Washington Mystics vs Toronto Tempo Picks and Prediction for Friday May 8 2026
Use Code PPWC
The Washington Mystics open the season on the road Friday night against the Toronto Tempo at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, ON. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM on May 8, 2026, with coverage available on ION and TSN. Toronto begins its season at home after two preseason losses, while Washington enters after splitting its two preseason games. The Mystics are listed at +1.5 on the spread and -108 on the moneyline, while the Tempo are listed at -1.5 and -112 on the moneyline. The total is set at 159.5 points. Get in on all the WNBA has to offer with our free WNBA picks.
Previous Game Recap
Washington enters this opener coming off an 83-72 preseason win over Atlanta. The Mystics trailed by three points after the first quarter but responded well in the second and third quarters, outscoring Atlanta 46-30 across those two periods. Washington’s best stretch came in the third quarter, where it held Atlanta to just 11 points while creating enough separation to finish the game with an 11-point victory.
Washington received a strong offensive performance from Lauren Betts, who finished with 17 points on efficient shooting while adding four rebounds and three assists. Kiki Iriafen added 11 points and four rebounds, while Cotie McMahon scored nine points and Georgia Amoore finished with eight points, two assists, and three steals. The Mystics also got bench contributions from Lucy Olsen with nine points and Angela Dugalic with seven points, six rebounds, and three steals as Washington finished with 20 assists and 14 steals.
Toronto’s most recent preseason game ended in a 73-66 loss to Minnesota. The Tempo stayed competitive through three quarters and trailed by only one point entering the fourth, but Minnesota closed stronger with a 20-14 edge in the final period. Toronto had several contributors in the loss, with Elizabeth Balogun scoring 12 points off the bench and Kiki Rice adding 10 points. Brittney Sykes had eight points, while Laura Juskaite and Temi Fagbenle each grabbed seven rebounds. Toronto shot 35 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range in the loss.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Mystics Looking to Carry Over Their Preseason Response
The Washington Mystics enter the regular season at 0-0 after finishing preseason play at 1-1. Washington recently won over Atlanta 83-72 after recently lost to Minnesota 77-66. Dating back to last season, the Mystics also recently lost to New York 75-66, recently lost to Indiana 94-65, and recently lost to Phoenix 75-69. Washington’s most recent result gives the Mystics some momentum after a stretch where they had struggled to finish games.
The Mystics averaged 74.5 points per game during the preseason while shooting 38 percent from the field. Washington also averaged 31.5 rebounds, 16.5 assists, four blocks, and 13 steals per game. Those steal numbers stand out, especially after Washington created 14 steals in the preseason victory over Atlanta.
One key strength for Washington is defensive activity. The Mystics have shown the ability to pressure the ball and create extra possessions, and that matters against a Toronto team that is still looking for its first win. The concern is shooting efficiency, as Washington sits at just 38 percent from the field, but the defensive disruption gives the Mystics a real path to control this matchup.
Tempo Begin Their First Home Test
The Toronto Tempo enter the regular season at 0-0 after going 0-2 in preseason action. Toronto recently lost to Minnesota 73-66 after recently lost to Connecticut 83-78. The Tempo were competitive in both games, including a five-point loss to Connecticut and a seven-point loss to Minnesota. Now Toronto gets its home opener at Coca-Cola Coliseum with a chance to turn those close preseason efforts into a regular-season win.
Toronto averaged 72 points per game during the preseason while also shooting 38 percent from the field. The Tempo averaged 27.5 rebounds, 14 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 10.5 steals per game. Toronto has shown it can create turnovers defensively, but the rebounding and block numbers trail Washington entering this matchup.
The biggest issue for Toronto has been finishing games and generating enough offense late. In the loss to Minnesota, the Tempo scored only 14 points in the fourth quarter after staying close through three periods. Toronto’s defensive activity gives it a chance, but the Tempo will need better offensive rhythm and more efficient shooting to take advantage of home court.
Washington Mystics vs Toronto Tempo Picks and Prediction
Washington Mystics vs Toronto Tempo Pick
Pick: Washington Mystics +1.5
Washington is the lean on the spread because the Mystics enter off the stronger recent performance. Their 83-72 preseason win over Atlanta showed better balance, especially with 20 assists and 14 steals. Toronto has been competitive, but the Tempo are coming off two preseason losses and averaged slightly fewer points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals than Washington. With the Mystics also showing stronger defensive activity and coming off a double-digit win, taking Washington with the points is the better side.
Washington Mystics vs Toronto Tempo Total Pick
Pick: Under 159.5
I am leaning toward the under because both teams are shooting just 38 percent from the field, and neither preseason profile suggests a high-scoring opener. Washington averaged 74.5 points per game, while Toronto averaged 72.0, and Toronto’s most recent game finished with only 139 total points. Washington’s defensive pressure could create turnovers, but that does not automatically mean this game becomes a track meet. With both teams still settling into the season and Toronto coming off a 66-point outing, the under looks like the stronger total play.
Final Score Prediction: Washington Mystics 76 – Toronto Tempo 71
Betting on the WNBA?
- Find our list of our favorite WNBA sportsbooks
- Claim your promos with the best WNBA sportsbook bonuses
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
