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WNBA · Final

Lynx Secure Victory Over Fire in Close Contest

Portland Fire
Portland Fire11-15
93
Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota Lynx20-6
101

Saturday, July 18, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Target Center

Minnesota Lynx 101, Portland Fire 93, 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 Minnesota Lynx?

Minnesota Lynx beat Portland Fire 101-93 at Target Center on July 18, 2026.

Who was favored in Portland Fire vs Minnesota Lynx?

Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -800 (about 89% implied). The favorite won.

The Minnesota Lynx triumphed over the Portland Fire with a final score of 101-93 in a competitive matchup at Target Center on July 19, 2026. This victory marks the Lynx's dominance in their series against the Fire, as they have now won all four meetings this season, including a previous encounter where they defeated Portland 107-74 on June 16, 2026.

Entering this game, the Lynx held a strong home record of 20-6, while the Fire struggled with an away record of 11-15. Minnesota had been in solid form, winning seven of their last ten games, including a four-game winning streak leading into this matchup. Their recent performances showcased an impressive scoring average of 87.4 points per game while allowing 85.3 points. In contrast, Portland's recent form was less favorable, with a record of 4-6 over their last ten games and an average of 88.4 points scored against 94.3 points allowed. However, they did manage to secure a win in their last outing against the Washington Mystics, winning 75-56.

The Lynx's home court advantage was evident, as they had a home record of 3-2 in their last five games, scoring an average of 93.0 points while allowing 88.4 points. Conversely, the Fire had a mixed away record of 3-5 in their last eight games, with their scoring average dipping to 84.2 points and their defense allowing only 79.6 points in the last five.

In terms of injuries, the Lynx were without Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, all of whom were out for various non-injury-related reasons. The Fire faced a more significant challenge, missing Carla Leite, Frieda Buhner, Luisa Geiselsoder, Sarah Ashlee Barker, and Sania Feagin, with Barker and Feagin both out due to knee injuries.

The betting market reflected Minnesota's strong position heading into the game, with DraftKings listing the Lynx as 12.5-point favorites and a money line of -800, while the Fire were priced at +550. The total points line was set at 174.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair.

The game unfolded with a series of scoring plays that highlighted the competitive nature of the contest. In the fourth quarter, the Lynx maintained their lead, with critical contributions from players like Kayla McBride and Olivia Miles. Courtney Williams of the Fire made notable attempts to close the gap, including a crucial pull-up jump shot and free throws that kept Portland within striking distance. However, Minnesota's consistent scoring, particularly from Dorka Juhasz and Bridget Carleton, ultimately secured their victory.

Overall, this matchup showcased the Lynx's ability to perform under pressure at home, while the Fire's struggles continued on the road. With this win, Minnesota solidified their position in the league, while Portland will need to regroup and address their injury concerns as they move forward in the season.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsMIN -12.5 174.5 o -105 / u -115 Portland Fire +550 · Minnesota Lynx -800

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

  • Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
  • Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
  • Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
  • Carla LeiteOutNot Injury RelatedPortland Fire
  • Frieda BuhnerOutNot Injury RelatedPortland Fire
  • Luisa GeiselsoderOutPersonalPortland Fire
  • Sarah Ashlee BarkerOutKneePortland Fire
  • Sania FeaginOutKneePortland Fire

Leaders

  • PointsKayla McBride24Minnesota Lynx
  • AssistsOlivia Miles10Minnesota Lynx
  • ReboundsNatasha Howard7Minnesota Lynx
  • PointsBridget Carleton22Portland Fire
  • AssistsCarla Leite7Portland Fire
  • ReboundsBridget Carleton8Portland Fire

Recent form

Minnesota Lynx

Last 10: 7-3Streak W487.4 scored · 85.3 allowed per game3-2 at home

  • W96-87vs Los Angeles SparksJul 15
  • W104-100vs Phoenix MercuryJul 14
  • W90-85vs New York LibertyJul 11
  • W86-80at Connecticut SunJul 8
  • L89-90vs Connecticut SunJul 7
  • L86-99at New York LibertyJul 3
  • W85-77at Dallas WingsJun 28
  • W78-76at Washington MysticsJun 24
  • L79-84vs Washington MysticsJun 21
  • W81-75at Golden State ValkyriesJun 20

Portland Fire

Last 10: 4-6Streak W188.4 scored · 94.3 allowed per game3-5 away

  • W75-56at Washington MysticsJul 16
  • L87-90at Connecticut SunJul 14
  • W102-92at Atlanta DreamJul 11
  • L80-88vs Las Vegas AcesJul 10
  • W77-72at Seattle StormJul 5
  • L123-124at Washington MysticsJun 28
  • L94-124at Chicago SkyJun 26
  • L78-101at Chicago SkyJun 25
  • W94-89vs Seattle StormJun 18
  • L74-107at Minnesota LynxJun 16

