Published Jul 31, 12:57am ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jul 31, 12:57am ET
Shutterstock
Updated Jul 31, 12:57am ET
One of Friday's WNBA matchups features the Indiana Fever visiting the Portland Fire. Which team has the edge in our Fever vs Fire pick?
|
|
|---|---|
| Portland Fire | +8 (-105) |
| Indiana Fever | -8 (-115) |
Following a 13-point loss to Golden State, the Fever have bounced back with four straight wins. This impressive stretch includes a 105-95 victory over the Seattle Storm on Tuesday night.
ALSO SEE: Storm vs Dream | Odds and WNBA Pick (Jul 31)
Indiana wasn't able to create much separation, leading by just four points after three quarters of action. But thanks to a 29-23 scoring advantage in the final frame, the road team cruised to a double-digit win.
Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell powered the team's offense. Clark led the way with 32 points, seven assists and four rebounds, hitting four of her seven attempts from deep. Mitchell added 28 points and matched Clark's efficiency from long range, shooting 4-for-7 from beyond the arc. Their combined production spearheaded a Fever attack that shot 52 percent overall and 54 percent from 3.
On the other side, Portland has dropped three straight after posting a 19-point win over the Mystics. The team's most recent setback was a 98-83 loss to the Las Vegas Aces.
The Fire were no match for the defending champs as they trailed by 16 at the break. Although Portland trimmed the deficit to six in the third quarter, that was as close as it could get as Las Vegas maintained a double-digit advantage throughout the final frame.
Megan DiLeo was one of four players who reached double figures, finishing with 20 points and six rebounds. Frieda Buhner led the second unit with 16 points and five rebounds, giving the Fire a spark off the bench. Unfortunately, Portland struggled to find a consistent rhythm, shooting 40 percent from the field and just 29 percent from 3-point territory.
Portland is currently listed as an eight-point underdog. Here's what you need to know for both teams ahead of this tilt.
The Fever have traveled well, winning four of their last five away from home, while Portland has stumbled to a 2-3 mark across its last five outings at Moda Center. Given the trends, backing Indiana makes the most sense.
|
Pick
Indiana Fever (-8)
|
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
|
