Valkyries Dominate Fire in WNBA Showdown
Friday, September 18, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Chase Center
Golden State Valkyries 82, Portland Fire 66, 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 Portland Fire vs Golden State Valkyries?
Golden State Valkyries beat Portland Fire 82-66 at Chase Center on September 18, 2026.
Who was favored in Portland Fire vs Golden State Valkyries?
Golden State Valkyries were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -800 (about 89% implied). The favorite won.
The Golden State Valkyries secured a commanding victory over the Portland Fire, finishing the game with a score of 82 to 66. This win marks the Valkyries' fourth consecutive victory and strengthens their hold on the series, as they now lead 4-0 against the Fire this season. The game took place at the Chase Center, where the Valkyries have displayed a strong home performance.
In their last ten games, the Valkyries have recorded an impressive 8-2 record, averaging 81.7 points scored while allowing just 70.4 points per game. Their recent form includes notable wins against teams like the New York Liberty and the Connecticut Sun, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive stability. In contrast, the Fire have struggled, finishing their last ten games with a record of 4-6 and an average of 87.1 points scored but allowing 89.1 points per game. Their recent performances have been inconsistent, with a current losing streak of two games.
The Valkyries have excelled at home, boasting a home record of 2-1 in their last three games at the Chase Center, while their away record stands at 6-1. The Fire, on the other hand, have had a tough time on the road, with a home record of 1-4 and an away record of 3-2 in their last five games.
The two teams have met three times this season, with the Valkyries winning all three encounters. Their previous meetings included a decisive 86-69 victory for the Valkyries on August 30, 2026, and a 95-77 win earlier in the season. This consistent dominance has set the stage for the Valkyries to maintain their upper hand in the matchup.
In terms of injuries, the Valkyries were without Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, Gabby Williams, and Iliana Rupert, all listed as out for non-injury-related reasons. The Fire faced a more challenging injury situation, missing Jordan Harrison, Bridget Carleton, Teja Oblak, Luisa Geiselsoder, and Sarah Ashlee Barker due to various ailments, including ankle and knee issues.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Valkyries favored by 12.5 points, with a total set at 159.5. The moneyline for the Valkyries was listed at -800, while the Fire's moneyline was at 550, reflecting the Valkyries' strong position going into the game.
Conditions during the game were conducive for basketball, with no adverse weather factors reported, allowing both teams to focus on their strategies without external distractions. Viewers were treated to a display of skill, particularly from Charisma Osborne, who contributed significantly with key plays in the fourth quarter, including a notable 30-foot three-point jumper.
Overall, the Valkyries' victory underscores their strength in the league and their ability to perform under pressure, while the Fire will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities as they move forward in the season.
What we said beforehand
The Golden State Valkyries will face off against the Portland Fire at Chase Center on September 19, 2026. This matchup is particularly intriguing as the Valkyries currently lead the series 2-0, having won both previous encounters decisively. In their last meeting on August 30, 2026, the Valkyries triumphed with a score of 86-69, showcasing their dominance over the Fire this season.
The Valkyries enter this game with a home record of 29-11, having won four straight games and boasting an impressive average of 81.7 points scored per game while allowing just 70.4 points. Their recent form includes victories against strong opponents such as the Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty, indicating a solid performance as they head into this matchup. In their last five games, they have maintained an average of 80.8 points scored and 66.4 points allowed, further emphasizing their defensive strength.
In contrast, the Portland Fire's record stands at 16-25, and they have struggled recently, losing their last two games. Their away performance has been less than stellar, with a record of 3-2 in their last five away games. They have averaged 87.1 points scored but have also allowed 89.1 points during this stretch, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
In terms of injuries, the Valkyries will be without Janelle Salaun, Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Iliana Rupert, all listed as out for non-injury-related reasons. The Fire will also face challenges, missing Bridget Carleton (ankle), Teja Oblak (knee), Luisa Geiselsoder (personal), Sarah Ashlee Barker (knee), and Sania Feagin (knee). The absence of key players on both sides could significantly impact the game dynamics.
