MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Minnesota Lynx, owners of the WNBA’s best record, host the Portland Fire on Saturday night at Target Center in a matchup of teams heading in opposite directions. Minnesota (19-6) has won five of its last six games, including a 96-87 victory over Los Angeles on Wednesday. The Lynx are 10-2 at home. Portland (10-14) is coming off an 87-90 loss at Connecticut on Tuesday, its third defeat in four games. The Interstat game simulator projects a 96-80 Lynx victory. Forward Natasha Howard has been a force for Minnesota. In Wednesday’s win over the Sparks, she posted 10 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. She has recorded double-doubles in three of her last four games, including a 21-point, 14-rebound effort against Dallas on June 28 and a 21-point, 15-rebound game at Washington on June 24. Over her last five games, Howard is averaging 13.8 points and 9.6 rebounds. The Lynx are also getting strong backcourt play from Kayla McBride, who scored 24 points against Los Angeles, and rookie Olivia Miles, who added 18 points and five assists. Portland will look to forward Emily Engstler, who has been the team’s most consistent performer. She recorded 14 points, five rebounds and seven assists in Tuesday’s loss to Connecticut, and posted a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds in a 102-92 win at Atlanta on July 11. Engstler has scored in double figures in four of her last six games. The Fire have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 96.3 points over their last three losses. Portland was routed 107-74 by the Lynx in their only previous meeting this season on June 15 at Target Center. Minnesota begins a three-game series at Seattle on Monday. Portland returns home to face Dallas on Tuesday.