Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET.

Venue: Mortgage Matchup Center (Phoenix, Arizona).

Coverage is available via WNBA League Pass (local options may include Monumental Sports Network for Mystics fans).

This is the first of a home-and-home series; the teams also meet again on Aug. 27 in Phoenix.

Recent team forms

Washington Mystics: 22-15 overall (9-8 away; strong Eastern Conference standing, roughly 11-5 in conference). They rebounded with a 105-100 road win at Portland on Aug. 23 (Shakira Austin career-high 31 points, 10 rebounds). Prior results include a loss to Minnesota and wins over Toronto and Los Angeles. They rank among the league’s better defensive teams (allowing ~83.1 PPG and holding opponents to ~42.8% shooting) while averaging about 82.6 PPG. Last stretch has been solid after an earlier skid.

Phoenix Mercury: 13-24 overall (5-12 home). Struggling with a recent 1-4 or worse stretch, including a 89-99 home loss to Atlanta on Aug. 22 and a narrow loss to Portland. They average ~84.0 PPG but allow 87.8. Home form has been poor, and they sit near the bottom of the Western Conference.

Injury reports

Washington Mystics: Relatively clean. Shakira Austin has dealt with knee issues at times but played through them recently (including the big game at Portland). No major long-term absences reported for key rotation players heading into this contest; status reports have often listed the roster as healthy.

@WashMystics

Phoenix Mercury: Kelsey Plum (G) – Day-to-day/Out (calf; missed recent games). Marta Suarez (F) – Out/Day-to-day (head/concussion protocol). Jovana Nogic (G) – Out for season (not injury-related). Other depth pieces (e.g., coach’s decisions on Kara Dunn/Shay Ciezki in recent reports). Core pieces Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and DeWanna Bonner are expected available.

Current key roster pieces

Mystics: Shakira Austin (C, dominant recent form ~17 PPG / 9+ RPG with rim protection), Sonia Citron (G, scoring and playmaking), Kiki Iriafen (F, double-double threat), Michaela Onyenwere, Georgia Amoore, and supporting depth including Lauren Betts and others. Strong rebounding edge (team averages ~37.8 RPG).

Mercury: Kahleah Copper (leading scorer ~21 PPG), Alyssa Thomas (versatile forward, playmaking and interior presence), DeWanna Bonner (veteran scoring and rebounding), Sami Whitcomb (when available), Natasha Mack, and others. Offense relies heavily on Copper and Thomas.

Key player vs. player matchups

Shakira Austin vs. Alyssa Thomas / Mercury frontcourt: Austin is peaking and provides size, scoring, and defense in the paint. Thomas is a high-IQ facilitator and rebounder; this interior battle will be pivotal.

Sonia Citron / Mystics guards vs. Kahleah Copper: Copper is Phoenix’s primary scoring threat and must be contained on the perimeter and in isolation. Citron and the Mystics’ backcourt bring scoring punch and defensive length.

Rebounding and transition: Mystics hold a clear edge on the glass. If Washington controls the boards and limits Copper’s efficiency, they can dictate tempo. Phoenix needs steals and transition opportunities to generate easy points.

Series history (2026)
The teams have met once this season:

Aug. 9: Mystics 95–75 Mercury (Washington home; Sonia Citron 19 points, dominant defensive performance).

Washington took the first meeting convincingly. Historical matchups have varied, but the Mystics enter with the recent edge and better overall form.

Betting trends

Washington’s defense, recent Austin explosion, and Phoenix’s home struggles and injuries support the road side. Totals lean toward the under given both teams’ moderate scoring averages and Washington’s defensive identity, though Copper can push the over if hot.

Washington is the more complete and motivated side (playoff positioning) while Phoenix is playing out a difficult season. Expect the Mystics’ size, defense, and Austin’s interior presence to control the game, though Copper and Thomas can keep Phoenix competitive if they generate transition and three-point looks. Final injury confirmations (especially Plum and any Austin updates) closer to tip-off will refine the expected margin. The teams reconvene two nights later in Phoenix for the second half of the set.

