Valkyries Dominate Fire in WNBA Matchup
Sunday, August 30, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Moda Center
Golden State Valkyries 86, Portland Fire 69, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Golden State Valkyries vs Portland Fire?
Golden State Valkyries beat Portland Fire 86-69 at Moda Center on August 30, 2026.
Who was favored in Golden State Valkyries vs Portland Fire?
Golden State Valkyries were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -250 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive victory, the Golden State Valkyries defeated the Portland Fire 86-69 at the Moda Center. This win extends the Valkyries' lead in the season series to 3-0 against the Fire, showcasing their dominance in recent matchups. The Valkyries have now outscored the Fire by a significant margin in all three encounters this season, with their previous meeting resulting in a 95-77 win on June 3, 2026.
The Golden State Valkyries entered this game with a strong away record of 29-11, having won eight of their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak. Their recent performances have seen them average 82.3 points scored while allowing only 71.6 points per game. In contrast, the Portland Fire, with a home record of 16-24, have struggled, finishing their last ten games with a record of 5-5. They averaged 90.9 points scored and allowed 90.0 points during this stretch, but their inconsistency has been evident, particularly in their home games.
In terms of injuries, the Fire were notably affected, missing key players such as Carla Leite, Frieda Buhner, Luisa Geiselsoder, Sarah Ashlee Barker, and Sania Feagin. The Valkyries also faced challenges with Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, Gabby Williams, and Iliana Rupert all sidelined for this matchup. The absence of these players undoubtedly impacted both teams, but the Valkyries were able to maintain their form despite their injuries.
The betting market reflected the Valkyries' strong position, with DraftKings listing them as 6.5-point favorites for the game. The total points over/under was set at 159.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair. As the game unfolded, the Valkyries not only met but exceeded these expectations, demonstrating their offensive capabilities.
The conditions at the Moda Center were conducive to a competitive game, although the Fire struggled to keep pace with the Valkyries. The scoring plays in the fourth quarter highlighted the Valkyries' efficiency, with Serah Williams, Nyadiew Puoch, and Amy Okonkwo all contributing significantly to the score. The final quarter saw the Valkyries pull away decisively, with a series of successful plays that left the Fire unable to respond effectively.
As the game concluded, the Valkyries proved their mettle, showcasing a solid team performance that will serve as a confidence booster as they continue their campaign. The Fire, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their shortcomings, particularly in light of their injury woes and the need for greater consistency in their performances.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming WNBA matchup between the Portland Fire and the Golden State Valkyries promises to be an intriguing contest as the two teams face off at the Moda Center on August 30, 2026. This game is particularly noteworthy as the Valkyries currently lead the series 1-0, having defeated the Fire 95-77 in their previous meeting on June 3, 2026.
Portland comes into this game with a record of 16-23, while Golden State boasts a much stronger 28-11 record. The Fire have shown some resilience recently, winning two of their last five games. Their most recent performance was a significant victory against the Atlanta Dream, where they won 101-83. However, prior to that, they faced a tough stretch, losing to the Dallas Wings (96-78), the Washington Mystics (105-100), and the Toronto Tempo (82-79). Their other win in the last five was against the Phoenix Mercury (88-85).
In contrast, the Valkyries are on a three-game winning streak, having secured victories against the New York Liberty (79-60), the Connecticut Sun (89-64), and the Minnesota Lynx (80-66). However, they did experience back-to-back losses against the Lynx (66-77) and the Chicago Sky (73-70) before their current winning run. Golden State's recent form has been impressive, with an overall record of 8-2 in their last ten games.
When examining home and away performances, the Fire have a home record of 2-3 in their last five games, averaging 89.2 points scored and allowing 90.2 points. Their overall home scoring average is 90.9 points per game, with an average of 90.0 points allowed. The Valkyries, on the other hand, have been strong on the road, achieving a 5-1 record in their last six away games, averaging 76.8 points scored and allowing just 68.0 points in their last five.
In terms of injuries, the Fire will be without Carla Leite, Frieda Buhner, Luisa Geiselsoder, Sarah Ashlee Barker, and Sania Feagin. Leite is the team's leading scorer with an average of 15.9 points per game, along with 6.3 assists. This absence will be felt as the Fire look to fill the gap left by their top performer. The Valkyries will also be missing several key players, including Gabby Williams, who averages 14.3 points, and Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, and Iliana Rupert, all of whom are out for non-injury related reasons.
The betting market has set the odds with Golden State favored by 6.5 points, according to DraftKings. The total for the game is set at 158.5, with both the over and under priced at -110. This indicates a competitive matchup, with expectations that both teams will contribute to a high-scoring affair.
As for the conditions, the game will take place at the Moda Center, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate fans. The Fire will be looking to leverage their home-court advantage, especially as they aim to improve their standing in the league.
