Portland Fire Edges Connecticut Sun in Close Contest
Monday, May 18, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Moda Center
Portland Fire 83, Connecticut Sun 82, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Connecticut Sun vs Portland Fire?
Portland Fire beat Connecticut Sun 83-82 at Moda Center on May 18, 2026.
Who was favored in Connecticut Sun vs Portland Fire?
Portland Fire were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -170 (about 63% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested match, the Portland Fire narrowly defeated the Connecticut Sun 83-82 at the Moda Center. This game showcased the ongoing struggles of the Sun, who have not won a game in their last five outings, while the Fire managed to secure a victory despite their own recent challenges. The win improves Portland's record to 3-2, while Connecticut falls to 0-6.
The Fire entered the game with a home record of 2-2, while Connecticut was struggling with an away record of 0-5. Portland's recent form had seen them win only one of their last five games, averaging 83.8 points scored and allowing 94.0 points per game during that stretch. Their last five results were a mix of highs and lows, including a recent 82-100 loss to the New York Liberty and a narrow 98-96 win against the same team just days prior. On the other hand, the Sun's form has been even more concerning, with a record of 2-8 over their last ten games and an average of 75.5 points scored while allowing 89.8 points. They were on a five-game losing streak, with their last victory coming against the Toronto Tempo on April 29.
Historically, this matchup has favored the Fire, who now lead the series 2-1 against the Sun. The last meeting prior to this game saw Portland come out on top, and they continued that trend with this latest victory. The injury picture for both teams was significant, impacting their respective lineups. The Fire were missing Carla Leite, Frieda Buhner, Luisa Geiselsoder, Sarah Ashlee Barker, and Sania Feagin due to various reasons, including personal matters and injuries. Meanwhile, Connecticut was without Rayah Marshall, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Brittney Griner, Kennedy Burke, and Leila Lacan, all of whom were sidelined for various reasons, including knee injuries and coach's decisions.
In terms of betting, the market had priced Portland as 3.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 174.5. The odds reflected the Fire's home advantage and their recent form compared to the struggling Sun. The spread indicated a competitive match, which was indeed the case as the game unfolded.
The conditions at the Moda Center were conducive to a high-energy game, with both teams looking to make a statement. As the game progressed, viewers saw a back-and-forth battle, particularly in the fourth quarter, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Key moments included Sarah Ashlee Barker's running layup and free throw that brought Portland ahead, followed by a series of scoring plays that kept the game close. Hailey Van Lith's driving layup and Bridget Carleton's free throws were crucial in maintaining Portland's slim lead.
As the clock wound down, the intensity escalated. Charlisse Leger-Walker made a critical three-pointer for Connecticut, bringing the Sun within one point, but it was not enough as time expired. The final score of 83-82 highlights the competitive nature of the contest and the resilience of the Fire, who managed to hold on for the win despite their recent struggles and significant injuries.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | POR -3.5 | 174.5 o -105 / u -115 | Connecticut Sun +142 · Portland Fire -170 |
Injury report
- Carla LeiteOutNot Injury RelatedPortland Fire
- Frieda BuhnerOutNot Injury RelatedPortland Fire
- Luisa GeiselsoderOutPersonalPortland Fire
- Sarah Ashlee BarkerOutKneePortland Fire
- Sania FeaginOutKneePortland Fire
- Rayah MarshallOutCoach's DecisionConnecticut Sun
- Olivia Nelson-OdodaOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Brittney GrinerOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Kennedy BurkeOutNot Injury RelatedConnecticut Sun
- Leila LacanOutNot Injury RelatedConnecticut Sun
Leaders
- PointsBridget Carleton18Portland Fire
- AssistsSug Sutton5Portland Fire
- ReboundsBridget Carleton5Portland Fire
- PointsBrittney Griner16Connecticut Sun
- AssistsSaniya Rivers6Connecticut Sun
- ReboundsAneesah Morrow12Connecticut Sun
Recent form
Portland Fire
Last 5: 1-4Streak L183.8 scored · 94 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L82-100vs New York LibertyMay 15
- W98-96vs New York LibertyMay 13
- L83-98vs Chicago SkyMay 10
- L75-85vs Los Angeles SparksMay 3
- L81-91at Seattle StormApr 30
Connecticut Sun