GAME ODDS

Washington Mystics       – 3

Phoenix Mercury             165.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, August 24, 2026

Venue: College Park Center in Arlington, Texas (home of the Wings).

Coverage is available on NBA TV (and local options). This is a critical late-season Western Conference matchup with playoff implications.

Recent team forms

Dallas Wings: 22-16 overall (strong at home, ~12-6). They have won two straight, including a dominant 92-70 home victory over the Seattle Storm on Aug. 23 in which Paige Bueckers scored 32 points (18 in the first quarter). Prior win over Indiana. Last 10 roughly 4-6, but momentum is building as they sit one win from clinching a playoff berth. They average 88.6 PPG and allow 85.9.

Portland Fire: 15-22 overall (7-11 away). Coming off back-to-back losses: 100-105 home to Washington Mystics (Aug. 23, blew a late lead) and 79-82 at Toronto Tempo. They had won two of three before that stretch (including road wins at Phoenix and Seattle). They average about 86.9 PPG but allow 91.3 and struggle against better teams (7-14 vs. above-.500 opponents).

Injury reports

Portland Fire: Sarah Ashlee Barker (G) – Out for season (torn ACL). Sania Feagin (F) – Out for season (torn ACL). Luisa Geiselsoder (C) – Out for season (personal). Core contributors Bridget Carleton, Megan Gustafson/DiLeo, Carla Leite, Emily Engstler, and others are expected available.

Dallas Wings: Azzi Fudd (G, No. 1 overall pick) – Out for season (right knee procedure). Aziaha James (G) – Out (leg; no clear timetable). Costanza Verona (G) – Out (personal/contract suspension). Stars Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, and Jessica Shepard remain available and productive.

Current key roster pieces

Dallas Wings: Paige Bueckers (G, recent high-volume scorer ~20+ PPG in stretches), Arike Ogunbowale (scoring guard), Jessica Shepard (F, double-double threat ~14 PPG / 11 RPG), Maddy Siegrist, Alanna Smith, Odyssey Sims, and supporting cast. Depth is tested by Fudd’s absence but star power remains high.

Portland Fire: Bridget Carleton (versatile forward/scorer and defender), Megan Gustafson or Megan DiLeo (interior presence), Carla Leite (playmaker/scorer), Emily Engstler, Nyadiew Puoch, Karlie Samuelson, and others. The expansion-side roster relies on veterans and role players amid season-ending injuries.

Key player vs. player matchups

Paige Bueckers / Arike Ogunbowale vs. Portland perimeter defense (Carleton, Leite, etc.): Bueckers is peaking with efficient high-volume scoring. Ogunbowale provides secondary creation and shot-making. Portland must contain both without fouling or overhelping.

Jessica Shepard vs. Portland frontcourt (Gustafson/DiLeo, Engstler): Shepard’s rebounding and interior scoring give Dallas an edge on the glass (Wings average more rebounds).

Bridget Carleton / Carla Leite vs. Dallas secondary defenders: Carleton’s shooting and versatility, plus Leite’s playmaking, are Portland’s best paths to keep it close. Expect Dallas to pressure the ball and force tough shots.

Series history (2026)
The teams have split their first two meetings:

June 13: Portland 84–83 Dallas (Fire home; close game, Bueckers sat).

July 22/23: Dallas 101–97 Portland (Wings road win; Ogunbowale 24 points).

This is the third and final regular-season meeting. Dallas holds the recent edge and home-court advantage.

Betting trends

Dallas has been strong at home; Portland has been inconsistent on the road and against quality opposition. Over/Under leans toward moderate scoring unless both offenses heat up early.

Dallas enters motivated to lock in a playoff spot with a win, while Portland needs a strong performance to keep faint postseason hopes alive. Expect the Wings’ star power and home crowd to control the game, though Portland’s veterans can make it competitive if they hit from outside and limit turnovers. Final injury updates and starting lineups closer to tip-off could adjust the expected margin.

