WNBA: Mercury at Fire Preview PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The Portland Fire look to bounce back from a lopsided loss when they host the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Moda Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PDT. Portland (6-5) enters the matchup after a 95-77 defeat at Golden State on Tuesday. The Fire have won four of their last six contests but have struggled with consistency, alternating wins and losses over their past five games. Phoenix (2-8) arrives in Portland after a 111-77 blowout loss at Minnesota on Monday. The Mercury have lost eight of their last nine games, with their only victory in that span coming against Chicago on May 15. The Interstat game simulator projects a tight contest, with Portland winning 96-95. Players to watch Phoenix guard Kahleah Copper has been the Mercury’s most consistent offensive threat despite the team’s struggles. Over her last 10 games, Copper has averaged 18.2 points per game while playing at least 27 minutes in each contest. She posted 20 or more points in three of her last four outings, including a 22-point effort against Los Angeles on May 21 and a season-high 30 points in an 84-88 loss to Minnesota on May 12. In Monday’s defeat to the Lynx, Copper finished with 18 points, two rebounds and one assist in 27 minutes. Portland forward Emily Engstler has provided a boost on both ends of the floor. In her last 10 games, Engstler has recorded at least 10 points in seven contests while averaging 8.3 rebounds. She posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds against Indiana on May 30, and added four blocks in an 81-74 win over New York on May 25. In Tuesday’s loss at Golden State, Engstler had 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Recent results Phoenix’s lone win this season was a 99-66 victory at Las Vegas on May 9. The Mercury have lost four straight since, all by double digits except for an 80-82 loss at Atlanta. Portland has wins over Connecticut, New York, Toronto and Indiana this season. The Fire have held opponents under 75 points in three of their six victories. Up next Phoenix continues its road trip Tuesday at Golden State. Portland hosts Los Angeles on Sunday.