Portland Fire vs. Washington Mystics Picks and Prediction for Thursday, July 16, 2026
The Portland Fire visit the Washington Mystics on Thursday at 7:00 PM ET at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. Portland owns a 10-14 record and sits sixth in the Western Conference after falling 90-87 to Connecticut on Tuesday. The Fire have split their last four games and lost a 124-123 quadruple-overtime thriller to Washington in the first meeting of the season. The Mystics are 12-10 and third in the Eastern Conference after winning two straight games, including a 79-62 victory over Toronto on Tuesday. Cash in a winning ticket with our free WNBA picks.
Portland Fire Looking to Even the Season Series
Portland averages 84.9 points per game while shooting 44.3% from the field. Carla Leite leads the Fire with 15.3 points and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 43.5% from the floor and 88.7% from the free-throw line. Bridget Carleton adds 13.5 points per game, Megan Gustafson contributes 12.2 points, and Sarah Ashlee Barker averages 10.7 points. Emily Engstler has anchored the frontcourt with 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per contest.
The Fire have struggled defensively, allowing 91.2 points per game, which ranks near the bottom of the WNBA. Opponents are shooting 46.5% from the field while averaging 23.3 assists per game against Portland. The Fire average 7.4 steals and 4.2 blocks, but limiting scoring opportunities has been a challenge throughout the season.
Injuries: Sania Feagin (Out – Knee).
Washington Mystics Looking to Win Their Third Straight Game
Washington averages 81.2 points per game while shooting 43.9% from the field. Sonia Citron leads the Mystics with 17.8 points per game and is shooting 47.2% from the floor and 88.8% from the free-throw line. Kiki Iriafen has added 15.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, while Shakira Austin averages 14.1 points and 9.1 rebounds. Georgia Amoore leads the club with 3.5 assists per game, giving Washington steady production from multiple players.
Defense has been the foundation of Washington's success this season. The Mystics are allowing 84.2 points per game, the third-fewest mark in the league. Opponents are shooting 42.5% from the field while averaging 19.4 assists per game. Washington also averages 10.2 steals and 4.8 blocks allowed by opponents, helping the club stay among the league's better defensive teams.
Injuries: No injuries were provided.
Portland Fire vs. Washington Mystics Pick
- Washington Mystics -5.5
Washington has already defeated Portland once this season and comes into this matchup after consecutive victories. The Mystics have a significant advantage on the defensive end, allowing 84.2 points per game compared to the 91.2 points Portland gives up. Citron, Iriafen, and Austin have given Washington consistent scoring, while the Fire have dropped three of their last five games. Playing at home gives the Mystics another edge as they look to win a second straight against the Fire.
Portland Fire vs. Washington Mystics Over/Under Pick
- Over 165.5
The first meeting between these teams produced 247 total points, even though it required four overtime periods. Portland averages 84.9 points per game and has scored at least 87 points in three of its last four contests. Washington has scored 79 and 84 points during its current winning streak and has several reliable scoring options led by Citron and Iriafen. With both teams capable of putting points on the board, this matchup has a good opportunity to cash over the total.