Las Vegas Aces vs. Portland Fire Picks and Prediction for Thursday, July 9, 2026
Use Code SSWC The Las Vegas Aces visit the Portland Fire on Thursday at 10:00 PM ET at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Las Vegas is 15-6 and tied for first place in the Western Conference, while Portland is 9-12 and sits fifth in the West. The Aces are coming off an 84-68 loss to Indiana after winning three of their previous four games, while the Fire ended a three-game skid with a 77-72 road victory over Seattle. Las Vegas also won the first meeting between these teams 105-89 on June 11 and will look for another strong performance to maintain its position near the top of the conference standings. Build your bankroll with our free WNBA picks.
Las Vegas Aces Looking to Regain Momentum
Las Vegas continues to rank among the league's best offensive teams, averaging 90.0 points per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Jackie Young has provided 16.4 points and 6.6 assists per game, Chelsea Gray contributes 12.5 points and a team-high 7.3 assists, while NaLyssa Smith adds 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds. The Aces also average 35.0 rebounds, 22.2 assists, and 5.2 blocks per contest, showing balance on both ends of the floor.
The Aces have also been dependable away from home, posting a 9-2 road record entering this matchup. Ball movement has been a major strength, allowing Las Vegas to create quality scoring opportunities throughout games instead of relying on one player. Although A'ja Wilson's absence removes one of the league's most dominant scorers and defenders, the veteran backcourt of Young and Gray has enough experience to keep the offense moving efficiently.
Injuries: Dana Evans (Out), Janiah Barker (Out), A'ja Wilson (Out).
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Portland Fire Trying to Continue Recent Improvement
Portland averages 84.3 points per game while shooting 43.6% from the field this season. Carla Leite leads the Fire with 15.4 points and 5.6 assists per contest, while Bridget Carleton adds 13.9 points and Megan Gustafson contributes 11.9 points. Sarah Ashlee Barker is averaging 10.9 points, and Emily Engstler supplies 8.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. Portland has several capable scoring options, but consistency has been difficult to maintain throughout the season.
The Fire have struggled defensively, allowing 91.3 points per game while opponents shoot 46.5% from the floor. Portland did respond with a solid defensive effort against Seattle by allowing only 72 points, but the Fire also surrendered 124 points twice during their recent road trip to Chicago and Washington. Portland will need to defend much better than it did in the first meeting, when Las Vegas shot well and reached 105 points. Limiting turnovers and controlling the pace will also be important if the Fire hope to stay close throughout four quarters.
Injuries: Karlie Samuelson (Out).
Las Vegas Aces vs. Portland Fire Match Pick
- Las Vegas Aces -8.5
Las Vegas remains the stronger choice despite Wilson being unavailable. The Aces still feature one of the league's deepest veteran backcourts with Young and Gray directing the offense, while Smith gives the team another reliable interior presence. Portland has shown improvement recently, but the Fire continue to allow more than 91 points per game and have struggled against the league's better offensive teams. Las Vegas already demonstrated the matchup advantage by winning the first meeting by 16 points, and its experience should prove valuable on the road. Expect the Aces to move the ball effectively, create quality looks throughout the night, and do enough defensively to earn another victory and cover over Portland.
Las Vegas Aces vs. Portland Fire Over/Under Pick
- Over 174.5
Las Vegas averages 90.0 points per game and has scored at least 98 points in three of its last five contests. Portland averages more than 84 points per game and enters this matchup with confidence after defeating Seattle. The Fire's defense has allowed 91.3 points per contest this season, while the first meeting between these teams produced 194 total points. Even without Wilson, Las Vegas has enough offensive depth to push the tempo, and Portland has multiple perimeter scorers capable of contributing throughout the game. This game will cash over.
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