Tom Oldfield
• Betting Analyst
22+ years betting experience
Updated:
Jul 18, 2026 , 06:28 PM ET
• 4 min read
The Minnesota Lynx start the day as the WNBA No. 1 seed, and Olivia Miles is the X-factor for staying in top spot tonight, per our expert picks.
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx.
The Minnesota Lynx can become the first team to hit the 20-win mark tonight, and they bring a four-game streak into tonight’s clash with the Portland Fire at Target Center.
Portland has struggled on the road this season, and my Fire vs. Lynx predictions expect Minnesota to live up to its -800 moneyline price here, with Olivia Miles continuing her scorching rookie campaign.
Take a closer look at this July 18 battle with my free WNBA picks and betting tips.
Fire vs Lynx prediction
Fire vs Lynx best bet: Olivia Miles Over 16.5 points (-120)
Until Napheesa Collier returns, the Minnesota Lynx are going to run through Olivia Miles, and the dazzling rookie is averaging 19.3 PPG. She’s gone past this O/U number in six of her last seven outings and in each of her past four home contests.
Look for more magic, and volume, against the Portland Fire. Miles has attempted 16+ shots in five of her last seven games, and the Fire couldn’t live with the Lynx offense in the teams’ meeting last month.
With Portland’s lengthy injury list, I’d bet this Over up to 18.5.
COVERS INTEL: Miles has turned up the heat from downtown in her past three games, shooting 10-for-19 from beyond the arc, and she’s now up to 36% on her 3-pointers.Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account 
Fire vs Lynx same-game parlay
Both these teams have peppered the Over this season, and I see the Lynx running away with a high-scoring battle here. The Over is 15-9 for Minnesota this year, and it’s 7-3 in Portland’s past 10 games.
Even without Collier, the hosts rank second in the WNBA with 90.8 PPG, and the Fire look overmatched against a talented Lynx backcourt.
Though Portland is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 outings, the visitors have only won four of those games, and I’m riding with a Minnesota team that’s 9-4 SU at Target Center this season.
Fire vs Lynx SGP (+220)
- Olivia Miles Over 16.5 points
- Over 173.5
- Lynx moneyline
Fire vs Lynx player prop pick
Kayla McBride Over 17.5 points (-120)
What a month so far for Kayla McBride. She’s nailed this Over in all six games in July, with 23+ points in five of those contests.
McBride is letting it fly from downtown, too. She’s drilled 32 3-pointers across her last eight outings, and I expect her hot streak to continue here alongside Miles.
The veteran sharpshooter is also averaging 12.8 FGA per game, her highest mark since the 2018 season.
Tom Oldfield’s 2026 Transparency Record
- Best bet: 8-8, -0.3 units
- SGP: 2-14, -6.75 units
- Player prop: 2-3, -1 units
Fire vs Lynx odds
- Spread: Fire +13.5 | Lynx -13.5
- Moneyline: Fire +550 | Lynx -800
- Over/Under: Over 173.5 | Under 173.5
Fire vs Lynx trend
The Lynx have cashed the Over in six straight games. Find more WNBA betting trends.
How to watch Fire vs Lynx
| Location | Target Center, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date | Saturday, July 18, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8 p.m. ET |
| TV | KPDX, Victory+ |
Fire vs Lynx latest injuries
Fire: Megan Gustafson C (Out), Holly Winterburn G (Out), Karlie Samuelson G (Questionable).
Lynx: Napheesa Collier F (Out).
Find our latest WNBA injury reports.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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