As the WNBA season heats up, July 18, 2026, promises a trio of riveting matchups that could shake up the standings and set the tone for the playoffs. Let's dive into these marquee games where the stars will shine and the stakes are high.
New York Liberty vs. Indiana Fever
First up, the New York Liberty look to upset the Indiana Fever on their home court. The Fever, currently sitting at 15-10, have a slight edge in our simulations with a predicted win probability of 60%. Indiana's Caitlin Clark is expected to be a force, coming in hot with projections of 22.8 points, 9.4 assists, and 5.5 rebounds. Her playmaking will be crucial against the Liberty’s defense.
On the flip side, New York's Breanna Stewart is a powerhouse, poised to rack up 23.3 points and 9.3 rebounds. But can she lead her team past the Fever’s resilient defense? With a game predicted to end at 92.7 to 85.1 in favor of Indiana, this clash promises to be a nail-biter. For a detailed game prediction, check out our full prediction.
Washington Mystics vs. Golden State Valkyries
Next, the Washington Mystics travel to face the formidable Golden State Valkyries. The Valkyries, boasting a robust 18-7 record, are favored to win with a 60% probability. Gabby Williams is the star to watch, projected to score 16 points while adding 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Her all-around game is a key asset for Golden State.
Sonia Citron of Washington is no slouch, with 15.1 points expected on the night. However, the Mystics need a team effort to overcome the Valkyries’ defensive prowess. With a predicted scoreline of 82.3 to 74.4, Golden State looks to continue their dominance at home. Dive into more specifics with our detailed analysis.
Portland Fire vs. Minnesota Lynx
Finally, the Portland Fire face a daunting task against the high-flying Minnesota Lynx. With a 19-6 record, the Lynx are heavy favorites, boasting a 61% chance of victory. Olivia Miles leads the charge with an expected 20.8 points, and Natasha Howard is set to dominate the boards with 12.5 rebounds.
The Fire, sitting at 11-14, will rely on Bridget Carleton's scoring finesse, projected at 15.8 points. But against a Minnesota team projected to win 90.9 to 82.1, the odds are steep. Explore the full breakdown in our game preview.
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