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
Minnesota-9L2.77531
Golden State211W4.72529
Las Vegas413W3.67527
Dallas716W4.60024
Portland1524L1.40016
Los Angeles1625W2.37515
Phoenix1726W1.35014
Seattle2332L1.2008

Box score

StatPortland FireMinnesota Lynx
Field goals37-7741-75
Field goal %4855
Three-pointers13-309-23
Three-point %4339
Free throws6-710-13
Free throw %8677
Rebounds3334
Offensive rebounds98
Defensive rebounds2426
Assists2529
Steals76
Blocks29
Turnovers1010
Team turnovers10
Technical fouls00
Technical fouls, total00
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers1510
Fast-break points918
Points in the paint4654
Fouls169
Largest lead019
Lead changes00
Time in front096

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter50-59Kayla McBride makes 24-foot three point jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
  2. 3rd Quarter52-59Sarah Ashlee Barker makes running layup
  3. 3rd Quarter52-60Olivia Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
  4. 3rd Quarter54-60Jordan Harrison makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot
  5. 3rd Quarter54-63Olivia Miles makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dorka Juhasz assists)
  6. 3rd Quarter57-63Jordan Harrison makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nyadiew Puoch assists)
  7. 3rd Quarter57-65Kayla McBride makes running layup (Courtney Williams assists)
  8. 3rd Quarter57-67Dorka Juhasz makes 11-foot two point shot
  9. 3rd Quarter60-67Bridget Carleton makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jordan Harrison assists)
  10. 3rd Quarter60-68Antonia Delaere makes free throw 1 of 2
  11. 3rd Quarter60-69Antonia Delaere makes free throw 2 of 2
  12. 3rd Quarter60-71Courtney Williams makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
  13. 3rd Quarter60-73Dorka Juhasz makes two point shot
  14. 3rd Quarter60-75Maya Caldwell makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Dorka Juhasz assists)
  15. 4th Quarter60-77Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes running layup
  16. 4th Quarter62-77Serah Williams makes 1-foot layup (Carla Leite assists)
  17. 4th Quarter62-79Dorka Juhasz makes 3-foot layup (Olivia Miles assists)
  18. 4th Quarter62-81Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes running layup (Maya Caldwell assists)
  19. 4th Quarter65-81Sarah Ashlee Barker makes 23-foot three point jumper (Serah Williams assists)
  20. 4th Quarter68-81Bridget Carleton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Emily Engstler assists)
  21. 4th Quarter68-83Dorka Juhasz makes 21-foot jumper (Antonia Delaere assists)
  22. 4th Quarter71-83Bridget Carleton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Frieda Buhner assists)
  23. 4th Quarter74-83Sarah Ashlee Barker makes 23-foot three point jumper (Carla Leite assists)
  24. 4th Quarter76-83Carla Leite makes running layup (Bridget Carleton assists)
  25. 4th Quarter76-86Kayla McBride makes 23-foot running jump shot (Courtney Williams assists)
  26. 4th Quarter78-86Carla Leite makes 2-foot two point shot
  27. 4th Quarter78-89Courtney Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dorka Juhasz assists)
  28. 4th Quarter78-91Natasha Howard makes 3-foot floating jump shot (Dorka Juhasz assists)
  29. 4th Quarter81-91Carla Leite makes 22-foot three point jumper (Emily Engstler assists)
  30. 4th Quarter84-91Emily Engstler makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sarah Ashlee Barker assists)
  31. 4th Quarter84-93Courtney Williams makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Natasha Howard assists)
  32. 4th Quarter86-93Sarah Ashlee Barker makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Bridget Carleton assists)
  33. 4th Quarter86-95Courtney Williams makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
  34. 4th Quarter89-95Emily Engstler makes 23-foot three point jumper (Bridget Carleton assists)
  35. 4th Quarter89-97Dorka Juhasz makes layup (Olivia Miles assists)
  36. 4th Quarter91-97Sarah Ashlee Barker makes driving layup
  37. 4th Quarter91-99Kayla McBride makes two point shot (Olivia Miles assists)
  38. 4th Quarter91-100Courtney Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  39. 4th Quarter91-101Courtney Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
  40. 4th Quarter93-101Bridget Carleton makes two point shot (Sarah Ashlee Barker assists)

Win probability

Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Portland Fire.

Venue

  • Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
  • Attendance12101
  • OfficialsAngelica Suffren, Teresa Stuck, Sarah Williams

Elsewhere

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.