So, the Golden State Valkyries are packing their bags and heading to Brooklyn to take on the defending champs, the New York Liberty. Things have been exciting in the Bay so far — they’re rocking those purple-accented jerseys, big names are showing up courtside (Ali Wong, Doc Rivers, even Steve Kerr!), and Coach Nakase’s already had her Gatorade Bath.

But here’s the thing — with injuries and some question marks in the lineup, can the Valkyries really bring their A-game on the road? Will they fly into Brooklyn at full strength, or will the injury gods have other plans? Right now, it’s looking like the Valkyries might be heading into this clash a little short-handed.

Will Cecilia Zandalasini and Tiffany Hayes Power the Valkyries vs. Liberty?

According to Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post and Nathan Canilao of Bay Area News Group, forward Cecilia Zandalasini won’t be suiting up. She’s been ruled out of Tuesday’s game with a foot injury, the same one that’s kept her sidelined for the first three games of the season. It’s not unfamiliar territory for the Italian star—she missed Minnesota’s 2019 campaign due to international duties and an ankle setback. After being picked up by Golden State in the expansion draft on December 6, 2024, the Valkyries were hoping she’d be a steady veteran presence. But her return to WNBA hardwood is still on hold. 

Other players questionable for Tuesday’s game for the Valkyries include Monique Billings, who is out due to a foot injury. The bigger blow, however, may be Tiffany Hayes—at least emotionally. She’s currently listed as questionable due to a nose injury suffered during the Valkyries’ gritty 76-74 win over the Washington Mystics.

It was the team’s first-ever victory, and while the final score was sweet, it came at a cost. