liberty, but subsequent evaluation suggested the issue may extend beyond a simple cramp. The team is pursuing imaging to clarify the injury and has deemed it “too soon” to project her return. Miles participated fully in Sunday’s practice and pre-game shootaround.

ESPN

Initial reports described Miles’ discomfort as “cramping,” while the league’s injury report categorizes it as a calf injury, creating a discrepancy in the injury’s nature. Additionally, her status shifted from “questionable” on Sunday to “out” on Monday, and no definitive diagnosis has been released pending imaging.

ESPN

• “Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles will miss Monday's game against the Connecticut Sun due to a right calf injury.” — League injury report

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• “Those that were in tune to the last game, you know, she mentioned feeling some cramping,” — Cheryl Reeve, Lynx head coach

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• “I think ultimately it wasn't a cramp, and so we're kind of taking the next step of imaging and that sort of thing, and trying to get a final answer, exactly what we're dealing with.” — Cheryl Reeve

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• “it was too soon” — Cheryl Reeve

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Miles’ absence removes the Lynx’s primary offensive catalyst, potentially affecting their ability to maintain the league-leading record. Her rookie accolades and All-Star selection have drawn league-wide attention; missing a high-profile matchup could influence Rookie of the Year voting and broader discussions about her MVP candidacy.

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The Lynx and Sun are scheduled to meet again on Wednesday in Connecticut, providing an early opportunity to assess Miles’ recovery and the Lynx’s depth without their star rookie.

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