On Monday, August 11, the Golden State Valkyries (15-15) will host the Connecticut Sun (5-24) in a WNBA regular-season match-up.
The Valkyries have held on to the eighth spot while the Sun have sunk at the bottom throughout the season.
The Valkyires enter the game after a 72-59 win against the LA Sparks, as Cecilia Zendalasini and Veronica Burton combined for a 7/12 night from the three-point line. They held the red-hot Sparks to just 32.8% shooting from the field.
On the other hand, the Sun enters the game after an 86-94 loss against the Las Vegas Aces despite a 22-point heroic performance by Marina Mabrey. It was their fourth straight defeat.
Can the Valkyries pounce on Sun in a back-to-back? Check the predictions related to player props, total, and spread here.
Golden State Valkyries
Valkyries Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Veronica Burton | SG: Tiffany Hayes | SG/SF: Cecilia Zendalasini | PF: Janelle Salaun | C: Temi Fagbenle
Key bench players: SG: Carla Leite, SG: Kaila Charles, C: Iliana Rupert.
Injuries/Updates: No injuries to report.
Connecticut Sun
Sun Expected Starting Lineup
SG: Marina Mabrey | SG: Leila Lacan | SG/SF: Bria Hartley | PF: Aneesah Morrow | C: Tina Charles
Key bench players: SG: Saniya Rivers, C: Olivia Nelson-Ododa.
Injuries/Updates: All fit and fine thus far.
The Valkyries are among the lowest-scoring teams. They have scored fewer than 80 points in six straight games.
On the other hand, their defense has been good enough to limit opponents to under 80 in five of those games.
There is probably no better defensive team than the Golden State these days, except the Minnesota Lynx.
On the other hand, the Sun has been in shreds on both ends. They concede 85+ regularly and struggle to go past 80 on most nights.
Overall, this can be considered a low-scoring game, given the offensive nature of the two teams.
Total: Under 160.5 at BetMGM
Here is an overview of my selections
| Picks | BetMGM Odds |
| Total U 156.5 | -110 |
| Spread- Valkyries -8.5 | -110 |
| Janelle Salaun O 9.5 Points | TBD |
| Money Line- Valkyries | -375 |
Janelle Salaun O 9.5 Points: Salaun is doing a solid job offensively. The Valkyries’ forward is averaging 10.1 PPG, scoring 11 or more in three of the last four games. I believe she will put up at least 10 here.
Marina Mabrey U 1.5 3-Pointers: The Sun guard has finally been the most reliable shooter for them. She is averaging 2.3 triples made per game, making 5 in two straight games.
However, I see the elite Golden State defense limiting her to 1 or no triple.
Veronica Burton O 1.5 3-Pointers: Burton has been an excellent long-range threat for the Valkyries. She is averaging a 1.4 made three-pointers per game, converting at least 2 in five of the last six games.
I see her making at least 2 here, too.
Main pick: Janelle Salaun O 9.5 Points at BetMGM
The Valkyries often beat the odds, but here they will enter as the favorites. On the other hand, the Sun has been an underdog in pretty much every battle they have entered.
There have been some improvements, but Connecticut remains highly vulnerable. Apart from that, the Sun will be in a back-to-back situation. Overall, I expect the Valkyries to cover the spread.
Spread/Money Line Pick: Spread: Valkyries -8.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: David Butler II- Imagn Images
nba Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!
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