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Mystics vs. Tempo prediction: Why Toronto is favored to win WNBA Opening Night matchup [5/8/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Washington Mystics vs Toronto Tempo predictions for WNBA Friday.
The Toronto Tempo will take on the Washington Mystics in WNBA action at Coca-Cola Coliseum on Friday, beginning at 7:30 PM ET.
Based on the latest simulation results, Dimers' advanced WNBA model predicts the Tempo as the most likely winner of the Mystics vs. Tempo game.
The Tempo, powered by Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes and Temi Fagbenle, are set to take on the Mystics, who feature Kiki Iriafen, Shakira Austin and Sonia Citron.
This article offers further insights into Friday's matchup, including best bets and player prop picks.
Mystics vs. Tempo prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using powerful machine learning and statistical analysis, we have simulated the result of Friday's WNBA matchup between the Mystics and Tempo, forming part of our WNBA predictions coverage.
Our leading predictive model gives the Tempo a 70% chance of defeating the Mystics.
According to our model, the Tempo (-1.5) have a 64% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 160.5 points has a 63% chance of going over.
Mystics vs. Tempo odds
We have sourced the best WNBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Mystics | Tempo |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +1.5 (-125) | -1.5 (+105) |
| Moneyline | -110 | -104 |
| Total | o160.5 (-105) | u160.5 (-115) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Mystics vs. Tempo picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Tempo -1.5 | +105 |
| Moneyline | Tempo | -104 |
| Total | Over 160.5 | -105 |
According to our WNBA best bets, the top play to make on this game is Tempo to win.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Mystics vs. Tempo player props
WNBA prop bets are a common way to wager on Friday's Mystics vs. Tempo game without necessarily betting on the outcome. We have crunched the numbers to project how each team's leading players will perform at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Kiki Iriafen is expected to lead the Mystics with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists, while Marina Mabrey is projected to have 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists for the Tempo.
Check out our WNBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's WNBA first basket picks.
Mystics prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Mystics are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kiki Iriafen | 17 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 35 |
| Shakira Austin | 16 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 36 |
| Sonia Citron | 14 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 28 |
| Lauren Betts | 12 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 29 |
| Cotie McMahon | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 14 |
Tempo prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Tempo:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marina Mabrey | 14 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 30 |
| Brittney Sykes | 14 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 30 |
| Temi Fagbenle | 9 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 22 |
| Kia Nurse | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 15 |
| Nikolina Milic | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 11 |
Mystics vs. Tempo game-day updates and essential details
Friday's action between the Tempo and Mystics at Coca-Cola Coliseum is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM ET.
- Who: Washington Mystics vs. Toronto Tempo
- Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM ET/4:30PM PT
- Venue: Coca-Cola Coliseum
Conclusion
We predict the Tempo, with a 70% win probability, will likely beat the Mystics in Friday's WNBA matchup.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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