Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
TV: USA Network / CNBC / Peacock
The best-of-seven WNBA Finals is tied 1-1 after the Valkyries took Game 1 (68-64) at Chase Center and the Dream responded with a decisive 79-65 victory in Game 2. Both franchises are seeking their first championship. The series shifts to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4 at the larger State Farm Arena (capacity ~17,000+), which has been used for several Dream home games this season.
Current Player Rosters / Key Contributors
Valkyries (No. 2 seed, 32-12 regular season): Led by Gabby Williams (star forward, 26 points in Game 1), Veronica Burton (playmaking guard), Tiffany Hayes, Kiah Stokes (rim protection/rebounding), Kayla Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Kaila Charles. Head coach Natalie Nakase.
Dream (No. 4 seed, 30-14 regular season): Anchored by Angel Reese (Defensive Player of the Year; 30 points and 16 rebounds in Game 2), Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada (playmaking), Naz Hillmon, and DeWanna Bonner off the bench. Head coach Karl Smesko.
Injury Report
Valkyries: Iliana Rupert (C) – Out for season (pregnancy). Some secondary reports note day-to-day statuses for players such as Laeticia Amihere or Cecilia Zandalasini, but primary reports list limited major absences beyond Rupert.
Dream: Brionna Jones (F) – Out for season (leg). Matilde Villa also listed as out in some reports. Angel Reese has been fully available and dominant.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Angel Reese vs. Gabby Williams / Kiah Stokes: The series’ defining battle. Reese’s interior dominance, rebounding, and two-way play (historic 30/16 in Game 2) against Williams’ scoring versatility and Stokes’ rim protection.
Jordin Canada / Rhyne Howard vs. Veronica Burton / Tiffany Hayes: Perimeter creation, defense, and transition. Howard set a Finals record with 6 steals in Game 2.
Allisha Gray vs. Valkyries wing defense: Gray’s scoring (18 points in Game 2 after earlier injury concerns) provides Atlanta’s secondary punch.
Overall: Both teams emphasize elite defense. Expect a physical, half-court battle with rebounding and free-throw opportunities deciding possessions.
Recent Team Forms
Series so far:
Game 1 (Oct 17 at Golden State): Valkyries 68, Dream 64 (Williams 26 points).
Game 2 (Oct 19 at Golden State): Dream 79, Valkyries 65 (Reese 30/16; Dream held Valkyries to 9 points in the third quarter).
Playoff path: Valkyries swept the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals. Dream swept the New York Liberty. Both teams entered the Finals hot and defensive-minded. Regular-season records: Valkyries 32-12 (strong net rating), Dream 30-14.
Series History
This is the first Finals meeting between the franchises. The Valkyries (expansion team, second season) and Dream (seeking first title after previous Finals appearances ending in sweeps) have limited recent regular-season history, with competitive but infrequent matchups. The series is now a true best-of-five remaining after the split in San Francisco.
Betting Trends
Home favorite status reflects Atlanta’s Game 2 dominance, home-court energy at State Farm Arena (sold out), and Reese’s impact.
Low total aligns with both teams’ elite defenses and the grinding style of the first two games (combined scores under 150 in Game 1, just over in Game 2).
GAME ODDS
Golden State Valkyries 153.5
Atlanta Dream – 4
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, October 20, 2026
