STWF Sports | ARLINGTON, Texas | August 25, 2026 — The Dallas Wings return to College Park Center on Tuesday night with an opportunity to accomplish something the franchise has not done since 2023 — secure a spot in the WNBA Playoffs.

Dallas (22-16) hosts the Portland Fire (15-22) on August 25 at 7 p.m. CT in a matchup that carries postseason implications and will also decide the season series between the two teams. The game will air nationally on NBA TV and locally on KFAA, with Ron Thulin handling play-by-play alongside Fran Harris and Alexis Davis.

The Wings enter the contest riding the momentum of a convincing 92-70 victory over the Seattle Storm on Sunday afternoon in Arlington. The win improved Dallas to 22 victories on the season, matching the franchise record for most regular-season wins.

A victory Tuesday would not only establish a new benchmark in the standings but also clinch Dallas’ first playoff appearance in three years.

The Dallas Wings: Aiming for Playoff Glory

Paige Bueckers delivered one of the most memorable performances of her season against Seattle, scoring a game-high 32 points while providing another showcase of her growing offensive confidence. Bueckers was perfect from beyond the arc, connecting on all six of her 3-point attempts and tying the WNBA record for most 3-pointers made in a game without a miss.

Dallas controlled the matchup against the Storm and completed a 3-0 season sweep, earning its eighth season-series victory of the year. The 22-point win was also the Wings’ third-largest margin of victory this season.

That form will be tested by a Portland team that has already proven capable of challenging Dallas.

The season series is tied 1-1, making Tuesday’s meeting the deciding game between the two clubs. Dallas won their most recent matchup, escaping Portland with a 101-97 victory on July 22.

Jessica Shepard was at the center of that performance, recording the fifth triple-double of her career with 18 points, a game-high 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Her ability to create offense from the frontcourt helped Dallas navigate a high-scoring contest in which both teams found consistent success offensively.

Arike Ogunbowale added 24 points in the victory, while Bueckers finished with 21 as Dallas received balanced production from its primary scorers.

That balance could again prove important against a Portland squad coming off an offensive shootout.

The Fire fell 105-100 to the Washington Mystics on Sunday despite placing three players above the 20-point mark. Carla Leite led Portland with 27 points and 11 assists, demonstrating the playmaking ability that could force Dallas to stay disciplined defensively.

Emily Engstler added 23 points, while Megan DiLeo also scored 23, giving Portland multiple scoring options the Wings will have to account for throughout the night.

For Dallas, Tuesday’s challenge will center on controlling the pace, limiting Portland’s transition opportunities and continuing the offensive efficiency that powered Sunday’s win.

The Wings have positioned themselves among the league’s postseason contenders through consistency and depth, and the opportunity now sits directly in front of them.

With College Park Center providing the setting, Dallas can turn a strong regular season into an official playoff berth while also setting a new franchise mark for victories.

Tuesday night is no longer simply another game on the schedule.

For the Wings, it is a chance to punch their ticket to the postseason.