Portland Fire
16-27
4:00 PM PT
Los Angeles Sparks
16-26
Carla Leite
15.7 PPG · 2.1 REB · 6.2 AST
Kelsey Plum
23.1 PPG · 2.1 REB · 6.2 AST
Game Script
Expect a high-scoring, perimeter-oriented matchup. Fire (85.9 PPG) meet Sparks (87.0 PPG), with points likely on both ends.
The game likely turns on perimeter: Fire shoot 35% from three (10.2/gm); Sparks allow 34%. The three-point battle tilts toward Fire.
Game Snapshot
Portland Fire
Last 51-4LWLLL
StreakL3
L5 scoring81.0points/game
L5 defense88.2allowed/game
Home8-14Road 8-13
Rest1dsince last game
Series0-33 played
Los Angeles Sparks
Last 53-2WLWWL
StreakL1
L5 scoring80.6points/game
L5 defense79.8allowed/game
Home7-13Road 9-13
Rest2dsince last game
Series3-03 played
Team Identity
Portland Fire
Three-point shooting
A three-point attack, though hampered by little interior scoring.
EliteBelow Avg44
Defensive DBelow Avg33
Three-point shootingAbove Avg75
TransitionAverage61
Paint-firstWell Below22
Ball movementBelow Avg44
ReboundingBelow Avg28
Rim protectionBelow Avg44
Los Angeles Sparks
Ball movementTransition team
Sharp ball movement and a transition game, though hampered by a rebounding disadvantage.
EliteAverage56
Defensive DBelow Avg28
Three-point shootingAverage53
TransitionAbove Avg78
Paint-firstAverage50
Ball movementAbove Avg83
ReboundingWell Below17
Rim protectionBelow Avg39
Where the Game Will Be Won
Perimeter
Fire shoot 35% from three (10.2/gm); Sparks allow 34%. The three-point battle tilts toward Fire.
Edge · FireFire: 10.2 3PM at 35%Sparks allow 34% on threesHigh confidence
Paint
Fire score 20.2 two-point makes a game; Sparks protect the rim with 3.4 blocks. Interior control leans Sparks.
Edge · SparksFire: 20.2 2PT makesSparks: 3.4 blocks/gmHigh confidence
Scoring Environment
Fire have averaged 177 combined points a game, Sparks 179. A higher-scoring environment favors Sparks.
Edge · SparksFire: 177 combined pts/gm (61st pct)Sparks: 179 combined pts/gm (78th pct)High confidence
Rebounding
Fire carry a -3.6 rebound margin, Sparks -4.8. Second-chance control leans Fire.
Edge · FireFire: -3.6 margin, 7.9 OREBSparks: -4.8 margin, 7.4 OREBHigh confidence
Turnovers
Fire average 14.5 turnovers, Sparks 14.6; steals (7.6 vs 8.0) add pressure. Ball security favors Fire.
Edge · FireFire: 14.5 TO / 7.6 STLSparks: 14.6 TO / 8.0 STLHigh confidence
Players Who Shape Tonight
Carla Leite
Portland Fire · G
15.7 PPG · 2.1 REB · 6.2 AST · 26 MIN
As Portland Fire's primary creator, Leite sets the tone for how they attack. Trending up
Bridget Carleton
Portland Fire · F
14.2 PPG · 4.4 REB · 2.1 AST · 30 MIN
As Portland Fire's floor spacer, Carleton sets the tone for how they attack. Holding steady
Kelsey Plum
Los Angeles Sparks · G
23.1 PPG · 2.1 REB · 6.2 AST · 33 MIN
As Los Angeles Sparks's superstar, Plum sets the tone for how they attack. Trending down
Nneka Ogwumike
Los Angeles Sparks · F
17.2 PPG · 8.7 REB · 3.1 AST · 31 MIN
As Los Angeles Sparks's primary scorer, Ogwumike sets the tone for how they attack. Holding steady
Trending Players
Nyadiew Puoch
Portland Fire
Minutes up to 25.0 from 17.5.
Double figures (10+ pts)
L5: 6.6p 3.8r 0.8aSeason: 4.1p 17.5 min
Emily Engstler
Portland Fire
14.6 points over his last 5 (from 9.5).
Double figures (10+ pts)
L5: 14.6p 8.2r 2.2aSeason: 9.5p 24.2 min
Holly Winterburn
Portland Fire
7.8 points over his last 5 (from 3.2).
Double figures (10+ pts)
L5: 7.8p 2.4r 1.4aSeason: 3.2p 10.1 min
Dearica Hamby
Los Angeles Sparks
10.8 points over his last 5 (from 14.9).
Double figures (10+ pts)
L5: 10.8p 5.4r 1.8aSeason: 14.9p 29.2 min
Erica Wheeler
Los Angeles Sparks
6.6 points over his last 5 (from 9.1).
Double figures (10+ pts)
L5: 6.6p 1.4r 4.8aSeason: 9.1p 27.1 min
Kelsey Plum
Los Angeles Sparks
12.0 points over his last 5 (from 24.0).
Double figures (10+ pts)
L5: 12.0p 3.0r 7.0aSeason: 24.0p 33.1 min
Team Trends
Portland FirePoints66
Opp points82
3PT%28%
Rebounds38
Los Angeles SparksPoints77
Opp points97
3PT%28%
Rebounds27
Strongest Player Opportunities
100
Carla Leite
5+ Assists
Portland Fire
Why it stands out
29.0 minutes per game over the last 5
Main risk
Minutes have been volatile
100
Nneka Ogwumike
6+ Rebounds
Los Angeles Sparks
Why it stands out
30.0 minutes per game over the last 5
No notable risk
100
Emily Engstler
6+ Rebounds
Portland Fire
Why it stands out
Usable recent role at 26.4 minutes
No notable risk
100
Erica Wheeler
3+ Assists
Los Angeles Sparks
Why it stands out
Cleared 3+ in 5/5
Main risk
Recent playing time is below 24 minutes
100
Nneka Ogwumike
15+ Points
Los Angeles Sparks
Why it stands out
30.0 minutes per game over the last 5
No notable risk
100
Dearica Hamby
4+ Rebounds
Los Angeles Sparks
Why it stands out
Usable recent role at 23.2 minutes
Main risk
Recent playing time is below 24 minutes
Based on games before 2026-09-20. Injuries, confirmed starters, rest/travel, and advanced ratings (pace, offensive/defensive rating) are not yet included.