Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco, California
Tip-off: 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT)
TV/Streaming: Prime Video / Amazon
This is a late-season WNBA regular-season matchup and the Valkyries’ regular-season home finale (Fan Appreciation Night). Golden State is firmly in playoff position (near the top of the West) with one of the league’s best home records and strong defensive metrics. Seattle is eliminated from postseason contention, mired in a long road losing streak (9 games), and dealing with major injuries. The Valkyries lead the 2026 season series.
Current Rosters & Key Players
Golden State Valkyries emphasize efficient defense and balanced scoring. Key contributors include Gabby Williams (scoring and defense when available), Kaitlyn Chen (efficient shooting), Veronica Burton (playmaking), Kiah Stokes (rebounding and blocks), and supporting pieces. The Valkyries allow far fewer points than most teams and thrive at home with sellout crowds.
Seattle Storm feature rookie Flau’jae Johnson (strong scoring among rookies, returning to Chase Center after being traded by Golden State on draft night), Dominique Malonga (recent scoring and rebounding), and Natisha Hiedeman (scoring and assists). The roster is severely depleted, limiting overall competitiveness.
Injury Reports
Seattle Storm:
Ezi Magbegor: Out for season (ACL).
Katie Lou Samuelson: Out for season (knee).
Jordan Horston: Out (shoulder).
Zia Cooke: Out (knee).
Jade Melbourne: Day-to-day / previously listed with illness (check latest status).
Major absences in the frontcourt and wings.
Golden State Valkyries:
Iliana Rupert: Out for season (pregnancy).
Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaün: Out / reconditioning (status for this game to be confirmed; several missed recent action).
Some rotation players managing return from rest/reconditioning, but depth remains stronger than Seattle’s.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Flau’jae Johnson / Storm perimeter vs. Valkyries defense: Johnson’s scoring and athleticism against Golden State’s stingy perimeter and help defense.
Dominique Malonga vs. Kiah Stokes / Valkyries frontcourt: Malonga’s interior presence against Stokes’ rebounding and shot-blocking.
Natisha Hiedeman vs. Veronica Burton / Valkyries backcourt: Playmaking and scoring creation battle.
Overall: Valkyries’ elite defensive efficiency and home energy vs. a short-handed Storm team struggling to score and defend on the road.
Recent Team Forms
Golden State Valkyries: Excellent (8-2 in last 10), strong home performances, and one of the league’s best defensive units (low points allowed). Coming off a solid win.
Seattle Storm: Very poor (2-8 in last 10 range), especially on the road (2-18 overall away). Heavy losses and injury issues have defined the second half of the season.
Series History
Golden State leads the 2026 meetings (including a 76-72 win in June and an earlier victory). Recent head-to-heads have generally favored the Valkyries, with several low-scoring affairs. Seattle’s historical franchise edge is less relevant given current forms and injuries.
Betting Trends
Valkyries are heavy home favorites. Trends strongly support Golden State covering against weak road teams, with unders common in their recent games due to defensive focus.
GAME ODDS
Seattle Storm 157
Golden State Valkyries – 12.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, September 18, 2026
