Sparks Dominate Fire in WNBA Showdown
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · crypto.com Arena
Los Angeles Sparks 105, Portland Fire 84, 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 Los Angeles Sparks?
Los Angeles Sparks beat Portland Fire 105-84 at crypto.com Arena on September 20, 2026.
Who was favored in Portland Fire vs Los Angeles Sparks?
Los Angeles Sparks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
The Los Angeles Sparks delivered a commanding performance against the Portland Fire, securing a decisive 105-84 victory at the crypto.com Arena. This win further solidified the Sparks' dominance in the season series, as they have now swept the Fire with a 3-0 record in their meetings this year. The Sparks' victory was marked by a strong offensive display, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they outscored the Fire significantly.
In terms of recent form, both teams have struggled leading up to this matchup. The Sparks entered the game with a 3-7 record over their last ten games, experiencing a one-game losing streak. They averaged 80.6 points scored while allowing 86.7 points during this stretch. Their last game prior to facing the Fire was a loss against the Dallas Wings, where they fell 77-97. At home, the Sparks had a record of 2-3 in their last five games, with an average of 80.6 points scored and 79.8 points allowed.
The Fire, on the other hand, also held a 3-7 record in their last ten games but were on a three-game losing streak. They averaged 83.7 points scored and allowed 88.0 points during this period. Their most recent outing was a loss to the Golden State Valkyries, where they lost 66-82. The Fire struggled on the road, with a home record of 0-4 and an away record of 3-3 in their last five games, averaging 81.0 points scored and 88.2 points allowed.
The injury situation for both teams was significant. The Sparks were missing Dearica Hamby, Aaliyah Nye, and Cameron Brink, all sidelined due to various injuries. Similarly, the Fire had several key players out, including Bridget Carleton, Holly Winterburn, Teja Oblak, Luisa Geiselsoder, and Sarah Ashlee Barker, all of whom were unable to participate due to injuries or personal reasons. This absence of key players likely impacted both teams' performances.
Before the game, the betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Sparks as 1.5-point favorites with a total set at 178.5 points. The money line was -130 for the Sparks and +110 for the Fire, indicating a slight edge for Los Angeles in the eyes of the bookmakers.
The game conditions were favorable for basketball, and the Sparks took full advantage, particularly in the second half. They showcased their offensive prowess with notable scoring plays, including a three-point jumper by Chance Gray and a driving layup by Charisma Osborne. The Sparks maintained control throughout the game, leading by as much as 21 points at times.
As the game progressed, the Sparks' ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities became evident. In the fourth quarter, they continued to build their lead, with Gray contributing significantly from the free-throw line and beyond the arc. The Fire struggled to keep pace, and despite some efforts to close the gap, they were unable to mount a significant comeback.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the Sparks' strength at home and their successful strategy against the Fire this season. The Sparks will look to build on this momentum moving forward, while the Fire will need to regroup and address their challenges as they continue their season.
What we said beforehand
The Los Angeles Sparks will face off against the Portland Fire at crypto.com Arena on September 20, 2026. This matchup is particularly noteworthy as the Sparks currently lead the series 2-0, having won all three of their previous encounters this season. The Sparks secured victories with scores of 85-75, 89-72, and 106-101, showcasing their ability to compete effectively against the Fire.
Both teams enter this game with identical overall records of 15-26 for the Sparks and 16-26 for the Fire. However, their recent form shows a stark contrast. The Sparks have won three of their last five games, with notable victories against the Connecticut Sun (77-68), Washington Mystics (88-82), and Seattle Storm (90-74). Their most recent outing resulted in a loss to the Dallas Wings with a score of 97-77. On average, the Sparks have scored 80.6 points while allowing 86.7 points over their last ten games, indicating a need for improvement on the defensive end.
In contrast, the Fire have struggled recently, losing their last three games, including a defeat to the Golden State Valkyries (82-66) and a close contest against the Phoenix Mercury (94-91). Their last five games have seen them average 81.0 points scored while allowing 88.2 points. The Fire's recent form has not been favorable, and they will be looking to turn things around against the Sparks.
When considering home and away performance, the Sparks hold a home record of 2-3 over their last five games, while the Fire have struggled on the road with a record of 0-4 in their last four away games. This trend could play a significant role in the upcoming matchup, as the Sparks will look to leverage their home court advantage.
In terms of injuries, the Sparks will be without Dearica Hamby, Aaliyah Nye, and Cameron Brink, all of whom are out due to various injuries. Similarly, the Fire will miss key players including Bridget Carleton, Holly Winterburn, Teja Oblak, Luisa Geiselsoder, and Sarah Ashlee Barker, all sidelined for different reasons. The absence of these players could impact both teams' strategies and overall performance.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has the Sparks favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 176.5. The odds for the Sparks to win outright are -122.0, while the Fire are listed at +102.0. These lines reflect a closely contested game, with the Sparks slightly favored to secure the win.
As for conditions on the day of the game, no specific details have been provided, but the matchup promises to be intense given the stakes for both teams. Fans should watch for Nneka Ogwumike, who leads the Sparks with an average of 17.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, as she will be a focal point of their offense. For the Fire, Carla Leite, averaging 15.8 points and 6.3 assists, will be crucial in leading her team against the Sparks' defense.
