Napheesa Collier lifted Minnesota with 24 points, carving a late 18-footer that sealed a 75-74 comeback over Golden State in a tense WNBA playoff tilt. Collier hit 10 of 16, flipping the script after a 17-point third-quarter hole as the Lynx rallied behind Kayla McBride’s 18 and Veronica Burton’s all-around game. Golden State’s home surge wasn’t enough to hold off Minnesota’s late surge, despite a raucous 18,543 crowd and a valiant Valkyries run.

Four third-year breakout bets populate the 2025-26 fantasy landscape: Brandon Miller, Cam Whitmore, Gradey Dick, and Scoot Henderson. Miller aims to flourish as Charlotte pairs him with LaMelo Ball and navigates competition from new teammates, hoping for bigger touches and a true 2A role. Whitmore lands in Washington, where a low-pressure environment and veteran guidance could unlock consistent minutes and shooting gravity. Dick battles back from knee issues in Toronto, dialing in conditioning and pace to reclaim a reliable role. Henderson, finally in a lead guard perch in Portland with Holiday and a reshaped roster, has a clear path to big-scoring and playmaking gains.

These arcs highlight how third-year leaps—driven by minutes, usage, and improved efficiency—can translate into serious fantasy upside, even for players on teams not traditionally viewed as elite. The message: monitor minutes, stay wary of health, and gauge how coaching and roster moves unlock each player's ceiling this season.

Sleepers, breakouts and busts for the 2025-26 fantasy season: Castle, Sarr, Porter Jr., Murphy III and Buzelis offer high upside as sleepers, with Castle perched outside the top 100 but ready to contribute across points, dimes, and boards. Breakouts like Miller, Flagg, Giddey, Wells, and Ware carry league-winning potential as their roles loom larger. Busts include George, Morant, Zubac, Claxton and VanVleet, where durability, minutes, and surrounding talent may cap upside.