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

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Las Vegas Aces logo

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

CategoryValkyriesAces
Record10–99–10
Points/Game79.279.0
Points Allowed/Game77.380.9
FG%43.5%40.6%
3PT%35.2%32.7%
Free Throw %81.4%84.3%
Win Probability54.6%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.

GAME ODDS

Golden State Valkyries  – 1.5      

Las Vegas Aces                  154.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 11, 2025

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WNBA Editor
Profile: A dedicated WNBA analyst with a deep understanding of the league’s tactical evolution, player‑development pathways, and expanding cultural impact. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage that blends advanced metrics, film study, and league‑wide context to highlight the storylines shaping modern professional women’s basketball. Background: With extensive experience covering the WNBA and women’s basketball at multiple levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and organizational strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking team progression throughout the season. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and matchup analysis Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Player evaluation, draft analysis, and free‑agency movement Team‑building strategy, salary‑cap dynamics, and front‑office trends Historical context, league milestones, and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time WNBA fans and new followers of the league. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the WNBA’s growth, competitiveness, and influence on the broader basketball landscape.