Published May 22, 5:44pm ET by
Keith McCarthy - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated May 22, 5:44pm ET
Updated May 22, 5:46pm ET
The Fire and Tempo clash on Saturday in a battle between the WNBA's newest expansion teams. Toronto is favored at home, but they cannot overlook a very scrappy Fire squad with upset potential.
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| Toronto Tempo | -220 |
| Portland Fire | +180 |
Portland had a tough time against the Caitlin Clark-less Fever on Wednesday, trailing by double digits for most of the game. It was the first game of the year that they didn't look all that competitive in, despite the return of Carla Leite from injury. In response to the defeat, the Fire made some roster changes, waiving Sug Sutton, Kamiah Smalls, and Haley Jones. They also activated Teja Oblak, who will make her rookie debut at 35.
Toronto came back down to earth in a 100-72 defeat to the Minnesota Lynx. It snapped a two-game winning streak that had been spurred on by a whopping 69 Brittney Sykes points. Now 3-3, the Tempo will be aiming to get back above .500 against a fellow expansion team. Sykes had a lesser impact in Thursday's loss and will look to heat back up against a Portland defense that has ranked among the league worst in points allowed.
It's been no question from the start that the Tempo are more committed to a win-now approach than the Fire. They hired championship winner Sandy Brondello and brought in a roster of aging veterans capable of leading Toronto's team to the postseason. On the other hand, Portland is focused on a youth movement and brought in a coach with some fresh new ideas. Portland's winning the future, but Toronto wins in this game.
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Pick
Toronto Tempo (-220)
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