On Thursday, July 31, the Washington Mystics (13-13) host the Golden State Valkyries (12-13) in a WNBA regular-season game. The Mystics are fighting hard at 8th spot in the WNBA standings while the Valkyries are also battling at ninth position.
The Mystics come into this game after winning 103-86 against the Chicago Sky as Sonia Citron erupted for a career-high 28 points. Citron hit 5 triples as Washington piled up 10 three-pointers.
On the other hand, the Valkyries eked out another close win, beating 77-75 as Cecilia Zendalasini hit the game-winning shot. Ceci scored a team-high 18 points as the Valkyries hit 11 3-pointers.
Can the Mystics take down the feisty Valkyries? 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: Janelle Salaun | PF: Monique Billings | PF/C: Temi Fagbenle
Key bench players: SG/SF: Cecilia Zendalasini, PF: Laeticia Amihere, C: Iliana Rupert, SG: Kate Martin
Injuries/Updates: Kayla Thornton is OUT for the game. Monique Billings can be QUESTIONABLE.
Washington Mystics
Mystics Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Sug Sutton | SG: Sonia Citron | SG/SF: Brittney Sykes | PF: Kiki Iriafen | C: Shakira Austin
Key bench players: SG: Lucy Olsen, C: Stefanie Dolson, PG: Jade Melbourne, PF: Emily Engstler
Injuries/Updates: Sug Sutton, Aaliyah Edwards are “Game-Time Decisions”. Georgia Amoore is OUT for the season.
Both the Mystics and the Valkyries are inconsistent scorers. Washington had 103 in the last game, but against a subpar defense of the Sky. They are usually in their 70s or at best early 80s.
The Valkyries are an awesome defensive team, but have been a touch inconsistent lately due to line-up changes and injuries.
Kayla Thornton’s absence is bleeding them from long range, rebounding, and even defensive end. Overall, I see the score hitting “Under” here.
Total: Under 153.5 for -118 at BetMGM
Here is an overview of my selections:
| Picks | BetMGM Odds |
| Total U 153.5 | -118 |
| Spread- Mystics –4.5 | -110 |
| Shakira Austin O 14.5 Points | -110 |
| Money Line- Mystics | -200 |
Shakira Austin O 14.5 Points: Mystics center Austin had just 6 in the last game. Before that, the Mystics’ center had scored 16 or more in three of the five games. I expect her to score at least 15 again.
Tiffany Hayes O 14.5 Points: Hayes is putting up 12.5 PPG and has been effective these days. She has scored 15 or more points in six of the last ten games. I expect her to put up at least 15 points.
Kiki Iriafen O 8.5 Rebounds: The Mystics’ PF has been effective on the rebounding end. She has pulled down 10 or more rebounds in five of the last eight games. I expect her to nab at least 9 rebounds here, too.
Main pick: Shakira Austin O 14.5 points for -110 at BetMGM
The Mystics will be the favorites at home here. On the other hand, the Valkyries struggle away from home, but they always bring out their best when the odds are against them. Both teams need a win here for playoff reasons.
Their race can go down to the wire, and a series win would give a huge advantage in case of a tie-breaker. Overall, you never know with these exciting teams. I’d still lean towards Mystics considering their great home record.
Spread/Money Line Pick: Spread: Mystics -4.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: David Gonzales-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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