WNBA Game Preview: Golden State Valkyries (10-9) vs. Las Vegas Aces (9-10)

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Venue: Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Tip-Off: 4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT
Broadcast: CBS, WNBA League Pass

Game Overview

The Golden State Valkyries, one of the WNBA’s most exciting expansion stories, face off against the Las Vegas Aces, the two-time defending champions who are struggling to find their rhythm in 2025. This nationally televised matchup marks their second meeting of the season—Golden State stunned Vegas with a 95–68 blowout win back on June 7. With both teams hovering around .500, this game could be pivotal for playoff positioning and momentum heading into the All-Star break.

Team Comparison

Category	Valkyries	Aces
Record	10–9	9–10
Points/Game	79.2	79.0
Points Allowed/Game	77.3	80.9
FG%	43.5%	40.6%
3PT%	35.2%	32.7%
Free Throw %	81.4%	84.3%
Win Probability	54.6%	45.4%

Key Players to Watch

Golden State Valkyries

Kayla Thornton: 15.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG — All-Star forward with elite rebounding and scoring touch

Veronica Burton: 10.8 PPG, 5.2 APG — Emerging playmaker, had 21 points vs Indiana last game

Tiffany Hayes: 13.2 PPG — Veteran scorer back from injury, shooting 40.8% from deep

Cecilia Zandalasini: 9.4 PPG — Versatile wing with international pedigree

Las Vegas Aces

A’ja Wilson: OUT (wrist injury) — MVP candidate sidelined, major impact on both ends

Jackie Young: 15.3 PPG — All-Star reserve, consistent scoring threat

Chelsea Gray: 12.7 PPG, 4.3 APG — Veteran leader, 1 steal away from historic milestone

Jewell Loyd: 10.9 PPG — Coming off a 20-point outing vs Washington

Tactical Breakdown

Golden State: Expect fast-break aggression, perimeter shooting, and balanced scoring. Their defense has held opponents under 75 points in 3 of their last 5 games.

Las Vegas: Without Wilson, the Aces rely on guard play and bench scoring. Dana Evans has stepped up recently, averaging 15 PPG over her last 3 games.