Cassidy Hettesheimer

Napheesa Collier’s playoff form, newcomer Aari McDonald’s role and a potential first-round opponent are among the questions the Lynx’s next few contests could help answer.

Unrivaled, the Miami-based league, is expanding to eight U.S. cities, with Minneapolis — one of its top markets for viewership — hosting two games Jan. 24.

Aari McDonald averaged 9.8 points and 4.7 assists for Indiana last season before a broken foot ended her campaign. After sitting out so far this season, she’ll have a chance to earn a role in the Lynx’s championship plans.

Some players are competing in the FIBA World Cup while others rest and recover, giving Cheryl Reeve’s team an unusual reset before its final four regular-season games.

The league’s expanding talent pool prompted Cheryl Reeve to add a dedicated overseas scout. Now Lynx players representing six countries are headed to this week’s FIBA World Cup.

A loss to Atlanta showed the Lynx must prepare for physical defenses they’ll face in the WNBA playoffs: “We’re being guarded in a way that should be illegal.”

The 34-year-old captain helped build the PWHL and lead the Frost to back-to-back league championships. She returns on a two-year deal after finishing among the team’s top scorers last season.

Golden State has the league’s top defense, and it shut down Olivia Miles and Napheesa Collier to win at Target Center.

The Minnesota Lynx will host the Golden State Valkyries on Monday without their All-Star guard.

With Napheesa Collier resting, the Lynx beat the Mystics 94-84 to sweep their four-game road swing.