Portland Fire vs. Washington Mystics Picks and Prediction for Sunday, June 28, 2026

The Portland Fire visit the Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena on Sunday at 3:00 PM ET on WNBA League Pass. Portland is 8-11 and sits sixth in the Western Conference after dropping back-to-back games against Chicago. Washington is 8-9 and fifth in the Eastern Conference but has also lost its last two contests. This is the first of three meetings between the teams this season, with Washington listed as the home favorite. Cash in a winning ticket with our free WNBA picks

Portland Fire – Looking to Regain Momentum

Portland has struggled to build consistency during its inaugural season, alternating strong performances with difficult losses. The Fire were routed by Chicago 124-94 on Friday after falling 101-78 to the Sky two days earlier. Before that stretch, Portland defeated Seattle 94-89 and edged Dallas 84-83, showing the offensive potential this roster can produce when shots are falling. The Fire average 82.0 points per game while shooting 44.1% from the field, but they also surrender 90.6 points per contest, one of the league's highest defensive averages. Rebounding has also been an issue, with Portland averaging only 28.4 boards per game.

Carla Leite continues to lead the offense with 14.1 points and 5.5 assists per game, while Bridget Carleton adds 13.7 points and provides steady perimeter defense. Megan Gustafson contributes 11.6 points inside, Sarah Ashlee Barker averages 10.5 points, and Emily Engstler anchors the frontcourt with 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. Portland will need a much stronger defensive effort after allowing at least 101 points in consecutive outings.

Injuries: Karlie Samuelson (GTD, finger), Sania Feagin (GTD, coach's decision).

Washington Mystics – Strong Defense at Home

Washington enters after losses to Connecticut and Minnesota, but had won three straight games before that skid. The Mystics defeated Minnesota, New York, and Connecticut during that stretch while continuing to rely on one of the league's better defensive groups. Washington averages 81.9 points per game while allowing only 84.1, and its balanced attack has helped keep the team in the middle of the Eastern Conference race. The Mystics also own a significant rebounding advantage, averaging 35.1 rebounds per contest compared to Portland's 28.4.

Sonia Citron has developed into Washington's primary scorer with 17.8 points per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Kiki Iriafen has been outstanding in the paint, averaging 14.8 points and 9.1 rebounds, while Shakira Austin adds 13.3 points and 8.9 rebounds. Georgia Amoore directs the offense with 4.1 assists per game, giving Washington multiple reliable scoring options capable of taking advantage of Portland's defensive struggles.

Injuries: Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (GTD, coach's decision).

Portland Fire vs. Washington Mystics Game Pick

• Washington Mystics

Washington has the edge entering this matchup because of its stronger defense, rebounding advantage, and more balanced frontcourt. The Mystics have allowed considerably fewer points than Portland throughout the season, while Iriafen and Austin should control the paint against a Fire team that has struggled on the glass. Playing at home also gives Washington an advantage against a Portland squad that is just 2-6 on the road.

Portland Fire vs. Washington Mystics Over/Under Pick

• Over

Portland's defensive struggles have resulted in high-scoring games throughout June, allowing 124 and 101 points in its last two contests. Washington has enough offensive balance to take advantage, while the Fire have capable scorers in Leite, Carleton, and Gustafson to contribute on the other end. With Portland allowing over 90 points per game this season, this matchup has a good chance to finish above the closing line.