GAME ODDS

Portland Fire                     177.5

Dallas Wings                      – 7.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, August 24, 2026

Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut.

Coverage is available via WNBA League Pass.

Recent team forms

Chicago Sky: 15-23 overall (5-13 away). They dropped a 113-90 home loss to the Indiana Fever on Aug. 23, snapping a three-game win streak (wins over Golden State Valkyries 73-70, New York Liberty 93-86, and Seattle Storm 82-80). They average 87.4 points per game but allow 89.9. Last 10: roughly 5-5. Coach Tyler Marsh has emphasized competing hard despite the eliminated status.

Connecticut Sun: 9-27 overall (6-12 home). They are 2-8 in their last 10 and coming off consecutive road losses (68-77 at LA Sparks on Aug. 22 and 78-101 at Las Vegas). They average just 79.0 points per game (near the bottom of the league) while allowing 87.0. Home form has been modest at best.

Injury reports

Chicago Sky: Skylar Diggins (G) – Out (right knee; sidelined since early July, no clear return timetable). Rickea Jackson (F) – Out for season (left knee ACL). DiJonai Carrington (G/F) – Day-to-day/Questionable (foot). Other rotation players such as Natasha Cloud, Kamilla Cardoso, Azura Stevens, Courtney Vandersloot, and Rachel Banham are expected available.

Connecticut Sun: Brittney Griner (C) – Out/Questionable (left knee; missed multiple recent games). Olivia Nelson-Ododa (C) – Game-time decision/Questionable (knee). Leila Lacan (G) – Out (not injury-related; with Team France for FIBA World Cup, missing several games). Aaliyah Edwards (F) and Raegan Beers (F) have also appeared on recent day-to-day reports (ankle/jaw). The frontcourt is significantly thinned.

Current key roster pieces

Sky: Kamilla Cardoso (C, ~14.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.5 BPG – team leader), Natasha Cloud (G, playmaking and scoring), Azura Stevens (F), Courtney Vandersloot / Rachel Banham / Sydney Taylor (guards), Elizabeth Williams, Aicha Coulibaly, and others. Depth is tested by the Diggins and Jackson absences.

Sun: Olivia Nelson-Ododa (when available, recent strong scoring), Charlisse Leger-Walker, Kennedy Burke, Diamond Miller, Saniya Rivers, Hailey Van Lith, and supporting pieces. Without Griner and Lacan, scoring and size are limited.

Key player vs. player matchups

Kamilla Cardoso vs. Olivia Nelson-Ododa / remaining Sun bigs: Cardoso has dominated recent meetings (26 points in the July 30 Sky win). She should feast on the interior if Griner remains out and Nelson-Ododa is limited.

Natasha Cloud / Sky guards vs. Sun perimeter (Leger-Walker, Rivers, etc.): Cloud facilitates and scores; the Sky rank higher in assists (21.5 APG). Sun rely more on steals (8.3 SPG) but struggle to generate consistent offense.

Overall interior battle: Sky’s size and Cardoso’s presence give them a clear edge against a depleted Sun frontcourt. Rebounding and paint points should favor Chicago.

Series history (2026 season)
The teams have met three times this year (fourth overall meeting Tuesday):

June 5: Sky 85–80 Sun (Chicago home)

June 22: Sun 92–63 Sky (Connecticut home – big Sun win)

July 30: Sky 94–88 Sun (Chicago home; Cardoso 26 points)

Sky lead the season series 2-1. Historical matchups have often been competitive, but Chicago has the recent edge and better overall talent/form.

Betting trends

Chicago is the better team on paper, especially with Sun injuries, but both are playing out the string with limited motivation. Over/Under has been mixed historically between these clubs.

Chicago enters as the clear favorite and should control the paint and tempo. Expect a professional but low-stakes contest between two eliminated Eastern Conference sides, with the Sky favored to secure the season-series edge. Final injury confirmations closer to tip-off could influence the margin.

