Can Los Angeles Continue Its Dominance Over Portland? Los Angeles Sparks vs Portland Fire Prediction | September 21, 2026
Los Angeles Sparks
Portland Fire
One of the WNBA games of the day takes place at Crypto.com Arena, where the Los Angeles Sparks host the Portland Fire. Neither team can qualify for the playoffs, but both are still looking to finish the regular season as high as possible in the Western Conference standings, with just one win separating them.
Match Preview
Los Angeles enters the matchup after a 97-77 defeat to the Dallas Wings. Nneka Ogwumike led the Sparks in that game with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.
The Sparks currently sit sixth in the Western Conference with a 15-26 record. Their home form has been inconsistent, with seven wins and 13 losses at Crypto.com Arena. Los Angeles has won only two of its last eight home games, beating the Washington Mystics and Connecticut Sun during that stretch.
However, the Sparks have enjoyed a clear advantage against Portland this season. Los Angeles has won all three meetings between the teams, including an 89-72 home victory and a 106-101 road win in the most recent encounter.
Ogwumike remains the centerpiece of the Sparks, averaging 18 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Erica Wheeler leads the team in assists with 5.0 per game. Los Angeles has also been one of the league's more productive offensive teams, averaging 87.1 points per game while ranking third in assists at 21.9 per contest.
Portland comes into the game after three consecutive defeats, including two losses to the Golden State Valkyries and one to the Phoenix Mercury. The Fire's latest game ended in a 72-66 road defeat to Golden State, with Frida Buhner leading Portland with 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Portland has won only once in its last seven games and owns a 16-26 record overall. The Fire have also struggled considerably away from home, losing three of their last four road games. Their overall road record stands at 8-13.
Despite those results, Portland has several reliable offensive weapons. Carla Leite leads the team in scoring at 15.8 points per game and also averages 6.3 assists, while Emily Engstler leads the Fire in rebounding at 5.6 per game.
Portland has been particularly dangerous from three-point range throughout the season. The Fire have made 434 three-pointers, second-most in the WNBA, while shooting 34.8% from beyond the arc. Their 86.2 points per game also put them close to Los Angeles offensively.
Key Trends
- Los Angeles have won all three meetings with Portland this season.
- Portland have lost 6 of their last 7 games.
- Los Angeles have won only 2 of their last 8 home games.
- Los Angeles averages 87.1 points per game.
- The Sparks rank third in the WNBA in assists at 21.9 per game.
- Portland has made 434 three-pointers this season, second-most in the league.
Prediction
The recent form of both teams points to a competitive matchup, but the head-to-head record gives Los Angeles a significant source of confidence. The Sparks have already beaten Portland three times this season, including a 17-point home victory. Portland's biggest concern is its road form. The Fire have lost three of their last four away games, while their overall recent record has dropped to just one win in seven games. Los Angeles has also struggled at home, but the matchup with Portland has produced very different results so far this season. With Los Angeles holding a 3-0 record against Portland this season and the Fire entering the game in poor away form, the Sparks have a clear opportunity to extend their dominance in this matchup. Recommended Bet: Los Angeles Sparks to Win
