Portland Fire Edge Phoenix Mercury in Close Contest
Sunday, August 16, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center
Portland Fire 88, Phoenix Mercury 85, 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 Phoenix Mercury?
Portland Fire beat Phoenix Mercury 88-85 at Mortgage Matchup Center on August 16, 2026.
Who was favored in Portland Fire vs Phoenix Mercury?
Phoenix Mercury were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested game at the Mortgage Matchup Center, the Portland Fire narrowly defeated the Phoenix Mercury with a final score of 88-85. This victory ties the series at 1-1, adding further intrigue to their matchups this season. The Fire's win comes after they had a recent record of 4-6 in their last ten games, while the Mercury also held a 5-5 record in the same span, indicating both teams were capable of competitive performances leading into this matchup.
The Mercury, despite their struggles this season with a record of 13-23, showcased resilience in their recent form, averaging 85.3 points scored while allowing 87.8 points over their last ten games. They entered this game on a one-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 94-87. However, their defensive issues persisted, as they had allowed over 90 points in three of their last five games.
On the other hand, the Fire, with a record of 15-20, averaged 90.9 points scored and allowed 91.7 points in their last ten outings. They came into this contest with a one-game winning streak as well, having edged out the Seattle Storm 84-82 in their previous game. The Fire's ability to score consistently has been a bright spot, particularly in their last five games where they averaged 92.6 points.
Home court advantage has been a mixed bag for the Mercury, who held a home record of 2-2 in their last four games at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Conversely, the Fire had a 2-4 record on the road, which made their victory even more significant. The matchup was further complicated by injuries, with the Mercury missing key players including Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper, both out due to injury, along with three others not related to injury. The Fire also faced challenges, missing four players, including Carla Leite and Sarah Ashlee Barker due to various issues.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Mercury favored by 4.5 points, indicating expectations for a close game. The total points line was set at 177.5, reflecting the anticipated scoring capabilities of both teams. The odds for the Mercury to win straight up were -192.0, while the Fire were listed at 160.0.
Conditions during the game were standard for a WNBA matchup, with no significant weather factors affecting play. Fans were treated to a thrilling fourth quarter, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Key scoring plays included a driving layup by Emily Engstler that put the Fire ahead 83-80, followed by a layup from Kahleah Copper that brought the Mercury within one point. Free throws from Bridget Carleton and Carla Leite ultimately sealed the game for the Fire, showcasing the tension and competitive spirit of the match.
Viewers should note the significance of the Fire's ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities, as they converted crucial attempts in the closing moments. The Mercury's defensive lapses in the final minutes were also telling, as they struggled to contain the Fire's late-game scoring. This game not only impacts the standings but also sets the stage for future encounters between these two teams, as they continue to battle for playoff positioning.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | PHX -4.5 | 177.5 o -115 / u -105 | Portland Fire +160 · Phoenix Mercury -192 |
Injury report
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Carla LeiteOutNot Injury RelatedPortland Fire
- Frieda BuhnerOutNot Injury RelatedPortland Fire
- Luisa GeiselsoderOutPersonalPortland Fire
- Sarah Ashlee BarkerOutKneePortland Fire
- Sania FeaginOutKneePortland Fire
Leaders
- PointsDeWanna Bonner23Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas9Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsAlyssa Thomas11Phoenix Mercury
- PointsCarla Leite23Portland Fire
- AssistsCarla Leite5Portland Fire
- ReboundsEmily Engstler7Portland Fire
Recent form
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 5-5Streak W185.3 scored · 87.8 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W94-87at Los Angeles SparksAug 12
- L75-95at Washington MysticsAug 9
- L72-75at Connecticut SunAug 7
- L82-96at Atlanta DreamAug 5
- W106-101at Chicago SkyAug 4
- L92-94vs New York LibertyAug 1
- W91-89vs Golden State ValkyriesJul 30
- W86-82at Los Angeles SparksJul 22
- W72-63vs Connecticut SunJul 19
- L83-96vs Connecticut SunJul 18
Portland Fire
Last 10: 4-6Streak W190.9 scored · 91.7 allowed per game2-2 away
- 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
- L98-112vs Indiana FeverAug 1
- L83-98at Las Vegas AcesJul 29
- L97-101vs Dallas WingsJul 23
- L93-101at Minnesota LynxJul 19
- W75-56at Washington MysticsJul 16
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 | 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 | Portland Fire | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-71 | 28-67 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 10-37 | 9-27 |
| Three-point % | 27 | 33 |
| Free throws | 14-21 | 20-25 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 29 |
| Assists | 15 | 18 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 36 |
| Fouls | 23 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 15 | 79 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter50-57Alyssa Thomas makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter50-59DeWanna Bonner makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter51-59Bridget Carleton makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter53-59Jordan Harrison makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter53-62Lexi Held makes 23-foot three pointer (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-62Serah Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter55-62Serah Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter55-63Natasha Mack makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter58-63Frieda Buhner makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jordan Harrison assists)
- 3rd Quarter61-63Megan DiLeo makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jordan Harrison assists)
- 3rd Quarter61-64Valeriane Ayayi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter61-65DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter61-66DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-66Carla Leite makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter63-68Natasha Mack makes 1-foot layup (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- 4th Quarter64-68Carla Leite makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter64-70Kahleah Copper makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter64-71Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter66-71Carla Leite makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter66-74Kahleah Copper makes 24-foot three point jumper (Lexi Held assists)
- 4th Quarter68-74Carla Leite makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter71-74Nyadiew Puoch makes 26-foot three point jumper (Carla Leite assists)
- 4th Quarter71-76Natasha Mack makes 2-foot layup (Kahleah Copper assists)
- 4th Quarter73-76Carla Leite makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter75-76Karlie Samuelson makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter75-77DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-78DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-78Karlie Samuelson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-78Karlie Samuelson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-80Alyssa Thomas makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter79-80Carla Leite makes 3-foot layup (Emily Engstler assists)
- 4th Quarter81-80Carla Leite makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter83-80Emily Engstler makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter83-82Kahleah Copper makes driving layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter84-82Karlie Samuelson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-82Bridget Carleton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-82Bridget Carleton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-85Alyssa Thomas makes 25-foot three point shot
- 4th Quarter87-85Carla Leite makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter88-85Carla Leite makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Phoenix Mercury, below favours Portland Fire.
Venue
- Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
- Attendance16513
- OfficialsTim Greene, Ryan Sassano, Kelly Broomfield
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