GAME ODDS

Chicago Sky                        – 4.5

Connecticut Sun               169.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, August 24, 2026

WNBA Game Preview: Atlanta Dream (23-13) vs. Los Angeles Sparks (13-24)

Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California (home of the Los Angeles Sparks).

Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT).

Available on Peacock / NBC Sports Network and League Pass.

Current Rosters (Key Players)

Atlanta Dream: Anchored by forward Angel Reese (elite rebounding and double-doubles), guard Rhyne Howard (scoring and shooting), guard Jordin Canada (playmaking), Allisha Gray, Naz Hillmon, and supporting pieces such as Te-Hina Paopao and others. Coach Karl Smesko’s group features strong interior presence and balanced scoring.

Los Angeles Sparks: Led by forward Nneka Ogwumike (veteran scoring and rebounding), Dearica Hamby, Cameron Brink (rim protection when healthy), Rae Burrell, Erica Wheeler, Ariel Atkins, and depth options. The Sparks rely on veteran leadership and interior versatility under coach Lynne Roberts.

Injury Reports

Atlanta Dream: Brionna Jones (out, leg injury—no firm timetable). Depth guards such as Indya Nivar and Jaylyn Sherrod have been managed as coach’s decisions/inactive in recent games. Core players including Reese, Howard, Canada, Gray, and Hillmon are expected available.

Los Angeles Sparks: Relatively clean recent reports. Ariel Atkins (day-to-day/probable, head), with Cameron Brink, Erica Wheeler, and others upgraded or available after prior issues (ribs, ankle). No major long-term absences dominating the current list beyond typical management.

Key Player Matchups

Angel Reese (Dream) vs. Nneka Ogwumike / Cameron Brink / Dearica Hamby (Sparks): Reese’s physicality, rebounding, and finishing against the Sparks’ frontcourt veterans and rim protection. Reese has dominated recent meetings (including a perfect shooting night).

Rhyne Howard (Dream) vs. Sparks perimeter (Atkins / Wheeler / Burrell): Howard’s scoring and three-point shooting against Los Angeles’ defensive wings.

Jordin Canada / Allisha Gray (Dream) vs. Sparks backcourt: Playmaking and secondary scoring battles.

Overall: Atlanta’s balanced attack and rebounding edge vs. Sparks’ veteran experience and home effort. Dream’s pace and efficiency have overwhelmed LA recently.

Recent Team Forms

Atlanta Dream: Strong stretch with multiple wins, including a dominant 124-88 franchise-record scoring performance over the Sparks on Aug. 20 (Reese perfect from the field with 20/10/8; Howard 26 points) and a subsequent win at Phoenix. They sit near the top of the East and are playing with confidence and offensive firepower.

Los Angeles Sparks: Struggling overall (eliminated from playoff contention after the recent blowout loss to Atlanta). Mixed results with occasional wins but inconsistent defense and scoring. Home form has been poor in stretches.

Atlanta holds clear momentum and superior recent results; the Sparks are fighting for pride and individual performances.

Series History

Atlanta has the edge in 2026 meetings, including a 101-92 home win on July 13 and the emphatic 124-88 road victory on Aug. 20. The Dream’s interior dominance (led by Reese) and perimeter scoring have consistently troubled the Sparks. Historical matchups often favor the more consistent side, currently Atlanta.

The Atlanta Dream enter as strong favorites to complete a strong West Coast trip and continue their push for Eastern Conference positioning. Angel Reese’s dominance and the supporting cast’s balance should prove decisive against a Sparks team playing out the string. Expect Atlanta to control the glass and pace in a potential high-scoring affair at Crypto.com Arena.

GAME ODDS

Atlanta Dream                  – 9.5

Los Angeles Sparks          181.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, August 23, 2026

Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota (home of the Minnesota Lynx).

Tip-Off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT).

Broadcast on USA Network (with additional local/streaming options including League Pass).

