Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas has been making a big push in the MVP race, but Collier will be difficult to catch. Jump to:MVP | Rookie of Year | Defensive Player of YearMost Improved | Sixth Player | Coach of YearMVPBruce Kluckhohn-Imagn ImagesKendra Andrews: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota LynxKevin Pelton: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota LynxAlexa Philippou: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota LynxMichael Voepel: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota LynxESPN's front-runner: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota LynxDespite missing the past three games because of an ankle sprain, Collier remains our consensus pick. Top challenger: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx; Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury; A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas AcesAs was the case last year, the MVP front-runners are also at the forefront of the DPOY race. -- PelotonMost Improved PlayerAndrews: Allisha Gray, Atlanta DreamPelton: Veronica Burton, Golden State ValkyriesPhilippou: Veronica Burton, Golden State ValkyriesVoepel: Veronica Burton, Golden State ValkyriesESPN's front-runner: Veronica Burton, Golden State ValkyriesBurton's story is about perseverance meeting opportunity. Golden State has been particularly impressive on defense, allowing the second-fewest points in the league (77.3 PPG).