Golden State Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever: WNBA Preview and Prediction
These teams met twice in May, with their most recent matchup coming on May 28. The Fever earned a 90-82 home victory, while the Valkyries responded with a 90-88 win on their own floor. It was a tale of two Caitlin Clark performances. In the Fever’s win, she shot 7-for-15 from the field. In the loss, she finished just 3-for-12.
With no MLB, World Cup or tennis action competing for attention, this primetime matchup takes centre stage. Read through our comprehensive analysis before getting in on the action.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever WNBA Odds and Betting Trends
Here’s a peek at tonight’s odds before we get underway:
Point Spread: Valkyries +1.5 (-115) vs. Fever -1.5 (-105)
Money Line: Valkyries (-105) vs. Fever (-115)
Point Total (Over/Under): Over 168.5 (-110) / Under 168.5 (-110)
The Valkyries enter Wednesday night’s clash red-hot, winners of seven straight. They are also well-rested, having not played since Friday.
The Fever have won two consecutive games, most recently dismantling the Las Vegas Aces 109-75 on Sunday.
Golden State is 14-9 against the spread (ATS) and 11-12 on game totals this season. Meanwhile, Indiana is 11-11 ATS and 14-9 on Over/Under totals.
Golden State Valkyries
We know centre Iliana Rupert will not be available, as she is out for the season due to pregnancy. The big question is whether leading scorer Gabby Williams (15.0 PPG) will suit up.
The Valkyries are not a fast-paced, high-octane offensive team. In fact, Golden State ranks last in the WNBA in pace, and only Janelle Salaün (13.0 PPG), Veronica Burton (12.3 PPG) and Williams average double figures.
However, they are incredibly deep, with five more players averaging between 6.1 and 8.1 points per game. They also shoot the lights out from beyond the arc. Golden State attempts two more three-pointers per game than any other team, shoots 34.6% from deep, and generates the highest percentage of its scoring from three-point range by a four-percent margin.
Overall, the Valkyries rank around the middle of the pack offensively and on the glass, but they take excellent care of the basketball and own the WNBA’s best defence.
This team plays a style very similar to the Boston Celtics, and it’s no accident they sit at 17-7.
Indiana Fever
This makes for such an intriguing matchup because, in many ways, the Fever are the polar opposite.
Indiana boasts the league’s best offence by a fairly comfortable margin while also playing at the fastest pace in the WNBA.
The Fever also lead the league in rebounding but can be sloppy with the basketball. Like Golden State, they are prolific from beyond the arc, shooting an outstanding 37% from three-point range.
Indiana is loaded with star power, led by Kelsey Mitchell (22.7 PPG), Aliyah Boston (17.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG), Sophie Cunningham (9.6 PPG, 43.5% from three), and, of course, Caitlin Clark (20.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 7.8 APG).
WNBA Prediction: Who Will Win Valkyries vs. Fever?
The Fever are 8-4 at home, while the Valkyries are 7-4 on the road. Golden State has the advantages in rest, defence, and overall team identity, but Indiana counters with superior star power, the league’s top offence and home-court advantage.
I don’t love picking against a team riding a seven-game winning streak, but with Gabby Williams’ status still uncertain and this game being played in Indianapolis, I think the Fever are up to the task. An efficient night from Clark should be enough to lead Indiana to another victory.
This game will ultimately be decided by which team controls the tempo and whether the Valkyries can force Clark and company into turnovers.
Final Score Prediction: Fever 87, Valkyries 81