On Sunday, August 19, the Golden State Valkyries (18-16) will host the Phoenix Mercury (20-13) in a WNBA regular-season match-up.
The Mercury comes into this game after an impressive 85-82 win against the Seattle Storm, as Alyssa Thomas stamped another triple-double. The win broke the two-game losing streak.
Meanwhile, in their last, the Valkyries lost 63-79 to the Atlanta Dream despite a 16-point performance by Veronica Burton. The loss broke a four-game winning streak.
The Mercury is currently 4th in the rankings while the Valkyries are holding on to the 7th spot with dear life.
Can the Valkyries do the heavy lifting against the star-laden Mercury? Check the predictions related to player props, total, and spread here.
Golden State Valkyries
Valkyries Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Veronica Burton | SG: Tiffany Hayes | SF: Cecilia Zendalasini | PF: Janelle Salaun | C: Temi Fagbenle
Key bench players: PF: Laeticia Amihere, SG: Kate Martin. C: Iliana Rupert.
Injuries/Updates: Kayla Thornton is OUT for the season. Monique Billings can be OUT for a long time. Iliana Rupert can be OUT long-term.
Phoenix Mercury
Mercury Expected Starting Lineup
SG: Kahleah Copper | SG/ SF: Sami Whitcomb | SF/PF: Alyssa Thomas | PF: Natasha Mac | PF/C: Satou Sabally
Key bench players: SF: Kathryn Westbeld, SF: DeWanna Bonner.
Injuries/Updates: Monique Akoa Makani is OUT for the game.
The Valkyries are a terrific defensive team. Golden State has not given up 80 points in six straight games. But there are offensive issues too.
They have scored in the 70s for the most part and struggle in high-scoring games. It is due to the streaky nature of their scorers.
On the other hand, Mercury’s offense has been highly inconsistent.
They are usually north of 80, but have been susceptible to some 70ish nights. At the same time, they can also limit teams to under 75 on many occasions.
Overall, there is a high chance of a low scorer.
Total: Under 154.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Here is an overview of my selections
| Picks | BetMGM Odds |
| Total U 154.5 | -110 |
| Spread- Valkyries +6.5 | -110 |
| Alyssa Thomas O 8.5 Rebounds | -135 |
| Money Line- Mercury | -285 |
Alyssa Thomas O 9.5 Rebounds: AT is one of the best rebounders in the league. She has pulled in 10 or more rebounds in nine of the last eleven games. I expect her to gather at least 10 rebounds here.
Veronica Burton 10.5 Points: The Valkyries guard is amidst the best season of her career by far. She has contributed 11.2 PPG and has tallied 10+ in four of the last five games.
I see the guard in a similar range here.
Sami Whitcomb O 1.5 3-Pointers: Whitcomb is a streaky shooter. She 2 3-pointers per game this season, but just 1 in three of the last five games.
During a period, she had nailed at least 4 in six of the seven games. She made 3 in the last game, and I think she will nail at least 2 again.
Main pick: Alyssa Thomas O 8.5 Rebounds for -135 at BetMGM
The Mercury has performed below expectations since they have been healthy. They should have had at least 3 more wins by now.
On the other hand, the Valkyties continuously exceed expectations, and just when you think they are done, there is something special from them in store.
The team has beaten the odds at least in 70% of the games.
The Golden State is especially difficult to beat at home. They lost by just one point to Mercury in their last home battle.
I feel Phoenix will come with full concentration in this game, but the Valkyries will probably cover the spread.
Spread/Money Line Pick: Money Line: Valkyries +6.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Kelley L Cox-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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