Venue: Chase Center — San Francisco, California
Tip‑Off: 7:30 PM PDT
Golden State enters the night as one of the WNBA’s top teams, powered by elite spacing, pace, and a defense that has tightened significantly over the last month. Washington, sitting just above .500, has been streaky but dangerous—especially when their backcourt is healthy and aggressive. This matchup features star power, contrasting styles, and major implications for playoff seeding.
Injury Report
Washington Mystics
Elena Delle Donne (F): Probable — minor back tightness
Ariel Atkins (G): Healthy
Shakira Austin (C): Day‑to‑day — ankle soreness
Brittney Sykes (G): Out — knee sprain
Karlie Samuelson (G/F): Healthy
Golden State Valkyries
Cameron Brink (F/C): Healthy
Kelsey Plum (G): Probable — wrist soreness
Jackie Young (G/F): Healthy
Chelsea Gray (G): Day‑to‑day — foot soreness
Aari McDonald (G): Out — shoulder injury
Team Records & Recent Form
Washington Mystics (12–11)
Last 10: 5–5
Road Record: 4–7
Trend: Defense improving; offense inconsistent in half‑court sets.
Strength: Versatile frontcourt; strong perimeter defense
Weakness: Turnovers; inconsistent bench scoring
Golden State Valkyries (18–7)
Last 10: 8–2
Home Record: 10–3
Trend: Elite offense; defense surging behind Brink’s rim protection.
Strength: Shooting depth; transition efficiency; interior defense
Weakness: Occasional rebounding lapses; reliance on perimeter creation
Key Player Matchups
Elena Delle Donne vs. Cameron Brink
Delle Donne’s mid‑range mastery vs. Brink’s elite shot‑blocking.
If Delle Donne gets Brink in foul trouble, Washington’s chances rise dramatically.
Ariel Atkins vs. Jackie Young
Atkins’ perimeter defense vs. Young’s physical scoring and playmaking.
Young has averaged 19.4 PPG over her last 6 games.
Kelsey Plum vs. Mystics Backcourt
Plum’s deep‑range shooting stretches defenses.
Washington must limit her pull‑up threes in transition.
Shakira Austin vs. Golden State Interior
Austin’s rebounding and rim finishing are critical if she’s fully active.
Golden State’s help rotations have been elite lately.
Series History
2026 Season Series: First meeting
Last 10 Meetings: Valkyries lead 6–4 (including relocated franchise history)
At Chase Center (last 3 years): Valkyries 4–1
Golden State has won five straight home games vs. Washington.
Betting Trends
Washington Mystics
ATS: 5–5 in last 10
Overs: 6 of last 9
Road ATS: 4–7
Mystics are 2–6 ATS vs. teams above .600 win percentage.
Golden State Valkyries
ATS: 7–3 in last 10
Overs: 5 of last 8
Home ATS: 8–4
Valkyries have covered four straight at home.
Matchup Trends
Last 5 meetings: Valkyries 4–1, average margin of victory 8.6 points
Golden State averages 89.2 PPG at home this season.
Washington allows 83.7 PPG on the road.
GAME ODDS
Washington Mystics 148
Golden State Valkyries – 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 17, 2026
