Lynx announce concerning Olivia Miles injury before Caitlin Clark matchup

One of the WNBA’s most anticipated young-guard matchups is suddenly in question. The Minnesota Lynx listed rookie star Olivia Miles as questionable for Tuesday’s game against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever because of a left calf injury.

The designation arrived one day after Miles scored 21 points in Minnesota’s 101-89 victory over the Connecticut Sun. Miles played 31 minutes, shot 7-of-10 from the field and added six assists, three rebounds and two steals. She showed no obvious sign of a significant injury during the game.

The Lynx nevertheless added her to their official status report Monday evening.

“Olivia Miles, questionable, left calf,” the team’s public-relations account announced.

Anastasiia Olairi Kosu was also ruled out because of a right foot injury.

Olivia Miles injury involves opposite calf

Miles’ latest injury is different from the one that cost her two games earlier in the season. The rookie dealt with a right calf problem in July. Monday’s report identified her left calf as the area of concern. Minnesota has little reason to take an unnecessary risk.

The Lynx enter the final two games of the regular season with a 32-10 record and control of the No. 1 position in the standings. Their larger goal is making sure Miles is healthy when the playoffs begin.

The former Notre Dame and TCU guard has become one of Minnesota’s most important players during a historic rookie season.

Miles is averaging 19.8 points, 6.0 assists and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 49.2 percent from the field. She has appeared in 40 of Minnesota’s 42 games.

She also kept the Lynx near the top of the standings while Napheesa Collier recovered from the ankle injury she suffered during the 2025 playoffs.

Miles’ production has made her the clear favorite to win Rookie of the Year. She recently passed Caitlin Clark’s mark of 769 points to establish a new WNBA rookie scoring record.

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Caitlin Clark matchup carries playoff implications

Tuesday’s game matters far more to Indiana than it does to Minnesota. The Fever enter the matchup fifth in the standings with a 27-15 record. Indiana is attempting to move into the top four and secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

The teams will meet twice during the final three days of the season. Indiana hosts Minnesota on Tuesday before the regular-season finale Thursday at Target Center.

A healthy Miles would create an entertaining matchup with Clark, the player whose rookie scoring record she just surpassed. Clark leads the WNBA with 8.4 assists per game and ranks third in scoring at 22.7 points. Miles has combined efficient scoring with steady playmaking throughout her first season.

Minnesota’s final decision may not come until closer to Tuesday’s tipoff.

Calf injuries can be difficult to manage, particularly with the playoffs approaching. The Lynx have already secured their place among the league’s leading championship contenders and do not need to push Miles through discomfort. Indiana would benefit if the rookie cannot play.

WNBA fans, however, may lose the opportunity to watch two of the league’s brightest young guards share the floor in a game carrying significant postseason consequences.

More WNBA news:

• Playoff picture, remaining schedules and key games as WNBA season resumes
• Enes Freedom ejected after confrontation with Natasha Cloud during Fever-Sky showdown
• Aliyah Boston delivers perfect reaction to Caitlin Clark’s career night