The Atlanta Dream host the Golden State Valkyries on Monday night at Gateway Center Arena. Tipoff is set for 7:30PM ET. This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams, as Golden State is in its first WNBA season.
Atlanta enters with an 11-7 record and sits second in the Eastern Conference. The Dream are 7-3 at home and will begin a long road trip after this game. Golden State is 9-8 overall and fourth in the Western Conference. The Valkyries are just 2-5 away from home.
Atlanta lost its last game 80-79 to Seattle. They led by four with under a minute left but gave up a late basket with 3.4 seconds to go. Golden State also lost last time out, falling 82-71 at Minnesota. That game started a four-game road swing for the Valkyries.
Both teams are trying to bounce back after losses. Atlanta has dropped three of its last four. Golden State had won two straight before falling to the Lynx. Both teams will look to find consistency in this matchup.
ATL Preview – Last Home Game Before Long Road Trip
The Dream are coming off a close loss to the Storm. Allisha Gray had 12 points and 11 rebounds. Brionna Jones scored 18 and grabbed 10 boards. Jordin Canada led the team with 25 points and 5 assists.
Rhyne Howard missed that game with an upper-body injury but is expected back. She is averaging 16.8 points per game and was just named an All-Star reserve. Her return gives the Dream another scoring option to work with Gray and Jones.
Atlanta scores 79.0 points per game and gives up 78.6. They rank second in the league in first-quarter scoring and are strong defensively in all four quarters. The Dream shoot 40.2% from the field and allow just 43.2% to opponents.
Atlanta also ranks second in the WNBA in defensive rebounding and top three in limiting assists. They average 32.8 total rebounds per game and commit just 12.2 turnovers. Head coach Karl Smesko is focused on closing games stronger, especially before the long road trip ahead.
GS Preview – Can the Valkyries Get a Road Win?
Golden State is 9-8 and trying to stay above .500. The Valkyries are 7-3 at home but have struggled on the road. They are 2-5 away from Chase Center and will be tested again on Monday night in Atlanta.
Tiffany Hayes scored 23 points in the loss at Minnesota and is averaging 14 per game. Kayla Thornton leads the team with 14.9 points and also adds 10 rebounds. The Valkyries rely on balanced scoring but need more consistency in away games.
The Valkyries shoot just 40.2% from the field and 29.0% from three. They allow 43.2% shooting to opponents. Golden State averages 79.0 points per game and gives up 78.6. Their games often stay close, especially when they play strong on defense.
Head coach Natalie Nakase wants her team to embrace the road environment. She says the team is learning how to focus when the crowd is against them. With no reported injuries, the Valkyries have their full roster available heading into this matchup.
Betting Prediction
Atlanta is favored by 7.5 points with a total set at 158.0. Golden State is +260 on the moneyline, while the Dream are -325. Atlanta is 10-8 against the spread this season and 7-3 at home. Golden State is 11-6 ATS but just 2-5 on the road.
Golden State’s road struggles are a concern. Atlanta has more firepower with Gray, Jones, and Howard. If Howard returns as expected, the Dream should be able to cover the spread at home. Expect the Dream to control the pace early and close strong. Predicted final: Atlanta 85, Golden State 74.
Pick: Atlanta -7.5
