The WNBA regular season is starting with a game between the Portland Fire and the Phoenix Mercury. This game will take place at the Mortgage Matchup Center. The game is scheduled for Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
Portland Fire comes into this game with a recent win against the Seattle Storm. They won by 2 points, with a final score of 84-82. Before that, they lost to the Minnesota Lynx by 4 points.
Phoenix Mercury recently won against the Los Angeles Sparks by 7 points, with a score of 94-87. However, they faced a tough loss to the Washington Mystics, losing by 20 points. Both teams are looking to start the season strong with a win.
Mercury Preview
The Phoenix Mercury play in the Western Conference. They do not have a head coach listed. Their record for the 2026 regular season is 13 wins and 22 losses. At home, they have won 5 games and lost 10.
In their recent games, the Mercury won against the Los Angeles Sparks with a score of 94-87. Noemie Brochant scored 24 points in that game. DeWanna Bonner also contributed with 11 points and 7 rebounds. The team had a field goal percentage of 51.7% in this game.
Before that win, the Mercury lost to the Washington Mystics by 20 points. The score was 95-75. In that game, DeWanna Bonner scored 10 points. Natasha Mack added 8 points and 7 rebounds. The team’s field goal percentage was 42.0%.
In another recent game, the Mercury lost to the Connecticut Sun by 3 points. The final score was 75-72. DeWanna Bonner had 6 points and 11 rebounds in this game. The team’s field goal percentage was 39.7%. The Mercury are currently on a one-game winning streak.
Fire Preview
The Portland Fire have a record of 14-20 in the 2026 regular season. At home, they have won 8 games and lost 10. On the road, they have a record of 6-10. In their last 10 games, they have the same record as their overall season, 14-20.
In their recent games, the Fire won against the Seattle Storm with a score of 84-82. Emily Engstler scored 9 points in this game. Another recent game was against the Minnesota Lynx, where the Fire lost 81-85. Jordan Harrison scored 6 points in that game.
The Fire also played against the Seattle Storm earlier and won 100-93. Holly Winterburn contributed with 4 points and 7 assists in this game. The team made 34 out of 66 field goals, which is a 51.5% shooting rate.
Bridget Carleton is a key player for the Fire, playing in all 34 games. She averages 14.2 points per game. Another important player is Carla Leite, who averages 15 points per game and 6 assists per game. Emily Engstler also contributes with 9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
Statistical Breakdown for Mercury vs Fire
The Phoenix Mercury and Portland Fire have similar records, making this game important for both teams. The Mercury have struggled at home, while the Fire have had challenges on the road. Key players like Noemie Brochant and Carla Leite could impact the outcome. The Mercury's recent shooting accuracy might give them an edge, but the Fire's balanced scoring could counter that.
- Phoenix Mercury Home Record: 5-10
- Portland Fire Road Record: 6-10
- Noemie Brochant's Recent Game Points: 24
- Carla Leite's Average Points per Game: 15
- Mercury's Recent Field Goal Percentage: 51.7%
- Fire's Recent Field Goal Percentage: 51.5%
Betting Insights
The Portland Fire and Phoenix Mercury are set for a game that offers some interesting betting angles. Portland has been strong against the spread recently, while Phoenix has struggled in that area. Here are the top betting trends for this game:
- Portland is 3-0 ATS in their last 3 games.
- Portland is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
- Portland is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games.
- Portland has hit the Over in 6 of their last 10 games.
- Phoenix is 1-2 ATS in their last 3 games.
Free Betting Prediction for Mercury vs Fire
The Phoenix Mercury and Portland Fire have similar records, making this game important for both teams. The Mercury have shown improvement in their shooting accuracy, as seen in their recent win against the Los Angeles Sparks. Noemie Brochant's scoring ability could be a key factor in this game.
On the other hand, the Portland Fire have been strong against the spread in recent games. They have a balanced scoring attack with players like Carla Leite and Bridget Carleton. Their ability to perform well on the road will be tested against the Mercury.
Considering the recent form and betting trends, the Mercury might have a slight edge due to their shooting accuracy. However, the Fire's performance against the spread suggests they could cover the spread. The game could be close, with the Mercury possibly winning but not covering the spread.
- Our Free Prediction: Fire +4.5
Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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