Last 10: 2-8Streak L575.5 scored · 89.8 allowed per game1-3 away
- L94-101vs Las Vegas AcesMay 15
- L69-98vs Las Vegas AcesMay 14
- L82-89vs Seattle StormMay 10
- L75-106at New York LibertyMay 8
- L67-79vs New York LibertyMay 3
- W83-78at Toronto TempoApr 29
- L72-88vs Atlanta DreamSep 10
- L62-87at Atlanta DreamSep 8
- W87-84vs Phoenix MercurySep 6
- L64-88at Chicago SkySep 4
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Connecticut Sun | Portland Fire |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-63 | 28-62 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 7-20 | 7-22 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 32 |
| Free throws | 11-20 | 20-26 |
| Free throw % | 55 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 20 |
| Assists | 23 | 23 |
| Steals | 9 | 11 |
| Blocks | 6 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 27 | 22 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 40 |
| Fouls | 25 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 14 | 14 |
| Time in front | 60 | 27 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter50-48Hailey Van Lith makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter52-48Brittney Griner makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter55-48Charlisse Leger-Walker makes 25-foot three point jumper (Aneesah Morrow assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-51Bridget Carleton makes 24-foot three point jumper (Holly Winterburn assists)
- 3rd Quarter56-51Aaliyah Edwards makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-52Bridget Carleton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-53Bridget Carleton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-53Gianna Kneepkens makes 25-foot running jump shot (Saniya Rivers assists)
- 3rd Quarter60-53Saniya Rivers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter60-55Emily Engstler makes 10-foot hook shot (Bridget Carleton assists)
- 3rd Quarter60-56Emily Engstler makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter60-59Sug Sutton makes 26-foot running jump shot (Bridget Carleton assists)
- 3rd Quarter60-62Sarah Ashlee Barker makes 24-foot three point jumper (Luisa Geiselsoder assists)
- 3rd Quarter61-62Brittney Griner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter62-62Brittney Griner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter62-63Sug Sutton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter62-64Sug Sutton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter64-64Saniya Rivers makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter64-66Sug Sutton makes 7-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter66-66Saniya Rivers makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Hailey Van Lith assists)
- 4th Quarter69-66Charlisse Leger-Walker makes 26-foot running jump shot (Saniya Rivers assists)
- 4th Quarter69-67Serah Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-67Brittney Griner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter71-67Brittney Griner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter71-68Bridget Carleton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter71-69Bridget Carleton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter71-71Sarah Ashlee Barker makes layup (Sug Sutton assists)
- 4th Quarter73-71Brittney Griner makes driving layup (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 4th Quarter73-73Sarah Ashlee Barker makes driving layup (Sug Sutton assists)
- 4th Quarter73-74Sarah Ashlee Barker makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter75-74Aneesah Morrow makes 3-foot layup (Brittney Griner assists)
- 4th Quarter75-76Emily Engstler makes running layup (Sarah Ashlee Barker assists)
- 4th Quarter75-78Sarah Ashlee Barker makes running layup
- 4th Quarter75-79Sarah Ashlee Barker makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter77-79Hailey Van Lith makes driving layup (Brittney Griner assists)
- 4th Quarter79-79Hailey Van Lith makes 20-foot pullup jump shot (Saniya Rivers assists)
- 4th Quarter79-81Sug Sutton makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter79-82Bridget Carleton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-83Bridget Carleton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-83Charlisse Leger-Walker makes 25-foot three point jumper (Brittney Griner assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Portland Fire, below favours Connecticut Sun.
Venue
- Moda CenterPortland, OR
- Attendance12010
- OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Marcy Williams, Jason Alabanza
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Connecticut Sun Edge Portland Fire in Close ContestJul 14, 2026
- Portland Fire Defeats Connecticut Sun 71-61May 27, 2026