WNBA Game Preview: Golden State Valkyries (17-15) vs. Chicago Sky (8-24)

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Venue: Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL
Tip-off: 7:30 PM ET
Broadcast: ION
Radio: 95.7 The Game (Golden State)

Match Context

The Golden State Valkyries, riding a three-game win streak, visit the struggling Chicago Sky in their final regular-season meeting. Golden State is 2–0 against Chicago this season, including a 73–66 win on August 1. The Valkyries are currently 7th in the playoff race, while Chicago sits 12th, 7.5 games out of postseason contention with eight games left.

Key Players to Watch

Golden State Valkyries

Veronica Burton – Coming off a franchise-record 30-point game (10–13 FG, 6–9 3PT), plus 7 rebounds and 7 assists

Cecilia Zandalasini – Scored 20 points with 6 threes vs. Washington

Tiffany Hayes – Leading scorer (12.2 PPG); key veteran presence

Temi Fagbenle – Top rebounder (5.3 RPG) and rim protector

Chicago Sky

Ariel Atkins – Leading active scorer (13.1 PPG); ejected last game

Kamilla Cardoso – Posted 24 points and 9 rebounds vs. Connecticut

Elizabeth Williams – 5.2 RPG; defensive anchor

Angel Reese – Out with back injury (14.2 PPG, 12.6 RPG); Sky are 1–8 without her

Team Trends & Stats

TeamRecordLast 10PPGOpp PPGFG%3PT%
Valkyries17–156–480.479.840.4%32.1%
Sky8–241–975.986.441.9%32.8%

Valkyries rank 3rd in defense, holding opponents to 40.7% shooting

Sky have lost 11 of their last 12, including three straight

Valkyries average 158.8 total points per game, Sky average 161.5

Tactical Breakdown

Golden State will lean on Burton’s hot hand and Zandalasini’s perimeter shooting.

Chicago must find scoring without Reese and avoid foul trouble after multiple ejections last game.

Expect Valkyries to control tempo and exploit Chicago’s interior defense.

GAME ODDS

Golden State Valkyries                  – 4.5

Chicago Sky                                        151

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, August 14, 2025