It was 2012 when the Indiana Fever snatched their first and only WNBA championship by beating the Lynx. Feels like forever ago, right? Not a single player from either squad is still around, but these two are right back in the mix — with the top odds to win it all this year. Full circle. While Caitlin Clark’s Fever just bagged their first preseason dub, their next challenge is a face-off against the 2024 runner-ups,rolling in with someone who used to call Indiana home.
So, if we learned anything from last season, never, ever count out the Lynx. They were this close to snatching it all before falling to the Liberty in an overtime heartbreaker. And now they’re back in 2025 with fire in their eyes and unfinished business on the board.
The Lynx are not playing around. We’re talking elite shooters, fluid ball movement, and a tight core that already knows how to click. While other teams are still figuring it out with the whole reload situation, Minnesota’s over here looking like a well-oiled machine. At the heart of it all is Napheesa Collier, the engine, the anchor.
And now there’s another piece clicking into place. Remember Grace Berger? The former Fever guard who got waived earlier? Well, Minnesota swooped in and claimed her off waivers, and it might just be one of the sneakiest-good moves. They did lose Cecilia Zandalasini in the expansion draft, who was a nice rotational player but Berger might be the one to plug that gap. Head coach Cheryl Reeve was raving about her during the training, “The game is easy for Grace… her ability to get to her spots, I think, is uncanny… she’s a good player.”
Cheryl speaking very highly on Grace Berger after training camp today:
“The game is easy for Grace… her ability to get to her spots, I think, is uncanny.. she’s a good player.”
Grace apparently hit a really tough shot to end camp today:
“If you asked each of the teams, who… pic.twitter.com/XD7dafw9UU
— Vanshay Murdock (@VanshayM) May 4, 2025
Berger, the 7th pick in the 2023 draft, had some rookie flashes — 4.2 points, 1.9 assists — before injuries and Clark’s arrival pushed her out of the rotation. But now, she’s healthy, confident, and clearly turning heads in camp. Things look bright especially because Lynx is prioritizing its second group this season.
Many believe Diamond Miller will lead that. But here’s a hot take. Jackie Powell from the Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast flat-out said, “I think Grace Berger might be more of a lock than Diamond Miller.” Not that wild. She’s answering all the right questions and her career shooting is a good 44.2%.
She even hit a nasty shot to close out a recent camp day, prompting coach to share, “If you asked each of the teams, who would you want if Phee didn’t get a shot, their confidence in Grace is pretty high.” That’s some big time praise. You don’t get that kind of trust from a squad that already has Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams unless you’re bringing the goods.
So, With Berger potentially slotting into the rotation, the Lynx are only getting deeper. Their starting five is still intact — Williams running point, McBride and Carleton on the wings, Smith inside, and Collier being Collier. All eyes, though, are on Napheesa and for good reason. She may not say it out loud, but her teammates almost believe it is the MVP season.
Where do MVP odds place Caitlin Clark and Phee?
Caitlin Clark is already the MVP favorite in just her second season. That’s not totally wild considering her record-breaking rookie year, but it’s her popularity that’s driving the betting frenzy. Clark opened at +300 but now sits at +200 on ESPN BET. That’s ahead of even three-time MVP A’ja Wilson (+235), while Napheesa Collier’s at +400 — a pretty big leap from her +565 opening.
Sportsbooks are sweating. Over 50% of MVP tickets are on Clark, and a massive 77.7% of the handle is riding her way. That’s why her odds shrank if she actually wins, they’ll be writing some fat checks. But for Clark to actually lock in MVP, she’ll need to explode this season and carry the Fever to a much better record than last year’s 20-20.
Meanwhile, Collier is quietly stacking up one of the most complete resumes. Last season she averaged 20.4 points, 9.7 boards, 3.4 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.4 blocks. Oh, and she was the Defensive Player of the Year and MVP runner-up. So don’t be shocked if she’s the one hoisting the MVP trophy when it’s all said and done. In her teammate Williams’ words, “Y’all about to see an MVP season. MVP season and go get a ring.”
Oct 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) and forward Napheesa Collier (24) celebrate their teams win after game five of the 2024 WNBA playoffs against the Connecticut Sun at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
For now though, Clark and Collier will share the spotlight in a preseason showdown at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Clark’s old stomping ground. Just a little preview of what could be a full-season MVP battle.
The post Caitlin Clark’s Ex-Teammate Becomes Napheesa Collier’s Substitute as Cheryl Reeve Takes Strong Stance on 25YO WNBA Star appeared first on EssentiallySports.
