Valkyries vs Sparks predictions
The Golden State Valkyries are rolling into Los Angeles with plenty to prove, especially after some tough times away from home. All eyes should be on Kayla Thornton, who’s been consistently leading the Valkyries in both points and rebounds. She’s got that relentless energy—don’t be surprised if she pushes past her season averages and puts up 15+ points with double-digit rebounds. Veronica Burton’s court awareness is another wild card; if she’s able to carve up the Sparks defense and hand out five or more assists, the Valkyries could get just the offensive spark they need. If the supporting cast can knock down open shots off the attention Thornton and Burton attract, Golden State might finally end their skid on the road.
On the other side, you’ve got the Los Angeles Sparks with Kelsey Plum, who’s been flat-out electric lately. Plum’s been dropping over 20 points per game like it’s nothing, and if the Valkyries struggle to contain her off the dribble, this could be another highlight reel night. She’s just as dangerous setting up her teammates, so watch for her to rack up assists if the defense collapses on her drives. And then there’s Azura Stevens, quietly putting in work on the boards. With nearly nine rebounds per game, she can really control the paint—especially if Golden State’s bigs get in early foul trouble. If Stevens establishes herself early, second-chance points could swing the momentum LA’s way.
Looking at how these two teams match up, it feels like this contest is going to come down to who controls the tempo and the rebounds. The Valkyries are hungry for a breakthrough on the road, but the Sparks have home-court energy and a couple of standout players you just can’t overlook. Given how explosive Plum’s offense has been and Stevens’s edge on the glass, I think the Sparks are primed to take this one in front of their fans. It should be a back-and-forth battle, but Los Angeles has the firepower—and maybe just enough defense—to come out on top.
