The WNBA season heats up on July 16, 2026, with two thrilling matchups that could shake up the standings. Fans and bettors alike will be glued to the action as the New York Liberty take on the Dallas Wings, and the Portland Fire face off against the Washington Mystics. Let's dive into what makes these games must-watch events.

Dallas Wings

Liberty vs. Wings: Battle in the Lone Star State

The New York Liberty head to Dallas to take on the Wings in a matchup that has significant playoff implications. With the Liberty sitting at 13-11 and the Wings at an impressive 16-8, every win counts as the season progresses. According to our GameSim model, Dallas holds a 64% win probability, projecting a score of 93.4 to 82.1 in favor of the Wings.

Dallas’s success has been fueled by the stellar performances of Paige Bueckers, who is predicted to score 21.2 points along with 6.3 assists, and Jessica Shepard, who is expected to dominate the boards with 17 rebounds and contribute 16.3 points. Their synergy is a key reason why the Wings are favored by the Vegas spread of -1.0.

On the Liberty side, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones are pivotal. Stewart's anticipated 19.4 points and 10.9 rebounds will be crucial if New York hopes to overcome the odds. Jones adds her own firepower with an expected 14.8 points and 10.1 rebounds. The Liberty will need these star players to shine if they want to topple the Wings on their home court.

Fire vs. Mystics: A Close Call

Meanwhile, in the nation’s capital, the Portland Fire will try to ignite past the Washington Mystics. With the Fire at 10-14 and the Mystics at 12-10, this game is a tight one, as our GameSim predictions show a razor-thin margin, forecasting a 80.1 to 79.9 victory for the Mystics.

For Washington, the play of Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin will be critical. Iriafen is set to make a significant impact with 16.5 points and 11.3 rebounds, while Austin is projected for 13.7 points and 10.1 rebounds. Their inside presence will be a challenge for Portland to handle.

Portland's hopes rest heavily on Bridget Carleton, who is expected to score 17.5 points. Sarah Ashlee Barker's contributions, especially her 6.5 rebounds, will also be necessary to counter Washington’s inside strength.

Both matchups promise nail-biting action and could very well alter the playoff picture. For more detailed projections, including potential breakout performances, be sure to check out our GameSim+ subscription. Subscribers gain exclusive insights and player stats that can give you an edge whether you're a fan or a bettor. Learn more and subscribe here.