Golden State Valkyries vs Minnesota Lynx Injury Report for WNBA Playoff Series (September 14, 2025)

The Golden State Valkyries and Minnesota Lynx face off in their first-round playoff matchup on September 14, 2025, with injuries playing a central role in how both teams approach the series. While the Minnesota Lynx enter the postseason with minimal concerns, the Golden State Valkyries are forced to adapt without key contributors. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of both teams’ injury situations and the potential impact on their playoff chances.

Golden State Valkyries’ Injury Report for Their First-Ever Playoff Run (September 14, 2025)

The Golden State Valkyries are entering the postseason without two of their most influential players, a significant hurdle as they look to make a mark in their franchise’s inaugural playoff appearance.

Tiffany Hayes’ Absence Will Weaken Golden State’s Offensive Output

Veteran guard Tiffany Hayes has been sidelined with a knee injury after missing the final eight games of the regular season. She last played on August 22 when she collided with Phoenix Mercury’s Kahleah Copper, resulting in a serious knee issue. Although Hayes returned to practice and resumed shooting drills ahead of the playoffs, she has already been ruled out for Game 1. Hayes is a critical part of the Golden State Valkyries’ offense, ranking second on the team in both scoring (11.7 points per game) and assists (3.0 per game).

Her absence for the opener is a major setback for Golden State’s offensive flow.

Kayla Thornton’s Season-Ending Injury Leaves a Void in Leadership and Production

The Golden State Valkyries’ troubles are compounded by the loss of forward Kayla Thornton, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Thornton led the team in scoring (14.0 points per game), rebounding (7.0 per game), and steals (1.3 per game). Her leadership and production are now impossible to replace, making this a devastating blow to a team already adjusting to its first playoff experience.

With Thornton unavailable, the team will rely heavily on rising stars like Veronica Burton, the AP Most Improved Player, to shoulder more responsibility.

Minnesota Lynx Injury Report for WNBA Playoff Series Game 1 (September 14, 2025)

The Minnesota Lynx, who finished the regular season as the top seed, have largely avoided major injury disruptions and enter the playoffs with their core intact.

DiJonai Carrington’s Shoulder Injury Remains a Concern but She Is Probable for Game 1

The only significant injury concern for the Minnesota Lynx involves guard DiJonai Carrington, who missed the last four regular-season games due to a shoulder injury.

She did not practice fully in the lead-up to the final game of the season against the Golden State Valkyries, and the team declined to provide a definitive timeline for her return. However, Lynx coaches expressed optimism about her progress, and Carrington is listed as probable for Game 1.

Her return would bolster Minnesota’s defensive capabilities and provide additional depth on both ends of the floor.

Minnesota’s Depth Proven Despite Past Injuries

Aside from Carrington’s situation, the Minnesota Lynx enter the playoffs with a clean bill of health.

Their resilience was on full display during the regular season when they maintained a 5-2 record while Napheesa Collier, an MVP candidate, missed three weeks due to an ankle injury. Collier’s dominant return, marked by a historic 50-40-90 shooting season, reinforces the team’s depth and versatility heading into the playoffs.

Key Injured Players and Their Impact on the Series

Valkyries’ Cinderella Journey Faces Unprecedented Challenges

For the Valkyries, missing both Hayes and Thornton adds significant adversity to their first playoff appearance.

Fans will be eager to see if Veronica Burton can step up and if Hayes might return later in the series to provide an unexpected boost.

Minnesota Lynx Look to Leverage Health and Depth to Defend Their Top Seed

The Minnesota Lynx’s narrative focuses on sustaining their dominance while managing the recovery of Carrington. Their ability to weather injuries earlier in the season, particularly during Collier’s absence, has prepared them to navigate this postseason with strategic depth and composure.

Final Analysis: Injuries as the Defining Factor in Early Playoff Matchups

The Golden State Valkyries and Minnesota Lynx enter their playoff series with starkly different injury landscapes. The Valkyries must adapt without two of their key players, leaning on younger talent and determination to stay competitive. Meanwhile, the Lynx enjoy a rare advantage - a mostly healthy roster, with only Carrington’s shoulder injury a question mark. Expect Game 1 to be shaped by how each team adjusts, with injuries influencing every strategic decision and every possession.Also read: Minnesota Lynx vs Golden State ValkyriesPredictions, Odds, Best Prop Bets, Spread, Moneyline for the 2025 WNBA Playoff Opener (September 14, 2025)The road ahead promises high-stakes drama, as the Golden State Valkyries fight for survival and the Lynx aim to assert their dominance. The injury storyline will remain at the forefront, adding tension, hope, and heartbreak to every game of this playoff series.