The hottest team in the WNBA, Golden State Valkyries, look for their sixth straight win when they host Dallas Wings Monday night at 10 p.m. ET.
The Valkyries have won 14 of 16 overall and sit second in the league with a 24-9 record. The team has won three straight and seven of eight at home, including a 91-71 victory over Chicago Sky on Wednesday.
Golden State's starters were solid. Veronica Burton had 13 points and six rebounds, Gabby Williams added 13 points, and Cecelia Zandalasini chipped in with 12 points.
But it was the Valkyries' bench, arguably the best in the league, that did the bulk of the damage. Tiffany Hayes had 22 points, six rebounds and five assists in 17 minutes. She also had three of the team's franchise-record 16 steals.
Kaila Charles had 15 points and five rebounds as Golden State's bench doubled up Chicago's 48-24.
The Wings aren't freaking out yet, but that's just because all of the teams behind them are scuffling. Dallas lost for the seventh time in the past 10 games on Friday, a 96-87 setback at Indiana Fever.
Paige Bueckers had 29 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Arike Ogunbowale added 20 points and six rebounds as the Wings lost their fourth straight road contest.
Dallas, which shot just 29% (7-for-29) from beyond the arc, was again without Jessica Shepard, Azzi Fudd, and Aziaha James.
Golden State won the first two meetings between the teams this season by a combined 29 points and look for the season sweep here. Will they get it? Read all of our predictions below.
Dallas Wings vs. Golden State Valkyries betting picks and predictions
Golden State Valkyries -6.5 (-110)
The Wings are 6.5-point home favorites with a -250 moneyline, while Dallas sits at +205.
The Valkyries have pretty much had their way with the Wings this season. Williams had 25 points, and Burton added 11 points, 8 rebounds and five assists in a 91-80 triumph at home in June.
Golden State outrebounded Dallas, 41-25, and its bench hammered Dallas' 43-17.
Ogunbowale had 21 points to lead Dallas, while Bueckers went just 5-for-13 from the field to finish with 15 points to go along with eight assists.
The margin was even worse 10 days ago in Dallas as the Valkyries got 22 points and seven assists from Burton, 19 points from Williams, and 11 points and 10 rebounds from Kayla Thornton in a 94-76 victory.
Bueckers had 17 points and Shepard grabbed 11 rebounds, while Alanna Smith had 11 points and six rebounds and Aziaha James contributed 13 points.
Although the bench advantage was not as pronounced in this second meeting, Golden State still won it, 30-24.
The Valkyries had a franchise-best 27 assists and only turned the ball over seven times. Meanwhile, Dallas turned it over 13 times and had just eight assists.
Shepard is averaging 10.5 rebounds against Golden State in two games. Her loss will be felt the most, but Fudd's continued absence hurts as well. That also forces two reserves into starting roles.
That and James' injury, leaves Dallas with a shorthanded bench against a Valkyries team whose reserves are used to dominating.
Golden State was without starting center Kiah Stokes in the win over Chicago. She is averaging a team-leading 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game and is no longer listed on the injury report for this contest.
Janelle Saluan, a valuable reserve who is second on the team with 13.1 points per game, also missed the game with the Sky. She is listed as questionable.
The Valkyries, who have won five straight in this series, have more than enough at their disposal to sweep Dallas and cover the 6.5-point spread in the process.
Over 162.5 points (-110)
The teams are averaging 170.5 points in their two meetings this season and have played to the Over in each of their last four meetings.
Golden State does have the best scoring defense in the league, but it has still played to the Over in five of seven.
The Wings have played to the Over in three of five, so take the Over here.
Read more betting picks and predictions for the WNBA on site.
Dallas Wings vs. Golden State Valkyries odds
Dallas Wings | +205 |
Golden State Valkyries | -250 |
Spread | GS Valkyries -6.5 |
Total Points | O/U 162.5 |
Dallas Wings vs. Golden State Valkyries player props
Player points
Paige Bueckers (DAL Wings) | O/U 19.5 |
Arike Ogunbowale (DAL Wings) | O/U 15.5 |
Jessica Shepard (DAL Wings) | O/U 13.5 |
Gabby Williams (GS Valkyries) | O/U 13.5 |
Veronica Burton (GS Valkyries) | O/U 13.5 |
Janelle Salaun (GS Valkyries) | O/U 10.5 |
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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.
