On Tuesday, September 2, the Golden State Valkyries (21-18) will host the New York Liberty (24-16) in a WNBA regular-season match-up.
The Valkyries enter the game after a 75-63 win against the Indiana Fever. Iliana Rupert drained 5 triples en route to a career-high 21-point performance.
It was the third straight win for Golden State, and they have a fragile hold on the 6th spot.
On the other hand, the Liberty comes into the affair after a 63-80 loss against the Phoenix Mercury. They scored just 24 in the second half and allowed 43 points.
The Liberty has slipped to the 5th spot in just a few weeks.
Can Valkyries take advantage of New York’s vulnerabilities in this match-up? Go through the predictions related to player props, total, and spread here.
New York Liberty
The Liberty has lost the plot on both ends. The endless stream of injuries has also hurt their full potential. As of now, New York needs a strong push before the playoffs to recover the 2024 championship-winning rhythm.
Here are some facts about them:
Liberty Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Sabrina Ionescu | SG/SF: Leonie Fiebich | PF: Breanna Stewart | PF/C: Jonquel Jones | C: Emma Meeseeman
Key bench players: PF: Isabelle Harrison, SF: Kennedy Burke, PG: Marine Johannes
Injuries/Updates: Nyara Sabally may remain OUT again.
Golden State Valkyries
The Valkyries continue to defy expectations and set a model of winning for upcoming franchises. Their latest triumph against the Fever stamped their defensive prowess again.
The team has laid a solid foundation in its debut season. Here are some stats about them:
Valkyries Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Veronica Burton | SG: Kaila Charles | SF: Janelle Salaun | PF/C: Iliana Rupert | PF/C: Temi Fagbenle
Key bench players: PF: Laeticia Amihere, SG/SF: Kate Martin, SG: Carla Leite
Injuries/Updates: The status of Cecilia Zendalisini, Monique Billings, and Tiffany Hayes is UNCLEAR. Kayla Thornton is OUT for the season.
The Valkyries are an elite defensive unit. They repeatedly hold squads under 80 or so. However, the team can also struggle to crack the 80-point mark, especially against tough defenses.
Meanwhile, the Liberty’s defense is also excellent. They have conceded 80 or fewer in the last four games. However, their offense is at its lowest point this season.
New York has scored in the 60s twice in the last four games.
Golden State is an elite defensive team and can restrict their flow but it can be vice-versa. It appears we are looking at a low scorer here.
Total: Under 162.5 at BetMGM
Here is an overview of my selections
| Picks | BetMGM Odds |
| Total U 162.5 | TBD |
| Spread- Valkyries +4.5 (Projected) | TBD |
| Burton O 6.5 Assists | TBD |
| Money Line- Valkyries | TBD |
Veronica Burton O 6.5 Assists: Burton is having a sensational season as she has become the epitome of playmaking.
She has been on a tear lately, dishing a whopping at least 13 assists in three of the last five games. I expect her to dish at least 7 here, too.
Jonquel Jones O 1.5 3-Pointers: Jones has always been a stretch-five in the league. She has knocked down 1.9 three-pointers per game.
The center has converted at least 2 in five of the last seven games. I expect her to do so again.
Kaila Charles O 6.5 Points: Charles has been a great addition for the Valkyries. She is averaging 5.9 PPG but has put up 9 or more in four straight games. I see her scoring at least 7 here.
Main pick: Burton O 6.5 Assists at BetMGM
The Valkyries are amazing at home. They have perhaps the best home court atmosphere besides the Indiana Fever, and the team has utilized it wonderfully.
On the other hand, the Liberty has struggled on the road. They have lost four straight away from home games.
This is a ‘Golden’ chance for the Valkyries to solidify their playoff hopes here. I think even if they don’t win, the game will be within five points.
Spread/Money Line Pick: Spread: Valkyries +4.5 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
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