WNBA Picks Today: 3 WNBA Predictions, Best Bets & Player Props for Friday, August 21, 2026

WNBA Best Bets at a Glance

• Washington Mystics Moneyline (+114)
• Golden State Valkyries -6.5 (-110)
• Portland Fire Moneyline (-162)

Each day in the WNBA, we've got countless betting options.

You can ride with traditional markets such as spreads or totals or bet on which players will erupt via the player-prop markets.

Which bets stand out for tonight's slate?

Let's run through the top options in FanDuel Sportsbook's WNBA odds, leaning on advanced stats from the WNBA to help us find an edge in the market.

Please note lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published. All injury news comes via the official WNBA player news wire.

WNBA Best Bets and Predictions Today

Minnesota Lynx vs. Washington Mystics

Washington Mystics Moneyline (+114)

Washington has already shown it can compete with Minnesota this season. The Mystics won the first meeting 84-79 on June 21, and the rematch three days later came down to just two points, with Minnesota winning 78-76. That leaves the season series tied at 1-1, with Washington actually outscoring Minnesota 160-157 across the two games.

The Mystics have also played well at home, entering Friday with a 12-6 home record. With both previous meetings decided by five points or fewer, Washington has already proven it can stay with the Lynx and has a win over them on its résumé.

Golden State Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky

Golden State Valkyries -6.5 (-110)

Golden State and Chicago have split their first two meetings, but the most recent matchup was a much different result. The Valkyries beat the Sky 91-71 on August 12, turning a close first half into a 20-point victory.

Chicago has responded with consecutive wins over Seattle and New York, so this isn't a matchup to overlook. Still, Golden State enters Friday with one of the better records in the league and has already shown it can create separation against this Sky team. The Valkyries don't need another 20-point win to get past Friday's number.

Portland Fire vs. Toronto Tempo

Portland Fire Moneyline (-162)

Portland is 2-0 against Toronto this season, and neither game has been particularly close. The Fire won 99-80 on May 23 before beating the Tempo 97-83 on August 6. That's two wins by 14 or more points entering their third meeting.

Portland also enters Friday with some momentum after an 88-85 comeback win over Phoenix in its most recent game. Toronto, meanwhile, has lost 12 straight and has been eliminated from playoff contention. With Portland already beating the Tempo twice and coming off another road victory, the Fire have the stronger recent results entering the matchup.

WNBA Betting -- Frequently Asked Questions

What does the point spread mean in WNBA betting?

The point spread is a margin set by oddsmakers to level the playing field between two unevenly matched teams. For example, if the Dallas Wings are listed at -7.5, they need to win by 8 or more points for a bet on them to cash. Conversely, a bet on their opponent at +7.5 wins if that team loses by 7 or fewer points — or wins outright.

What is the moneyline?

The moneyline is a straight-up bet on which team wins the game, with no spread involved. Favorites carry a negative number (e.g., -200, meaning you must risk $200 to win $100), while underdogs carry a positive number (e.g., +170, meaning a $100 bet returns $170 profit).

How does the over/under (game total) work?

Oddsmakers set a projected combined score for the game, and bettors wager on whether the actual total will go over or under that number. For instance, if the total is set at 154.5 points, an over bet wins if both teams combine for 155 or more points. WNBA totals can swing based on pace of play, rest situations, and injuries, so it's worth tracking those factors before placing a total bet.

What are WNBA player props?

Player props are bets tied to an individual player's statistical performance rather than the game's outcome. Common prop bet markets include points scored, assists, rebounds, three-pointers made, and combinations of those stats.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.