Viewers should watch for how the Fire adapt to the absence of their leading scorer, Carla Leite, and how they manage to contain the Valkyries' scoring threats, particularly from players like Gabby Williams and Veronica Burton. The Valkyries' defense has been a strong point, allowing just 71.6 points per game on average, which will be tested against a Fire team that can score in bunches when on form. This matchup is set to be a critical one for both teams as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | GS -6.5 | 159.5 o -112 / u -108 | Golden State Valkyries -250 · Portland Fire +205 |
Injury report
- Carla LeiteOutNot Injury RelatedPortland Fire
- Frieda BuhnerOutNot Injury RelatedPortland Fire
- Luisa GeiselsoderOutPersonalPortland Fire
- Sarah Ashlee BarkerOutKneePortland Fire
- Sania FeaginOutKneePortland Fire
- Cecilia ZandalasiniOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Janelle SalaunOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Gabby WilliamsOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Iliana RupertOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
Leaders
- PointsEmily Engstler12Portland Fire
- AssistsTeja Oblak7Portland Fire
- ReboundsBridget Carleton5Portland Fire
- PointsTiffany Hayes18Golden State Valkyries
- AssistsVeronica Burton6Golden State Valkyries
- ReboundsKaila Charles8Golden State Valkyries
Recent form
Portland Fire
Last 10: 5-5Streak W190.9 scored · 90 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W101-83at Atlanta DreamAug 28
- L78-96at Dallas WingsAug 26
- L100-105vs Washington MysticsAug 23
- L79-82at Toronto TempoAug 22
- W88-85at Phoenix MercuryAug 16
- W84-82at Seattle StormAug 15
- L81-85vs Minnesota LynxAug 13
- W100-93vs Seattle StormAug 9
- W97-83vs Toronto TempoAug 7
- L101-106vs Los Angeles SparksAug 2
Golden State Valkyries
Last 10: 8-2Streak W382.3 scored · 71.6 allowed per game5-1 away
- W79-60at New York LibertyAug 28
- W89-64at Connecticut SunAug 26
- W80-66at Minnesota LynxAug 25
- L70-73at Chicago SkyAug 21
- L66-77vs Minnesota LynxAug 20
- W78-70vs Dallas WingsAug 18
- W91-71vs Chicago SkyAug 13
- W84-78at Los Angeles SparksAug 9
- W94-76at Dallas WingsAug 8
- W92-81vs Toronto TempoAug 5
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7.5 | 16 | W3 | .590 | 23 |
| 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 | Golden State Valkyries | Portland Fire |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-61 | 24-62 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 9-29 | 10-39 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 26 |
| Free throws | 19-21 | 11-13 |
| Free throw % | 90 | 85 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 20 |
| Assists | 20 | 19 |
| Steals | 9 | 8 |
| Blocks | 4 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 22 |
| Fouls | 12 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 26 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 93 | 1 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter53-31Bridget Carleton makes free throw 3 of 3
- 3rd Quarter53-33Megan DiLeo makes 3-foot layup (Teja Oblak assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-33Laeticia Amihere makes 4-foot hook shot (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-35Megan DiLeo makes 4-foot layup (Teja Oblak assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-35Kaila Charles makes 5-foot layup (Veronica Burton assists)
- 3rd Quarter59-35Tiffany Hayes makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter59-37Megan DiLeo makes 15-foot jumper (Teja Oblak assists)
- 3rd Quarter60-37Kaila Charles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-37Kaila Charles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter62-37Kayla Thornton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter63-37Kayla Thornton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter63-39Serah Williams makes 4-foot layup (Holly Winterburn assists)
- 3rd Quarter63-40Serah Williams makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter63-42Bridget Carleton makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Jordan Harrison assists)
- 3rd Quarter63-45Bridget Carleton makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot (Jordan Harrison assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-45Kaitlyn Chen makes 22-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 3rd Quarter68-45Laeticia Amihere makes driving layup (Veronica Burton assists)
- 3rd Quarter69-45Veronica Burton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter70-45Veronica Burton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter70-48Bridget Carleton makes 25-foot three pointer (Emily Engstler assists)
- 3rd Quarter70-51Emily Engstler makes 26-foot three point jumper (Teja Oblak assists)
- 4th Quarter70-53Teja Oblak makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter72-53Juste Jocyte makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter74-53Kaila Charles makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter77-53Kayla Thornton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kaila Charles assists)
- 4th Quarter78-53Kaila Charles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-54Jordan Harrison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-55Jordan Harrison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-55Kaila Charles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-55Kaila Charles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-57Serah Williams makes 4-foot two point shot (Nyadiew Puoch assists)
- 4th Quarter82-57Laeticia Amihere makes layup (Kaila Charles assists)
- 4th Quarter82-59Serah Williams makes driving layup (Jordan Harrison assists)
- 4th Quarter82-62Nyadiew Puoch makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jordan Harrison assists)
- 4th Quarter84-62Miela Sowah makes running layup
- 4th Quarter84-65Amy Okonkwo makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jordan Harrison assists)
- 4th Quarter85-65Nadia Fingall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-65Nadia Fingall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-68Amy Okonkwo makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nyadiew Puoch assists)
- 4th Quarter86-69Serah Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Portland Fire, below favours Golden State Valkyries.
Venue
- Moda CenterPortland, OR
- Attendance15146
- OfficialsAngel Kent, Agon Abazi, Ken Jones
Elsewhere
- Seattle Storm vs. Los Angeles Sparks - Game Highlights
- Nneka Ogwumike has 23 points and 12 rebounds as Sparks beat Storm 90-74
- Angel Reese breaks WNBA record with 29th double-double
- Angel Reese breaks WNBA record with her 29th double-double as Dream beat Lynx 89-81
- Atlanta Dream vs. Minnesota Lynx - Game Highlights
- Phoenix Mercury vs. Toronto Tempo - Game Highlights
- Han Xu scores career-high 19 points as Liberty get past Sky 85-66
- New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky - Game Highlights
WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Portland Fire Triumphs Over Golden State Valkyries in OTSep 22, 2026
- Valkyries Dominate Fire in WNBA ShowdownSep 18, 2026
- Valkyries Dominate Fire with 95-77 VictoryJun 2, 2026