“We’ve had to deal with injuries already this season,” head coach Nate Tibbetts remarked. With a vision to build the team around the “Big 3” — Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and Satou Sabally — following the departures of veterans Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, Tibbetts’ plan is already showing cracks. Copper, expected to lead the roster, missed the preseason games against the Las Vegas Aces. Moreover, she is yet to return. Though Tibbetts had counted on her leadership this season, that goal now seems out of reach as games continue without her.

Despite the setbacks, the Mercury opened the season strong. They consistently put up a fight and finished games with narrow margins. It’s no surprise they currently rank fourth in the overall league standings and second in the Western Conference. “In the long run, you try to turn it into a positive, and it’s going to help us down the line,” Tibbetts added. She expressed hope that Copper’s eventual return will strengthen the team’s momentum. But will the sidelined star be back in time to face the Lynx? Let’s take a closer look at the Phoenix Mercury’s injury report, projected starting five, and more.

Injury Report: Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx

According to ESPN’s official website, Kahleah Copper will remain out of the game against the Lynx on Tuesday. The 16-day-old playing status of the guard remains out, despite a successful surgery. “Copper underwent a successful left knee arthroscopy and her timetable for return is approximately four to six weeks, the Mercury announced Saturday,” The official website stated. 

Copper underwent a left knee arthroscopic surgery in May 2025, most likely to address a minor structural knee issue.

Such procedures are often needed due to a torn meniscus, damaged ligaments, loose bone or cartilage fragments, inflamed joint linings, misaligned patella, or to remove scar tissue. Compared to open surgery, arthroscopy is less invasive, typically results in less swelling, carries a lower risk of infection, and offers a faster recovery period—usually four to six weeks. Based on this timeline, Copper is expected to rejoin the Phoenix Mercury by mid-June 2025.

Before her knee injury, Copper had also been dealing with a back issue that caused her to miss several games during the 2024 season. The team was already concerned about a potential recurrence, which could have impacted her participation in the preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Aces in early May. As one of the players expected to lead the roster in the absence of Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi, Copper’s continued absence raises a pressing question: Is she the only Mercury player missing from Tuesday’s game? Not quite.

Alyssa Thomas is the latest addition to the Phoenix injury report, listed with a calf injury. Her status remains uncertain. Indeed, it’s classified as a “game-time decision” or day-to-day. Despite this, Thomas has been a key contributor during the 2025 regular season. She has been averaging 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 8 assists. She had a standout performance in the season opener against the Seattle Storm, putting up 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. In her most recent outing—last Wednesday against the Chicago Sky—Thomas nearly notched a triple-double with 15 assists, 7 rebounds, and 10 points, helping the team secure a 94–89 victory.

Additionally, a lower back injury will prevent 6-foot-4 center Natasha Mack from playing Tuesday’s game. Her lower back injury has kept her out since it began. According to Desert Wave Media, “Mack (back) will not play for Montenegro at EuroBasket,” confirming her continued absence.

With several key players sidelined during the regular season, the Mercury turned to emergency measures. The head coach signed Haley Jones under the league’s emergency hardship exception contract. Jones made her debut with the team on Sunday, contributing 2 points and 4 assists in an 85–80 win over the Los Angeles Sparks.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx boast a fully healthy roster, with no players currently on the injury list.

Projected Starters: Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx

Amid Copper’s injury, here’s a look at the projected starting five for both teams:

Phoenix Mercury

• Monique Akoa Makani
• Kitija Laksa
• Sami Whitcomb
•  Kathryrn Westbeld
•  Satou Sabally

Minnesota Lynx

• Courtney Williams
• Kayla McBridel
• Bridget Carleton
•  Napheesa Collier
•  Alanna Smith

Match Predictions: Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx

The Phoenix Mercury sit in a relatively safe spot with a 3–2 record so far. Despite a shaky season opener—a narrow 77–70 loss to the Storm—they bounced back with a 68–62 win over the Washington Mystics in their second game. However, their two-game streak was cut short with a loss to the Minnesota Lynx on May 31, 2025.

Now preparing for a rematch at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Phoenix’s roster appears too thin to pose a serious challenge to the Lynx. With stars like Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, and Alanna Smith, Minnesota holds a clear edge over the Mercury. As they have relied heavily on rookies Monique Akoa Makani, Kathryn Westbeld, Lexi Held, and Kitija Laksa.

With home-court advantage and a fully healthy, high-powered lineup, the top-ranked team in the Western Conference is poised for another win. While the Lynx edged out Phoenix 74–71 in their last matchup. However, the question remains: can the Mercury adjust their strategy in time for the rematch? With Haley Jones bringing defensive strength to the injury-ridden squad, Tuesday’s game promises to be a thrilling showdown.