The Golden State Valkyries wrap up a three-game homestand on Monday night at Chase Center when they take on the Connecticut Sun. Tip-off is set for 10:00 PM ET. Golden State enters the game at 15-15 and is still in the hunt for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Connecticut, sitting at 5-25, has the WNBA’s worst record and is trying to end a tough road stretch. The teams last met on July 27, with the Sun winning big 95-64.
This game will be the final stop of a four-game road trip for the Sun, who have dropped all three games on the swing so far. Golden State is coming off one of its best defensive efforts of the season in a 72-59 win over Los Angeles on Saturday. That victory gave the Valkyries their second-lowest points allowed this season and improved their home record. Connecticut, meanwhile, continues to search for its first road win since early in the season.
Valkyries Preview – Defense Leading the Way
Golden State has been one of the league’s best defensive teams, holding opponents to just 77.8 points per game. The Valkyries completely shut down the Sparks on Saturday, holding them to just 59 points after they had scored 100 or more in three straight games. It was also a good response after allowing 95 points in the previous meeting with Connecticut.
The team has gone 5-3 since losing leading scorer and rebounder Kayla Thornton to a season-ending knee injury. Thornton was averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds per game, so replacing her production has been a group effort. Players like Tolu Fagbenle, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Tiffany Hayes have stepped up on both ends of the floor.
Veronica Burton has been key during this stretch, scoring in double figures in five of her last seven games. Against the Sparks, she recorded 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists, providing leadership on both ends. The Valkyries will try to slow the game’s tempo, control the paint, and force Connecticut into difficult shots.
Sun Preview – Searching for Road Success
Connecticut enters this game on a 12-game road losing streak, with defensive struggles playing a big role. They have allowed an average of 87.6 points per game this season, and that number has climbed to 92.7 during their current road trip. Their inability to maintain defensive intensity for all four quarters has been a major weakness.
In Sunday’s 94-86 loss at Las Vegas, the Sun started strong with a 31-point first quarter and led by 12 in the second period. However, they were worn down by the Aces’ interior play and could not stop A’ja Wilson, who posted a 32-point, 20-rebound performance. Connecticut’s frontcourt depth will again be tested against Golden State’s physical inside play.
Tina Charles remains the most consistent scoring option, including her 24-point outing in the July 27 win over Golden State. Marina Mabrey has also been an important contributor, scoring 22 points in Sunday’s game against Las Vegas. For the Sun to compete in this matchup, they must take care of the ball, shoot well from the perimeter, and avoid second-half scoring droughts.
Betting Prediction
Golden State’s strong defense and home-court advantage make them the clear favorite. The Valkyries have been winning with defense and balanced scoring since losing Thornton, and their recent form suggests they will limit Connecticut’s offensive output. The Sun’s poor road record and second-half collapses make it difficult to back them in this spot.
Projected score: Golden State 80, Connecticut 69. Golden State should control the pace, win the rebounding battle, and pull away in the second half. The spread will likely be in the 7 to 9-point range, and trends point toward the Valkyries covering. Connecticut will need an exceptional shooting night and big games from both Charles and Mabrey to have a chance, but the safer pick is the home team to win comfortably.
Pick: Golden State -8.5
