Dallas Wings on brink of securing final WNBA playoff spot against Portland
A victory over the Portland Fire will clinch the eighth and final spot in the 2026 postseason, ending a three-year drought for the franchise.
The Dallas Wings are positioned to secure the final place in the 2026 WNBA playoffs when they host the Portland Fire at the College Park Center. Seven of the eight postseason spots have already been determined, and a win for Dallas will lock in the eight-team field, marking the franchise’s return to the postseason for the first time since 2023. The match is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will be broadcast nationally on NBA TV.
The Wings enter the contest as 8.5-point favourites, having won their last two games to reduce their magic number to one. Their 22 victories this season have tied a single-season team record for the franchise since its relocation from Detroit. Despite this momentum, the team faces a significant roster adjustment following the injury of rookie No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd, who will miss the remainder of the season after right knee surgery. Forward Awak Kuier, who leads the team in blocks, has moved into the starting lineup in her absence.
Key performers for Dallas include Paige Bueckers, who tied the WNBA record for the most three-pointers made without a miss in a game during Sunday’s 92-70 victory over Seattle. Bueckers scored 32 points in that match, matching a team record for first-quarter scoring. Jessica Shepard continues to dominate the statistical charts, recording her 21st double-double of the year. She is currently the only player in the league to have accumulated at least 400 rebounds and 175 assists this season.
The visiting Portland Fire are on the verge of elimination, requiring a win and a favourable result elsewhere to reach the postseason. Their recent 105-100 home loss to the Washington Mystics saw them blow an 11-point lead, highlighting persistent issues with free-throw attempts and rebounding. The Fire are currently last in the WNBA in rebounding, a deficit that was starkly evident in their previous matchup against Washington.
Veteran Megan DiLeo remains Portland’s primary offensive threat, averaging 13.3 points per game this season, which is double her previous career high. She recently passed Sophia Witherspoon to set a team record for career field goals made with 179. The season series between the two clubs is currently split, with the most recent meeting on 22 July resulting in a 101-97 victory for Dallas.
With the playoff picture nearly set, the outcome of this nationally televised match will determine whether the Wings can capitalise on their recent form and secure their place in the postseason.
