Lynx filling void without Napheesa Collier, prepare to face Sparks

(Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)

Playing without MVP-caliber forward Napheesa Collier, the Minnesota Lynx dodged a bullet in the first of consecutive games against five-win teams.

Having survived the Washington Mystics' upset bid on Saturday in Minneapolis to end a two-game skid, the West-leading Lynx (15-6) visit the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday night.

Minnesota lost an early 14-point lead and had to rall