Los Angeles Sparks vs. Portland Fire Picks and Prediction for Sunday, August 2, 2026
The Los Angeles Sparks visit the Portland Fire on Sunday at 3:30 PM ET at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Los Angeles is 10-17 and sits seventh in the Western Conference after dropping six straight games. The Sparks have lost each of their last five contests, including a 113-109 defeat to New York on Tuesday. Portland is 11-18 and sits sixth in the Western Conference. The Fire have dropped four consecutive games after a 112-98 loss to Indiana on Friday and will try to even the season series after falling 89-72 in the first meeting. Be a winner with our free WNBA picks.
Los Angeles Sparks Looking to End a Six-Game Losing Streak
Los Angeles averages 89.0 points per game while shooting 46.3% from the field and 32.7% from three-point range. Nneka Ogwumike continues to lead the Sparks with 17.3 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while shooting 53.1% from the floor. Kelsey Plum has averaged 23.9 points in 12 games, Dearica Hamby contributes 14.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, and Rae Burrell adds 13.4 points. Los Angeles continues to score well despite its recent losing streak.
The Sparks have struggled defensively, allowing 94.1 points per game, the highest average in the WNBA. Los Angeles averages 7.6 steals and 3.1 blocks but has had difficulty slowing opposing offenses throughout the season. The Sparks have surrendered at least 90 points in five straight games and will need a much stronger defensive effort to avoid another defeat.
Injuries: None reported.
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Portland Fire Trying to Snap a Four-Game Slide
Portland averages 85.3 points per game while shooting 44.8% from the field and 34.5% from beyond the arc. Carla Leite leads the Fire with 15.2 points and 5.9 assists per game, while Bridget Carleton adds 13.7 points. Megan DiLeo contributes 12.8 points on 55.7% shooting, Emily Engstler averages 9.1 points and a team-high 5.4 rebounds, and Sarah Ashlee Barker has added 10.7 points when available. Portland will need more consistent scoring after averaging just 87.0 points during its current four-game losing streak.
The Fire have allowed 91.6 points per game while averaging 7.5 steals and 3.8 blocks. Portland has remained competitive in several recent losses but has struggled to finish games late. Improving defensively against one of the WNBA's better offensive teams will be a priority in this home matchup.
Injuries: Sarah Ashlee Barker (Out for Season – Knee), Sania Feagin (Out for Season – Knee).
Key Matchup
Nneka Ogwumike vs. Emily Engstler
Ogwumike has been the Sparks' most consistent player, averaging 17.3 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, while Engstler anchors Portland's frontcourt with 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. Whichever forward controls the paint and wins the battle on the glass will give her team a significant advantage.
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Portland Fire Game Pick
- Los Angeles Sparks +1.5
Los Angeles has lost six straight games, but the Sparks remain the more productive offensive team, averaging 89.0 points compared to Portland's 85.3. The Sparks also defeated the Fire 89-72 in the first meeting this season and feature the best player on the floor in Nneka Ogwumike. Portland has dropped four straight games and has struggled to finish close contests. With more proven scoring options, the Sparks are the play to cover the number and have a strong opportunity to win outright.
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Portland Fire Over/Under Pick
- Over 181.5
Both teams have struggled defensively throughout the season, with Los Angeles allowing a league-high 94.1 points per game and Portland giving up 91.6. The Sparks have scored at least 82 points in every game during their current losing streak, while the Fire have reached 97 points or more twice over their last four contests. With both clubs needing a victory and neither defense providing much resistance, this matchup will cash over the closing total.
