How to watch Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty: key injuries shape WNBA Rivals Week matchup

The Minnesota Lynx will face the New York Liberty in a WNBA Rivals Week game on Sunday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET, with live coverage available on ABC, ESPN+, and streaming via Fubo.

Minnesota will be without MVP front-runner Napheesa Collier, who sprained her right ankle on Aug. 2 and is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks. New York will also miss a key contributor, as Breanna Stewart is out indefinitely with a right knee bone bruise.

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In Collier’s absence, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve is expected to extend Kayla McBride’s perimeter shooting role and utilize Courtney Williams in mid-range play. Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith will focus on rebounding responsibilities. The Lynx recently added DiJonai Carrington from the Dallas Wings in exchange for Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round draft pick, a move designed to bolster Minnesota’s top-ranked defense.

The Liberty enter the contest on a three-game winning streak, following a four-game losing stretch. On Aug. 3, Sabrina Ionescu recorded 36 points and 11 rebounds against the Connecticut Sun. Emma Meesseman, a former WNBA Finals MVP, contributed 13 points, two blocks, and one steal in her second game with New York. The Liberty followed that win with an 85-76 victory over Dallas, completing back-to-back wins against the Wings.

The matchup’s outcome will hinge on possession control and shot disruption. For New York, securing defensive rebounds and limiting McBride’s rhythm on catch-and-shoot attempts will be key. For Minnesota, winning the turnover battle and creating transition opportunities for Carrington will be crucial.

This game marks the first meeting at Barclays Center between the two teams since last year’s WNBA Finals and is the second of four matchups this season. The Lynx will play the Liberty three times between Aug. 10 and Aug. 19, while New York will compete in five games over the same period.