Chase Center, San Francisco, California
Tip-off: 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT)
TV: Peacock / NBCSN
The Golden State Valkyries lead the best-of-five semifinal series 1-0 after a defensive masterclass in a 71-60 Game 1 victory on Sunday. The No. 3-seeded Aces (31-13 regular season), who advanced past Indiana in the first round, look to even the series on the road against the No. 2-seeded Valkyries (32-12).
Current Player Rosters / Key Contributors
Las Vegas Aces (core expected): A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, Brianna Turner / Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, with depth including Kierstan Bell, Kalani Brown, and others.
Golden State Valkyries (core expected): Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Kiah Stokes, Cecilia Zandalasini, with supporting pieces such as Tiffany Hayes, Janelle Salaün, and others.
Injury Reports
Aces: NaLyssa Smith (leg, out for the season); Dana Evans (knee, day-to-day/doubtful); other potential day-to-day concerns including Stephanie Talbot (leg) and Jewell Loyd (leg, status monitored). Janiah Barker also out for the season.
Valkyries: Iliana Rupert (pregnancy, out for the season). No major additional absences reported for the core group.
Recent Team Forms
Valkyries: Strong regular-season finish and home dominance. Won Game 1 with stifling defense (holding Las Vegas to 60 points) and balanced contributions (Gabby Williams 25 points). Advanced past Dallas in the first round. Excellent rebounding and perimeter defense.
Aces: 31-13 regular season with a late surge. Advanced past Indiana but struggled offensively in Game 1 (A’ja Wilson led with 24 points but the team shot poorly overall). Known for star power, interior dominance, and championship experience; must improve shooting efficiency and ball movement.
Series History
Las Vegas has generally dominated recent regular-season meetings (winning most head-to-head contests in 2025-26). Golden State took Game 1 of this series emphatically at home with superior defense and rebounding. The Valkyries’ physical style has challenged the Aces’ rhythm.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
A’ja Wilson vs. Kiah Stokes / Kayla Thornton / frontcourt: Wilson’s scoring and rebounding must overcome Golden State’s length and physicality in the paint.
Jackie Young / Chelsea Gray vs. Gabby Williams / Veronica Burton: Perimeter creation and playmaking against Williams’ two-way impact (standout in Game 1) and Burton’s facilitation/defense.
Jewell Loyd / supporting wings vs. Cecilia Zandalasini / Tiffany Hayes: Shooting and spacing battles; Golden State’s ability to limit open threes was key in Game 1.
Rebounding and transition: Valkyries dominated the glass in Game 1; Aces need second-chance points and fewer empty possessions.
Betting Trends
Golden State enters with home-court energy, defensive identity, and series momentum. Las Vegas has superior star talent and playoff pedigree but must solve the Valkyries’ defensive scheme that limited their efficiency in Game 1.
GAME ODDS
Las Vegas Aces 157
Golden State Valkyries – 1
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, October 6, 2026
