The Chicago Sky return to Wintrust Arena on Friday night to host the Golden State Valkyries. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. Chicago enters the game at 8-24, sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference, while Golden State is 17-15 and fourth in the West. This will be the third meeting between these two teams this season, with the Valkyries winning both prior games.
In the last matchup on August 1, Golden State left Chicago with a 73-66 victory. Earlier in the season, on June 27, they won 83-78 at home. Both games were competitive, but the Valkyries’ depth and late-game execution made the difference. Chicago will look to reverse that trend despite a challenging stretch of injuries and recent struggles.
Sky Preview – Searching for Answers at Home
Chicago is going through a rough patch, losing 11 of its last 12 games. The team has been without star forward Angel Reese for six straight games due to a back injury, and there is no clear timetable for her return. Her absence has hurt the Sky’s rebounding and inside scoring. Ariel Atkins also missed most of the last game after being ejected during a second-quarter altercation against the Sun.
Elizabeth Williams continues to be a key piece for the Sky, providing interior defense and rebounding. Against Connecticut, she posted 12 points and 15 rebounds. Kamilla Cardoso was the leading scorer with 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting. However, the rest of the lineup struggled to find consistent scoring options, with only two other players reaching double figures.
On the season, Chicago is averaging 77.9 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the league. They shoot 44.8% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range but have been inconsistent game to game. Defensively, they allow 85.9 points per game, ranking 10th in the WNBA, and they will need to improve their perimeter defense against a Golden State team that shoots a high volume from deep. Chicago is 5-11 at home this season.
Valkyries Preview – Offense Finding Rhythm
Golden State is trending upward after back-to-back wins, including a strong 88-83 road victory over Washington. The Valkyries built a 25-point lead in the second quarter of that game and kept the Mystics’ All-Star rookie Sonia Citron quiet until a late scoring surge. Veronica Burton had a career night with 30 points on 10-of-13 shooting, while Cecilia Zandalasini added 20 points and seven rebounds.
The Valkyries average 77.9 points per game and are one of the league’s most dangerous three-point shooting teams, ranking second in makes per game at 9.7. They attempt the most threes in the league at 30.2 per game and are also efficient from the free throw line, shooting 80.7%, which ranks third in the WNBA. This combination makes them dangerous in close games.
Defensively, Golden State ranks fourth in total rebounds per game at 35.8 and is strong on the offensive glass with 9.1 per game. They hold opponents to 40.4% shooting from the field and have improved their late-game defense since stabilizing their roster after EuroBasket. The Valkyries have a 7-10 road record but have already won in Chicago once this season.
Matchup Breakdown
The Valkyries’ perimeter shooting will test the Sky’s defense, especially with Chicago struggling to defend the arc this season. In their two wins over Chicago, Golden State has averaged 78 points and held the Sky to just 72. The battle inside between Cardoso and Golden State’s frontcourt will be key, but without Reese, the Sky may struggle to control the boards.
Golden State’s guard play has been a difference-maker in this matchup. Burton’s ability to score and distribute, paired with Zandalasini’s versatile offensive game, gives them multiple scoring threats. Chicago will need big games from Atkins, Williams, and Cardoso to keep pace.
Betting Prediction
Golden State enters as a 6.5-point favorite, with the total set at 151. The Valkyries have already proven they can win in Chicago, and their three-point shooting gives them a clear advantage. Chicago’s home struggles and missing key players make them a tough team to back in this spot.
Golden State’s offensive balance and improved defensive rebounding should lead to another win. Expect the Valkyries to pull away in the second half and cover the spread. A projected score is Golden State 80, Chicago 71, staying just under the posted total.
Pick: Golden State -6.5
