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The Coca-Cola Coliseum will be rocking on Friday night as the Toronto Tempo make their long-awaited WNBA debut against the Washington Mystics.
While plenty of attention will be on Toronto’s first game as a franchise, my Mystics vs. Tempo predictions focus on the total, with both teams bringing enough offensive firepower and defensive uncertainty to push this game Over the total.
Read more in my WNBA picks for Friday, May 8.
Mystics vs Tempo prediction
Mystics vs Tempo best bet: Over 160.5 (-115)
The Toronto Tempo are still an unknown entering their inaugural season, but Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes bring enough experience to have Sandy Brondello’s offense running smoothly from the jump.
Mabrey is also coming off a strong individual season and should benefit from a fresh start in Toronto.
The Washington Mystics are the bigger reason to back the Over, though. Washington has allowed at least 85 points in each of its last five season-opening road games, and this roster still profiles as offense-first, with Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen doing the heavy lifting, and rookies Georgia Amoore and Lauren Betts expected to contribute right away.
Add in the energy of Toronto’s first-ever WNBA game, and points should follow.
Covers
COVERS INTEL:
The Mystics led the WNBA in free-throw attempts last season and generated nearly 58% of their scoring from 2-point range — the highest mark in the league.
Mystics vs Tempo same-game parlay
The Mystics may not take a ton of threes, but Sonia Citron shot 44% from beyond the arc as a rookie. With a year under her belt and a total I expected to be eclipsed, it makes sense to add the Mystics' best outside shooter.
As for Iriafen, she lives in the paint and shot 49% from the floor as a rookie. Her ability to draw fouls leads to easy points, and she'll be a matchup nightmare for Isabelle Harrison.
Marina Mabrey will be the trigger woman all year long for the Tempo and is averaging two makes per game for her career.
Mystics vs Tempo SGP
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Over 160.5
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Kiki Iriafen Over 13.5 points
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Sonia Citron Over 1.5 threes
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Marina Mabrey Over 1.5 threes
Mystics vs Tempo first basket scorer: Kiki Iriafen (+650)
With Lauren Betts holding a three-inch height advantage over Temi Fagbenle, Washington should have a strong chance to control the first possession.
From there, expect the Mystics to work inside early, which is exactly where Iriafen thrives. She shot nearly 49% from the floor last season and plays in a system that lives around the basket.
If you’re looking to double your chances, Marina Mabrey (+700) stands out as the alpha in Sandy Brondello’s offense. And in a city hosting its first-ever WNBA game, there may be no faster way to endear yourself to the crowd than by scoring the first points in franchise history.
Mystics vs Tempo odds
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Spread: Mystics +1 | Tempo -1
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Moneyline: Mystics -110 | Tempo -110
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Over/Under: Over 159.5 | Under 159.5
Mystics vs Tempo trend
The Washington Mystics have dropped three of their last four first road games of the season. Find more WNBA betting trends.
How to watch Mystics vs Tempo
Location
Coca-Cola Coliseum, Toronto, ON
Date
Friday, May 8, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
ION
Mystics vs Tempo latest injuries
Mystics: Michaela Onyenwere (Questionable), Shakira Austin (Out), Alex Wilson (Out).
Tempo: No injuries to report.
Find our latest WNBA injury reports.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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