The Golden State Valkyries and Portland Fire meet Sunday in WNBA action at the Moda Center. Here’s a Fire vs Valkyries Prediction. This article will include a Fire vs Valkyries Pick.
Golden State Valkyries Betting Preview
The Golden State Valkyries look for a win after winning 18 of their last 22 games. The Valkyries have won 10 of their last 12 road games.
The Golden State Valkyries are averaging 82.5 points on 42.4 percent shooting and allowing 75.6 points on 41.9 percent shooting. Gabby Williams is averaging 14.3 points and 3.3 rebounds, while Janelle Salaun is averaging 12.9 points and 1.2 assists. Veronica Burton is the third double-digit scorer, and Cecilia Zandalasini is grabbing 2.2 rebounds. The Golden State Valkyries are shooting 34.8 percent from beyond the arc and 77.5 percent from the free-throw line. The Golden State Valkyries are allowing 33.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 32.9 rebounds per game.
Portland Fire Betting Preview
The Portland Fire look for a win after splitting their last 10 games. The Fire have lost 6 of their last 8 home games.
The Portland Fire are averaging 87 points on 45.3 percent shooting and allowing 91.2 points on 46.5 percent shooting. Carla Leite is averaging 15.9 points and 6.3 assists, while Bridget Carleton is averaging 14.4 points and 4.5 rebounds. Megan DiLeo is the third double-digit scorer, and Emily Engstler is grabbing 5.6 rebounds. The Portland Fire is shooting 35.2 percent from beyond the arc and 80.7 percent from the free-throw line. The Portland Fire is allowing 34.7 percent shooting from deep and is grabbing 30.3 rebounds per game.
Why the Portland Fire will win
- The underdogs have won four of the Fire’s last six games.
- The Valkyries have lost each of their last three road games against Western Conference opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Valkyries have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games against Western Conference opponents that held a losing record.
- The Fire have covered the spread in each of their last four games at Moda Center against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
Why the Golden State Valkyries will win
- The Valkyries have won each of their last seven road games following a road win.
- The Fire have lost seven of their last eight games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Valkyries have covered the spread in each of their last three games.
- The Fire have failed to cover the spread in three of their last four days’ games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Valkyries’ last eight games as favorites following a road win have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of the Fire’s last six day games have gone OVER the total points line.
Portland Fire Player Facts
- Megan DiLeo ranks 1st amongst qualified Centers for FG% (55.0%) this season.
- Holly Winterburn is one of only 19 players to have scored 20+ points off the bench in a game this season.
Golden State Valkyries Player Facts
- Kaila Charles ranks 6th amongst qualified Guards for rebounds per game (4.3) this season.
- Tiffany Hayes is one of only 19 players to have scored 20+ points off the bench in a game this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Portland Fire rank 13th for opponent points per game this season (91.2).
- The Portland Fire rank 13th for opponent offensive rebounds per game this season (9.7).
- The Golden State Valkyries rank 1st for opponent assists per game this season (18.1).
- The Golden State Valkyries rank 1st for opponent steals per game this season (5.6).
Fire vs Valkyries Injury Report
Sania Feagin is out for the Fire with a knee injury. Karlie Samuelson is questionable with a knee contusion.
The Valkyries will be without Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Janelle Salaun.
Fire vs Valkyries Prediction
I’ve been high on the Valkyries all season, and they’re not a team I want to make a habit of fading. However, the Valkyries will be down a good portion of their rotation with players leaving for FIBA. Williams has been Golden State’s best player, and Salaun is the favorite to win sixth player of the year. The Fire have been more competitive than their record would suggest, and it’s led to covers in 7 of their last 9 games. The Fire have cashed 22 tickets overall this season. I’ll take a shot with the points because of Golden State’s roster situation.