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WNBA Regular Season: Chicago Sky vs Portland Fire Pre-Game Analysis

The Chicago Sky are on a six-game losing streak and in poor form; the Portland Fire have won 2 of their last 3 games and are showing signs of recovery. The Sky are at home, but their strength and form are inferior, making the Fire likely to win on the road.

WNBA Regular Season: Chicago Sky vs Portland Fire Pre-Game Analysis cover image

At 08:00 UTCon June 25, 2026, a WNBA regular season game will see the Chicago Sky host the Portland Fire. This is the second meeting between the two teams this season. In their first matchup, the Sky won 98-83 on the road, covering the -5.5 spread, and the total of 181 points went Over. In that game, the Sky led by 13 points at halftime and won by 15 points. Now, the Sky's form has deteriorated significantly, while the Fire have improved, making the game's trend worth watching.

The Chicago Sky have had a terrible season, currently sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 4-12 record and a 25% win rate. The team is on a six-game losing streak and morale is low. In their last game, the Sky lost 63-92 on the road to the Connecticut Sun, scoring only 63 points as their offense completely stalled. The Sky average 82.4 points per game on offense and allow 88.9 points per game on defense, with a net rating of -6.5, indicating issues on both ends. At home, the Sky are 1-6 in 7 games, showing no clear home-court advantage. Over their last 14 games, the Sky average 83.1 points scored and 88.4 points allowed; at home, they average 83.0 points scored and 90.3 points allowed, with a larger defensive vulnerability at home. The Sky shoot 41.3% from the field and 28.5% from three-point range, averaging 33.1 rebounds, 18.9 assists, 6.9 steals, and 12.7 turnovers per game. In their last 10 games, the Sky's offensive efficiency has further declined, averaging 81.8 points scored and 92.2 points allowed, a net rating of -10.4, with a three-point percentage of 29.2%, 32.0 rebounds, 19.5 assists, 7.2 steals, and 14.1 turnovers. The Sky's defense has been particularly poor during their losing streak, especially at home where they allow 90.3 points per game.

The Portland Fire have an 8-9 record this season, ranking 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 47.1% win rate. The team has shown recent improvement, winning 2 of their last 3 games, including a 94-89 home victory over the Seattle Storm. The Fire average 82.2 points per game on offense and allow 88.1 points per game on defense, with a net rating of -5.9. On the road, the Fire are 2-4 in 6 games, with average performance. However, the Fire shoot 34.6% from three-point range, significantly higher than the Sky's 28.5%, making their perimeter offense a threat. Over their last 17 games, the Fire average 82.2 points scored and 88.1 points allowed; on the road, they average 79.3 points scored and 89.2 points allowed. The Fire shoot 44.5% from the field and 34.6% from three, averaging 28.4 rebounds, 19.8 assists, 6.9 steals, and 14.8 turnovers per game. In their last 10 games, the Fire average 79.9 points scored and 87.7 points allowed, a net rating of -7.8, with a three-point percentage of 34.4%, 28.6 rebounds, 20.5 assists, 5.9 steals, and 16.2 turnovers. The Fire's offensive efficiency is lower on the road, averaging only 79.3 points, but their defense also allows 89.2 points.

The two teams have met once this season, on May 10, 2026, when the Sky won 98-83 on the road, covering the -5.5 spread, and the total of 181 points went Over. In that game, the Sky led by 13 points at halftime and won by 15 points. Historically, the Sky have a psychological advantage, but recent form has reversed.

Based on averages, the Sky have scored 83.1 points and allowed 88.4 points over their last 14 games; the Fire have scored 82.2 points and allowed 88.1 points over their last 17 games. At home, the Sky average 83.0 points scored and 90.3 points allowed; on the road, the Fire average 79.3 points scored and 89.2 points allowed. The Sky's defense is vulnerable, especially at home where they allow 90.3 points. The Sky have a net rating of -7.3 at home, while the Fire have a net rating of -9.8 on the road. Both teams have poor defense, but the Sky allow more points at home.

Regarding the handicap, the opening line had the Sky at -1.5, but it has since moved to -3.5, indicating increased support for the Sky. However, given the Sky's losing streak and poor home record, a deeper spread may be a trap. The total has moved from 169.5 to 171.5. Recent games for both teams have seen high scores, but the Sky's offensive consistency is questionable, and the Over is heavily favored.

The Sky's recent results: 1-9 in their last 10 games, with the only win coming on June 6 at home against the Connecticut Sun . Other losses include: 63-92 at Sun, 92-93 at Wings, 95-96 at home vs Liberty, 106-114 at Fever, 75-82 at home vs Dream, 68-85 at Aces, 72-90 at Mystics, 58-79 at home vs Lynx, 104-111 at home vs Aces, 75-85 at home vs Lynx, 89-99 at home vs Wings. The Sky's defense has allowed an average of 92.2 points in their last 10 games, while their offense has averaged only 81.8 points.

The Fire's recent results: 4-6 in their last 10 games, including a 94-89 home win over the Storm, a 74-107 loss at Lynx, an 84-83 home win over the Wings, an 89-105 home loss to the Aces, a 72-89 loss at Sparks, a 72-78 home loss to the Mercury, a 77-95 loss at Valkyries, a 100-84 home win over the Fever, a 66-86 home loss to the Dream, and a 71-61 home win over the Sun. The Fire have averaged 79.9 points scored and 87.7 points allowed in their last 10 games.

Injury report: The Sky are expected to be without guards DiJonai Carrington, Courtney Vandersloot, and forward Lexie Hull. The Fire have no reported injuries.

Projected lineups: The Sky's starters include center Stevens, Cardoso, guards Taylor, Harkless, Diggins, and forwards Westbeld, Williams, etc. The Fire's starters include forwards Carlton, Ernstler, center Gustafson, guard Bueckers, and shooting guard Ogunbowale, etc.

Overall, the Sky are in poor form, while the Fire have recently improved and have an advantage in perimeter shooting. The Fire are expected to cover the spread on the road. Regarding the total, both teams have poor defense, but the Sky's offense is inconsistent, so the Under is recommended.

Final Recommendation

  • Handicap: Portland Fire +3.5
  • Total: Under 171.5
View Chicago Sky vs Portland Fire match details