The Golden State Valkyries welcome the Minnesota Lynx to SAP Center in San Jose on Wednesday night for Game 2 of their playoff series. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET. The Lynx lead the best-of-three 1-0 after a dominant 101-72 win in Minneapolis. Minnesota is just one victory away from advancing to the semifinals, while Golden State must win to force a deciding Game 3 on Friday.
The Lynx are the No. 1 seed in the West after finishing the regular season 34-10, including 21-3 at home and 14-8 on the road. Golden State, in its debut season, went 23-21 to grab the eighth seed, going 14-8 at home. Minnesota has controlled this matchup all year, going 5-0 against the Valkyries including both the regular season and playoffs.
Valkyries Preview – Needing Stops and Scoring Consistency
Golden State was one of the best defensive teams in the league during the regular season, holding opponents to a league-best 76.9 points per game. That edge disappeared in Game 1 as Minnesota poured in 101 points on 53% shooting. The Valkyries committed 22 fouls, which disrupted their rotations and gave the Lynx extra possessions at the line.
Veronica Burton continues to lead Golden State’s attack. The 2025 Most Improved Player finished with 14 points, seven assists, and five rebounds in Game 1. She also added three steals, showing her defensive impact, but foul trouble cut into her aggressiveness. Cecilia Zandalasini added 14 points, while Temi Fagbenle chipped in 12 points in under 20 minutes. Jeanne Salaun also had a solid outing with 13 points and six rebounds.
The absence of Kayla Thornton, out since July with a knee injury, has left Golden State searching for a consistent third scoring option. Tiffany Hayes is also sidelined with a knee injury, putting more pressure on Burton and Zandalasini. Golden State’s bench must provide a spark, and the starters need better efficiency. In Game 1, Kaila Charles was held to just two points on 1-for-6 shooting, and those struggles cannot continue if the Valkyries want to extend the series.
Lynx Preview – Collier and Company in Control
Minnesota showcased why it is the No. 1 seed in Game 1. Napheesa Collier led the way with 20 points on 7-for-11 shooting while adding six rebounds. She has scored at least 19 points in all five meetings with Golden State this season. Collier’s ability to attack mismatches inside and hit shots from mid-range makes her the toughest cover in the series.
Veteran guard Kayla McBride added 17 points, knocking down six of her ten attempts. Courtney Williams also had a complete game with 11 points, four assists, four rebounds, and four steals. Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith chipped in on both ends, giving the Lynx steady balance across the lineup. The depth of Minnesota’s roster has been a deciding factor, especially with reserve guard Natisha Hiedeman continuing her hot streak. Hiedeman scored 18 points off the bench in Game 1, after putting up 24 against the Valkyries in the final week of the regular season.
Defensively, the Lynx remain elite. Minnesota ranked first in opponent field goal percentage at 40.7% during the regular season and showed that again by limiting Golden State to 39% shooting in Game 1. They also forced turnovers that led to transition points, another area where Golden State must improve. Minnesota’s mix of scoring balance and defensive control makes them a tough out, and the Lynx are one of the most complete teams in the league.
Betting Prediction
Oddsmakers opened with Minnesota favored by around 5 points, with the total set in the mid-150s. The Lynx have covered three of the last five meetings with Golden State and are 26-19-1 ATS on the season. The Valkyries have been a profitable team against the spread at 27-17-1, but Minnesota’s edge in efficiency and depth has been decisive.
Totals have leaned under in this series, with four of the last five staying below, before Game 1’s 101-72 result hit the over. With Golden State’s defensive struggles and Minnesota’s offensive efficiency, the Lynx are in a strong position to advance. Unless the Valkyries drastically improve their shooting and limit fouls, this could be another double-digit Minnesota win. Predicted score: Lynx 85, Valkyries 74. Minnesota moves on, and the under is still worth a look given Golden State’s scoring limitations.
Pick: Lynx -5