Current Rosters (Key Players)

Minnesota Lynx: Led by standout guard Olivia Miles (high teens to 20 PPG range, elite assists), forward Natasha Howard (scoring and rebounding double-digit contributor), Kayla McBride (sharpshooting and scoring punch), Napheesa Collier (when available—star two-way forward), Nia Coffey, Courtney Williams, and supporting cast. Depth and versatility under coach Cheryl Reeve.

Golden State Valkyries: Key contributors include forward Gabby Williams (scoring and versatility), guard Veronica Burton (playmaking and steals), center Kiah Stokes (rim protection and rebounding), Janelle Salaün, Cecilia Zandalasini, Tiffany Hayes, Kaila Charles, Kayla Thornton, and others. Coach Natalie Nakase’s group emphasizes depth, defense, and balanced scoring.

Injury Reports

Minnesota Lynx: Courtney Williams (lower leg/day-to-day or out—sustained late in recent game); Emma Čechová (out for season, torn ACL); Napheesa Collier has had rest and recovery management earlier but has been active in recent stretch; Olivia Miles dealt with a left ankle issue in the prior meeting vs. Golden State (left mid-fourth quarter) but returned to action in subsequent games and is expected available or monitored closely. Other depth pieces may be managed.

Golden State Valkyries: Iliana Rupert (out for season—pregnancy). Recent reports have shown relative health for core players like Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, Kiah Stokes, and Janelle Salaün (who has dealt with minor knee soreness earlier but returned). No major widespread absences noted heading into this matchup.

Key Player Matchups

• Olivia Miles (Lynx) vs. Veronica Burton / Golden State perimeter defense: Miles has been a high-usage creator and scorer; Burton’s playmaking and steals will be key in containing her.
• Natasha Howard / Napheesa Collier (Lynx) vs. Gabby Williams / Kiah Stokes (Valkyries): Interior and wing physicality—Howard’s scoring/rebounding and Collier’s two-way impact against Williams’ versatility and Stokes’ rim protection.
• Kayla McBride (Lynx) vs. Golden State wings (Charles/Zandalasini/Hayes): McBride’s shooting and spacing vs. Golden State’s defensive length and help schemes.
• Overall team styles: Lynx elite offense and rebounding vs. Valkyries’ strong defensive identity (often ranking near the top in points allowed) and balanced attack.

Minnesota’s star power and efficiency have consistently prevailed; Golden State relies on depth, ball movement, and defensive intensity to close the gap.

Recent Team Forms

Minnesota Lynx (31-7, 1st in West): Dominant stretch with multiple wins in a row (including recent victories over the Valkyries 77-66 on Aug. 19 and Mystics). Strong scoring (around 92 PPG) and defensive metrics. They have owned the season series and hold a significant lead in the standings.

Golden State Valkyries (25-11): Solid overall but recent skid (losses to Lynx and Chicago). Strong defensive numbers (low points allowed) and balanced contributions from Williams, Burton, and others. They sit firmly in playoff position but trail Minnesota significantly and have struggled in the head-to-head.

Lynx enter as the clearer form team and favorites; Valkyries seek to snap the skid and prove they can compete with the league’s best.

Series History

Minnesota has dominated the matchup, remaining undefeated against Golden State in 2026 (and historically strong, including prior playoff success). Recent results include a 77-66 Lynx win on Aug. 19 at Chase Center (Miles with 20 points/7 assists before ankle tweak; McBride and Collier also strong). Earlier meetings also favored Minnesota. The Lynx hold the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage.

The Minnesota Lynx are clear favorites to extend their dominance over the Golden State Valkyries in this Western Conference showdown. Golden State’s defensive identity and depth make them dangerous, but Minnesota’s star power, home court, and recent results position them strongly. Expect a physical, high-level contest as both teams jockey for seeding heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

GAME ODDS

Golden State Valkyries                  160

Minnesota Lynx                                – 5.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, August 23, 2026