We have settled into the WNBA season, where teams are showing their identity as the storylines shape and the excitement plays out. There are three games on today’s slate with a lot to consider. We get the two expansion teams facing off in the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo while Minnesota-Chicago is the featured programming event of the evening on CBS. It wasn't the best start to the year last time out, but there's plenty of time to improve. I'll be here once a week to provide the best WNBA picks for the Saturday slate. Let's get to it.
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Saturday’s Best WNBA Picks & Predictions
Last Time: 1-2 | Season: 1-2
Minnesota Lynx vs. Chicago Sky
We start with Minnesota traveling to Chicago to take on the Sky at Wintrust Arena. Of course, Chicago lost star Rickea Jackson to an ACL tear earlier this week, which limits their ceiling, but they are scheduled to get back Azura Stevens for her 2026 debut.
The Lynx are dealing with injuries of their own as they are still without Napheesa Collier, but have gone 2-0 on the road after having an impressive road record a year ago.
What stands out to me is how Minnesota is getting its buckets. They have three scorers averaging over 15 points per game and rank sixth in the league in efficiency.
The problem is the frequency of mid-range attempts they take, which leads the league in the percentage of non-rim-and-three points. Chicago, meanwhile, has stepped up defensively so far, ranking among the top five in efficiency while playing at a pace in the bottom half of the league.
Especially with the number of injuries on either side and rotations still being figured out, I expect a lot of inconsistencies here. These two teams already faced off and managed only 165 points, despite Chicago getting 20 points from the charity stripe. Both teams shot under 46% from the field, and I'm expecting that to happen again here.
Pick: Under 166.5 Points (-110 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
Portland Fire vs. Toronto Tempo
Next up, we have Portland traveling across country lines. The Fire seek their first road victory in their inaugural season. The Fire's offense hasn't been bad; it's the defense that is letting them down early on this year, with the second-worst-rated defensive unit.
They are 1-4 against the spread (ATS) so far. Toronto has stepped up to start the year, holding serve against maybe some lesser competition before getting the doors blown off by the Lynx. Still, a solid start, all things considered.
If Toronto can continue playing as they have, this is their game all the way. Brittney Sykes has been awesome (again, before the Minnesota game), averaging 22 points a night with four boards and four assists. After playing just 14 games last year, it would be awesome to see a fully healthy season from her and what she can do.
Marina Mabrey can sling it from deep, and Portland has allowed the highest perimeter shooting rate to opponents this year. I'd be more surprised by a close game than a blowout here if you want to take some alts.
Pick: Tempo -5.5 (-105 at FanDuel Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Las Vegas Aces
The nightcap tips off at 8:00 pm ET, also on CBS, as the Aces return home looking for their fifth straight win. I expect it to happen, considering Las Vegas won by 27 points when these two squared off for the second game of the season. It's just a matter of how.
What's surprised me is Chennedy Carter's performance so far off the bench. Obviously, A'ja Wilson has been great, but Carter is the second leading scorer with 19 points a game despite playing just 21 minutes a night. She's been incredibly efficient and tallied 22 in the opening match against Los Angeles earlier this month.
I don't imagine Carter can keep up the efficiency levels the whole year, but she's earned additional playing time, and I can't say I'm particularly worried about the Sparks' defense as they rank dead last in the league. Carter should get plenty of run here, and I simply think sportsbooks are behind on adjusting for her performance so far.
Pick: Chennedy Carter Over 15.5 Points (-111 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
