The Golden State Valkyries return home to Chase Center on Wednesday night to begin a key three-game homestand. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00PM ET against the Las Vegas Aces. Golden State enters at 14-14, while Las Vegas is one game ahead at 15-14. Both teams are sitting in the final two playoff spots in the Western Conference.
This is the fourth meeting of the season between the two teams. The home team has won every game so far, with Golden State grabbing a 95-68 win in June before Las Vegas took two in a row at home. Most recently, the Aces beat the Valkyries 101-77 on Sunday. The Aces covered the spread as 9.5-point favorites, and the game flew over the total of 157.0 points.
Valkyries Preview – Hoping to Bounce Back at Home
Golden State had a strong three-game win streak during their recent road trip but closed it with a tough loss in Las Vegas. They now return to a building where they’ve gone 8-4 this season. Their biggest home win of the year came against these same Aces back in June, winning 95-68 while holding Las Vegas to 36% shooting.
The Valkyries were missing several players last game, including Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini. Both could return during this homestand. Kayla Thornton remains out for the season with a knee injury, and Myisha Billings is also out with an ankle problem. Iliana Rupert, who joined the team on July 25, had her best game of the season Sunday with 17 points and 8 rebounds.
On the year, Golden State averages 81.5 points per game and ranks 10th in the WNBA in field goal percentage at 41.9%. They shoot 82.6% from the free-throw line, second-best in the league. The team ranks 6th in offensive rebounds and 6th in three-point makes per game, but has struggled with assists and turnovers, ranking 12th in both categories.
Aces Preview – Building Momentum in August
Las Vegas has won three of its last four games and has gone 6-3 since beating Golden State on July 12. Their last game was their most dominant, a 101-77 blowout over the Valkyries. The Aces are now 7-9 on the road and 8-5 at home this season.
Jewell Loyd came off the bench to lead the team with 27 points, shooting 7-of-11 from three. Jackie Young continued her strong stretch with 20 points and 8 assists, while A’ja Wilson added 14 points and 14 rebounds. The Aces shot 46% from the floor and held Golden State to 34.2% shooting and just 10-of-34 from three-point range.
Las Vegas ranks 9th in scoring at 81.5 points per game and allows 78.5 points per game, which ranks 2nd in the league. They are also one of the top teams in defensive field goal percentage and opponent made field goals. The Aces are not a high-assist team but rely on strong one-on-one play and interior defense. They also lead the league in blocked shots at 4.8 per game.
Betting Prediction
Las Vegas is a 2.5-point road favorite, and the total is set at 178.5. The Aces have won two in a row over Golden State, both times by double digits. The Valkyries play better at home, but injuries could still be a factor in their rotation. If Hayes and Zandalasini return, it will help their depth, but they may not be at full strength.
The Aces are hitting their stride and have more experience. With Wilson, Young, and Loyd leading the way, they have the edge in talent and defense. The Valkyries need to shoot better and control the tempo, but recent trends favor Las Vegas. The Aces have covered in 2 of the 3 matchups and have gone over the total each time. Expect another strong performance by the road team.
Pick: Las Vegas -2.5
