Sunday, October 4, 2026 – Chase Center, San Francisco, California
Tip-off: 4:00 p.m. ET
TV/Streaming: NBC / Peacock
This is Game 1 of a best-of-five WNBA semifinal series. The No. 2 seed Golden State Valkyries advanced by defeating the Dallas Wings 2-1 in the first round (clinching with a 77-73 comeback win). The No. 3 seed and defending champion Las Vegas Aces advanced by beating the Indiana Fever. The Valkyries hold home-court advantage. Series continues with Game 2 on Oct. 7 also in San Francisco.
Current Player Rosters / Key Contributors
Golden State Valkyries: Standouts include Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, Kiah Stokes, Cecilia Zandalasini, Tiffany Hayes, and supporting pieces. Second-year expansion team that has built a strong, balanced roster under coach Natalie Nakase (former Aces assistant). Las Vegas Aces: Led by A’ja Wilson (MVP-caliber interior force), Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, Brianna Turner, and others. Deep, experienced championship core under Becky Hammon.
Injury Reports
Golden State Valkyries:
Iliana Rupert (center) – Out for season (pregnancy / not injury-related).
Las Vegas Aces:
NaLyssa Smith (forward) – Out for season (leg).
Janiah Barker (forward) – Out for season (leg).
Dana Evans (guard) – Out (knee; listed out for this game in some reports).
Stephanie Talbot (forward) – Game-time decision / day-to-day (leg).
Recent Team Forms
Golden State Valkyries: Finished regular season 32-12 (No. 2 in West). Strong late-season form and home success. Advanced with a resilient first-round series win over Dallas, including a dramatic Game 3 comeback from 16 points down. Home crowd (“Ballhalla”) has been a major factor.
Las Vegas Aces: Finished 31-13 (No. 3 in West) with excellent late form (multiple reports of strong winning streaks). Defended their status as champions by dispatching Indiana. High-powered offense (league-leading or near-top scoring) and proven playoff pedigree. Series HistoryLas Vegas swept the regular-season series 3-0 against Golden State. The most recent meeting was a decisive Aces win (92-73 on June 21). This is the first playoff series between the clubs. Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase previously served as an assistant under Becky Hammon with the Aces.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
A’ja Wilson vs. Kiah Stokes / Golden State frontcourt: Wilson’s scoring, rebounding, and defensive dominance against the Valkyries’ interior. Containing Wilson is the top priority for Golden State.
Gabby Williams / Veronica Burton vs. Jackie Young / Chelsea Gray / Jewell Loyd: Perimeter creation, playmaking, and two-way play. Williams has been a key performer in the playoffs for the Valkyries.
Overall physicality and pace: Aces’ elite offense and experience vs. Valkyries’ balanced attack, home energy, and defensive structure. Rebounding and transition will be critical.
Coaching familiarity: Nakase knows the Aces system intimately from her time on Hammon’s staff.
GAME ODDS
Las Vegas Aces – 1
Golden State Valkyries 161
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, October 3, 2026