Overall, this fixture presents an intriguing battle as both teams seek to improve their standings in the WNBA. The Sparks will aim to extend their winning streak against the Fire, while Portland will look to break their losing streak and gain momentum as the season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LA -1.5 | 178.5 o -108 / u -112 | Portland Fire +110 · Los Angeles Sparks -130 |
Injury report
- Dearica HambyOutKneeLos Angeles Sparks
- Aaliyah NyeOutAnkleLos Angeles Sparks
- Cameron BrinkOutAnkleLos Angeles Sparks
- Bridget CarletonOutAnklePortland Fire
- Holly WinterburnOutBackPortland Fire
- Teja OblakOutKneePortland Fire
- Luisa GeiselsoderOutPersonalPortland Fire
- Sarah Ashlee BarkerOutKneePortland Fire
Leaders
- PointsNneka Ogwumike20Los Angeles Sparks
- AssistsNneka Ogwumike5Los Angeles Sparks
- ReboundsNneka Ogwumike12Los Angeles Sparks
- PointsCarla Leite23Portland Fire
- AssistsCarla Leite5Portland Fire
- ReboundsMegan DiLeo5Portland Fire
Recent form
Los Angeles Sparks
Last 10: 3-7Streak L180.6 scored · 86.7 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L77-97at Dallas WingsSep 18
- W90-74at Seattle StormAug 30
- W88-82vs Washington MysticsAug 29
- L71-78vs Atlanta DreamAug 25
- W77-68vs Connecticut SunAug 23
- L88-124vs Atlanta DreamAug 21
- L77-85at Connecticut SunAug 18
- L70-80at Washington MysticsAug 15
- L81-85at New York LibertyAug 14
- L87-94vs Phoenix MercuryAug 12
Portland Fire
Last 10: 3-7Streak L383.7 scored · 88 allowed per game3-3 away
- L66-82at Golden State ValkyriesSep 19
- 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
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 10 | W1 | .762 | 32 |
| Golden State | 1 | 11 | W6 | .738 | 31 |
| Las Vegas | 3.5 | 13 | W4 | .683 | 28 |
| Dallas | 6 | 16 | W6 | .619 | 26 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 26 | W1 | .381 | 16 |
| Portland | 16.5 | 27 | L4 | .372 | 16 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 27 | L1 | .357 | 15 |
| Seattle | 24 | 34 | L3 | .190 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Portland Fire | Los Angeles Sparks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-64 | 33-62 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 6-27 | 14-29 |
| Three-point % | 22 | 48 |
| Free throws | 22-31 | 25-29 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 86 |
| Rebounds | 23 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 15 | 20 |
| Assists | 17 | 24 |
| Steals | 10 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 28 |
| Fouls | 27 | 26 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 24 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 4 | 94 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter51-71Erica Wheeler makes 26-foot three point jumper (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-73Rae Burrell makes 1-foot layup (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-75Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter52-75Charisma Osborne makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter53-75Charisma Osborne makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter51-77Nneka Ogwumike makes driving layup (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 3rd Quarter52-77Frieda Buhner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-77Jordan Harrison makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter56-77Emily Engstler makes running layup (Jordan Harrison assists)
- 3rd Quarter56-79Nneka Ogwumike makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot
- 3rd Quarter59-79Emily Engstler makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jordan Harrison assists)
- 3rd Quarter59-80Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-82Ariel Atkins makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Tonie Morgan assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-82Emily Engstler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter63-82Emily Engstler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter63-83Monique Akoa Makani makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter64-83Carla Leite makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter65-83Carla Leite makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter65-85Tonie Morgan makes 6-foot two point shot (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 4th Quarter67-85Megan DiLeo makes 2-foot layup (Carla Leite assists)
- 4th Quarter67-88Chance Gray makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 4th Quarter67-90Ariel Atkins makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter70-90Charisma Osborne makes 24-foot three point jumper (Carla Leite assists)
- 4th Quarter70-92Rae Burrell makes 18-foot two point shot (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 4th Quarter72-92Carla Leite makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter73-92Carla Leite makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter73-94Nneka Ogwumike makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter73-97Nneka Ogwumike makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tonie Morgan assists)
- 4th Quarter75-97Nyadiew Puoch makes 6-foot layup (Frieda Buhner assists)
- 4th Quarter75-98Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-98Charisma Osborne makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter77-99Rae Burrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-100Rae Burrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-100Serah Williams makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot (Nyadiew Puoch assists)
- 4th Quarter79-101Chance Gray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-102Chance Gray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-102Charisma Osborne makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter81-105Chance Gray makes 23-foot three point jumper (Shyanne Sellers assists)
- 4th Quarter83-105Serah Williams makes driving layup (Jordan Harrison assists)
- 4th Quarter84-105Charisma Osborne makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Los Angeles Sparks, below favours Portland Fire.
Venue
- crypto.com ArenaLos Angeles, CA
- Attendance17703
- OfficialsKelsey Reynolds, Ken Jones, Ashley Gloss
Elsewhere
- Lisa Leslie statue unveiled on Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena
- Ogwumike becomes 4th player in WNBA history with 8,000 points as the Sparks beat the Fire 105-84
- Los Angeles Sparks vs. Fire - Game Highlights
- Fever go cold vs. Mystics, lose ground in playoff-seeding race
- Washington Mystics beat Indiana Fever 93-77, move within 1 game in standings
- Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics - Game Highlights
- Toronto Tempo vs. New York Liberty - Game Highlights
- Breanna Stewart has 27 to move into 8th on WNBA scoring list as Liberty beat Tempo 106-69