Connecticut at Portland

Expansion Portland is off to a surprising 4-3 start. The Fire, though, finds itself in a letdown spot. They just upset New York, 81-74, as double-digit road underdogs this past Monday. Now they are heading home following three straight road games. This will be their third different time zone in their last four games. Connecticut is 1-7, but has covered three of its last five games. The Sun has also been on the West Coast for the past week. If the Sun had shot their free throws better, they would have beaten Portland in their first meeting. The Fire edged Connecticut 83-82, as 3.5-point home favorites on May 18. The Sun made only 11 of 20 free throws in that game for 55%. The Fire connected on 20 of 26 free throws for 77%. Connecticut outrebounded Portland by five and could dominate the boards in this rematch if Brittney Griner can return as expected from a rib injury. Connecticut has a height advantage on the Fire with Griner, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Aneesah Morrow, and Aaliyah Edwards. The Sun ranks seventh in rebounding, while the Fire is 14th out of 15 teams in rebounding. Take the Sun on the moneyline.