Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream will compete for their first WNBA championship when the best-of-seven Finals begin Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco.
The Valkyries host Game 1 at 3:30 PM ET after reaching the Finals in just their second season as a franchise.
Golden State finished 32-12 during the regular season, earning the No. 2 seed and home-court advantage throughout the championship series.
The Dream, seeded fourth, are making their first Finals appearance since 2013, having lost its previous three championship series in 2010, 2011 and 2013.
Both teams enter with considerable momentum.
Atlanta swept Washington in the first round before eliminating the New York Liberty in three games, while Golden State defeated Dallas in three games before sweeping the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.
The Valkyries also swept their three regular-season meetings with Atlanta, winning 77-66, 78-75 and 88-83, however, the teams haven't met since July 4 and the Dream have improved considerably since then.
Atlanta's biggest concern is leading scorer Allisha Gray, who underwent a minor procedure on her injured left hand and her availability for Game 1 remains uncertain.
Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries betting picks and predictions
Golden State Valkyries to win WNBA Finals (-120)
Golden State's combination of defense, depth and home-court advantage makes the Valkyries the selection in a closely matched championship series.
The Valkyries led the WNBA in scoring defense during the regular season, allowing just 75.1 points per game. They also finished with a league-best 17-5 home record and will host four games if the series goes the distance.
Golden State demonstrated its defensive strength against Las Vegas, holding the Aces to 60 points in Game 1 before winning the next two contests by narrow margins.
Gabby Williams has developed into the team's offensive leader, while Veronica Burton, Tiffany Hayes and Kayla Thornton provide additional scoring and defensive versatility.
Atlanta presents a different challenge. They have won all five postseason games, with Angel Reese controlling the boards and Jordin Canada providing outstanding backcourt production.
Rhyne Howard and DeWanna Bonner also give Atlanta multiple scoring options.
However, Gray's uncertain status creates a significant problem against Golden State's defense.
The Valkyries have already demonstrated that they can defeat Atlanta and would host a deciding Game 7 if necessary, so take Golden State to win the series.
Gabby Williams to win Finals MVP (+115)
Williams enters the Finals as the leading candidate for the award after an outstanding postseason.
The Golden State forward averaged 22.7 points during the semifinals against Las Vegas, shooting 45% from the field and 40.5% from three-point range. She also contributed 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game during that series.
Williams has become the Valkyries' most important two-way player, combining offensive production with the ability to defend multiple positions.
Her ability to create shots and make an impact at both ends of the court should be especially valuable against Atlanta's balanced lineup.
Reese is an appealing alternative at +450, particularly because of her rebounding dominance and Defensive Player of the Year credentials, however, Finals MVP typically goes to a leading contributor on the championship-winning team.
With Golden State favored to win the series, Williams is the strongest selection.
Over 5.5 games (-200)
The championship matchup has all the ingredients for a lengthy series.
Although Golden State swept the regular-season meetings, two of the three games were decided by five points or fewer, and Atlanta has improved since those contests and enters the Finals undefeated in the playoffs.
Both teams feature outstanding defenses, which should produce competitive games and limit opportunities for either side to dominate consistently.
The Dream also benefit from playing Games 3 and 4 at State Farm Arena, where they hosted their semifinal games.
Golden State has the stronger home-court advantage, but Atlanta possesses enough offensive talent and rebounding strength to win multiple games.
A six-game series fits the expectation of the Valkyries ultimately prevailing after a competitive championship matchup.
Read more betting picks and predictions for the WNBA on site.
Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries WNBA Finals odds
Atlanta Dream to win Finals | +100 |
Golden State Valkyries to win Finals | -120 |
Over/Under 5.5 series games | -200/+150 |
Golden State wins series, 4-2 | +450 |
Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries WNBA Finals MVP odds
Gabby Williams (GS Valkyries) | +115 |
Angel Reese (ATL Dream) | +450 |
Rhyne Howard (ATL Dream) | +550 |
Allisha Gray (ATL Dream) | +600 |
Jordin Canada (ATL Dream) | +850 |
Veronica Burton (GS Valkyries) | +1400 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
