Tip-off 9:30 PM ET (6:30 PM PT)
Chase Center, San Francisco, California
TV/Streaming: Peacock / NBCSN
This is Game 2 of the best-of-five WNBA Semifinals. The No. 2-seeded Golden State Valkyries lead the series 1-0 after a defensive masterclass in a 71-60 Game 1 win on October 4 at Chase Center. The No. 3-seeded and defending champion Las Vegas Aces must even the series before it shifts to Las Vegas for Game 3. The Valkyries’ first playoff win over the Aces this year snapped a regular-season sweep by Las Vegas.
Current Records and Recent Team Forms
Golden State Valkyries (Semifinals 1-0; regular season 32-12, No. 2 seed West): Elite defense defined Game 1, holding the high-powered Aces to a season-low 60 points while dominating the glass 52-25 (franchise-high rebounds). Gabby Williams led with 25 points and 11 rebounds; Kiah Stokes was impactful with 14 rebounds and 4 blocks (more than the entire Aces roster) while primarily defending A’ja Wilson. Strong home form and physical, rebounding-focused style have them rolling.
Las Vegas Aces (Semifinals 0-1; regular season 31-13, No. 3 seed West): Defending champions who needed three games to eliminate Indiana in the first round. Offense stalled in Game 1 (33.9% FG, just 60 points). A’ja Wilson scored 24 points but was inefficient (8-of-21); Chelsea Gray added 16 and Jackie Young 11. Rebounding and depth issues were exposed. They remain dangerous with championship experience and star power but face significant injury concerns.
Injury Reports
Las Vegas Aces:
Jewell Loyd (G) — Doubtful (left leg injury sustained in Game 1; exited in the third quarter after 17 minutes).
Stephanie Talbot (F) — Questionable (left leg; missed recent games).
Dana Evans (G) — Questionable (right knee; limited action this season).
NaLyssa Smith (F) — Out for season (leg).
Depth in the backcourt and wing is stretched if Loyd sits and the others remain limited.
Golden State Valkyries:
Iliana Rupert (C) — Out (non-injury related / season-long absence).
Otherwise largely healthy with their core rotation intact.
Current Player Rosters / Key Contributors
Valkyries core (based on Game 1 and season): Gabby Williams (hot scoring and two-way play), Kiah Stokes (rebounding/defense anchor), Veronica Burton (playmaking), Kayla Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini, Tiffany Hayes, Janelle Salaün, and others providing depth and physicality. Head coach Natalie Nakase has emphasized rebounding and defensive schemes.
Aces core: A’ja Wilson (dominant force when efficient), Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, with support from Brianna Turner, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, Kierstan Bell, Kalani Brown, and bench options (Mai Yamamoto and others potentially seeing more minutes due to injuries). Championship pedigree remains their edge if healthy.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
A’ja Wilson vs. Kiah Stokes / Valkyries frontcourt: Wilson’s scoring and physicality against Stokes’ rebounding, shot-blocking, and primary defensive assignment. Wilson was held relatively in check in Game 1; improved efficiency is crucial for Las Vegas.
Gabby Williams vs. Jackie Young / Aces perimeter: Williams’ Game 1 explosion (scoring + rebounding) against Young’s scoring and playmaking. Williams has been a postseason standout.
Veronica Burton / Tiffany Hayes vs. Chelsea Gray: Guard playmaking and defensive pressure. Gray’s facilitation against Golden State’s disruption.
Rebounding battle: Valkyries’ massive edge in Game 1 (52-25) must be contested; Aces need better boxing out and second-chance opportunities.
Bench and depth: Valkyries’ collective contribution vs. Aces’ injury-thinned rotation.
Series History
Valkyries lead 1-0 in the 2026 Semifinals (Game 1: GS 71-60). Regular-season series went to the Aces (Las Vegas swept the three meetings). Overall recent H2H favors the Aces historically, but Golden State’s Game 1 performance (especially on the glass and defense) flipped the script in the playoffs. Aces seek a fourth Finals appearance in five years; Valkyries aim for their first Finals berth.
Betting Trends
Valkyries strong at home with elite defense and rebounding; Aces’ regular-season dominance and championship experience provide underdog appeal, tempered by injuries.
GAME ODDS
Las Vegas Aces 157
Golden State Valkyries – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, October 6, 2026