The market has set the odds with DraftKings placing the Valkyries as 12.5-point favorites, reflecting their strong home record and recent form. The total for the game is set at 159.5, with the over priced at -115.0 and the under at -105.0. This indicates expectations for a competitive game, though the Valkyries are favored to win comfortably.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for the Valkyries' ability to leverage their home-court advantage and maintain their defensive pressure, which has been a hallmark of their recent success. The Fire will need to find a way to overcome their recent struggles and capitalize on any opportunities presented by the Valkyries' absences. With both teams looking to establish their rhythm, this matchup promises to be an engaging contest in the WNBA.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | GS -12.5 | 159.5 o -108 / u -112 | Portland Fire +550 · Golden State Valkyries -800 |
Injury report
- Cecilia ZandalasiniOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Janelle SalaunOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Gabby WilliamsOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Iliana RupertOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Jordan HarrisonOutAnklePortland Fire
- Bridget CarletonOutAnklePortland Fire
- Teja OblakOutKneePortland Fire
- Luisa GeiselsoderOutPersonalPortland Fire
- Sarah Ashlee BarkerOutKneePortland Fire
Leaders
- PointsLaeticia Amihere17Golden State Valkyries
- AssistsTiffany Hayes7Golden State Valkyries
- ReboundsKiah Stokes9Golden State Valkyries
- PointsFrieda Buhner14Portland Fire
- AssistsCarla Leite6Portland Fire
- ReboundsEmily Engstler9Portland Fire
Recent form
Golden State Valkyries
Last 10: 8-2Streak W481.7 scored · 70.4 allowed per game2-1 at home
- W86-69at Portland FireAug 30
- 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
Portland Fire
Last 10: 4-6Streak L287.1 scored · 89.1 allowed per game3-2 away
- L91-94vs Phoenix MercurySep 18
- L69-86vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 30
- 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
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 10 | L3 | .756 | 31 |
| Golden State | 1 | 11 | W5 | .732 | 30 |
| Las Vegas | 3 | 13 | W4 | .683 | 28 |
| Dallas | 6 | 16 | W5 | .610 | 25 |
| Portland | 15.5 | 26 | L3 | .381 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 26 | L1 | .366 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 16 | 26 | W2 | .366 | 15 |
| Seattle | 23 | 33 | L2 | .195 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Portland Fire | Golden State Valkyries |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-61 | 29-69 |
| Field goal % | 36 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 8-29 | 13-37 |
| Three-point % | 28 | 35 |
| Free throws | 14-17 | 11-17 |
| Free throw % | 82 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 25 |
| Assists | 17 | 21 |
| Steals | 9 | 14 |
| Blocks | 2 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 19 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 30 |
| Fouls | 15 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 26 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 2 | 87 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter32-42Kiah Stokes makes 18-foot jumper (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 3rd Quarter34-42Karlie Samuelson makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter35-42Karlie Samuelson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter35-44Tiffany Hayes makes 3-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter36-44Carla Leite makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter37-44Carla Leite makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter39-44Holly Winterburn makes 8-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter39-45Kayla Thornton makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter39-46Veronica Burton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter39-47Veronica Burton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter41-47Frieda Buhner makes 4-foot layup (Holly Winterburn assists)
- 3rd Quarter41-50Kayla Thornton makes 24-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 3rd Quarter43-50Carla Leite makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter43-51Laeticia Amihere makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter43-52Laeticia Amihere makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter46-52Frieda Buhner makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nyadiew Puoch assists)
- 3rd Quarter46-55Laeticia Amihere makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kaitlyn Chen assists)
- 3rd Quarter46-57Laeticia Amihere makes 2-foot layup (Kaitlyn Chen assists)
- 3rd Quarter46-58Kaila Charles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter46-60Kaila Charles makes layup (Laeticia Amihere assists)
- 3rd Quarter46-62Tiffany Hayes makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter48-62Megan DiLeo makes driving layup (Charisma Osborne assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-62Megan DiLeo makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter49-64Tiffany Hayes makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter49-67Kaitlyn Chen makes 30-foot three point jumper (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 4th Quarter49-70Kaitlyn Chen makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 4th Quarter49-73Juste Jocyte makes 22-foot three point jumper (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 4th Quarter49-75Kaitlyn Chen makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot (Juste Jocyte assists)
- 4th Quarter52-75Nyadiew Puoch makes 24-foot three point jumper (Carla Leite assists)
- 4th Quarter52-78Kaitlyn Chen makes 25-foot three point jumper (Laeticia Amihere assists)
- 4th Quarter55-78Carla Leite makes 28-foot three point step back jumpshot (Frieda Buhner assists)
- 4th Quarter55-81Laeticia Amihere makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kaila Charles assists)
- 4th Quarter56-81Nyadiew Puoch makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter57-81Nyadiew Puoch makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter59-81Frieda Buhner makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot (Charisma Osborne assists)
- 4th Quarter60-81Charisma Osborne makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter61-81Charisma Osborne makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-81Nyadiew Puoch makes running layup
- 4th Quarter63-82Laeticia Amihere makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter66-82Charisma Osborne makes 30-foot three point jumper (Frieda Buhner assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Golden State Valkyries, below favours Portland Fire.
Venue
- Chase CenterSan Francisco, CA
- Attendance18064
- OfficialsIsaac Barnett, Tyler Mirkovich, Kelly Broomfield
Elsewhere
- Golden State Valkyries vs. Fire - Game Highlights
- Kaitlyn Chen makes five 3-pointers on the way to 17 points off the bench, Valkyries beat Fire 82-66
- Kelsey Mitchell sets WNBA season scoring record, feted by Fever
- The Liberty beat the Lynx 93-81 as Breanna Stewart posts 24 points and 10 rebounds
- Toronto Tempo vs. Indiana Fever - Game Highlights
- Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty - Game Highlights
- Toronto Tempo's 'Setting the Tempo': Where to watch and more
- Does the law back Enes Kanter Freedom's WNBA draft bid?
WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Portland Fire Triumphs Over Golden State Valkyries in OTSep 22, 2026
- Valkyries Dominate Fire in WNBA MatchupAug 30, 2026
- Valkyries Dominate Fire with 95-77 VictoryJun 2, 2026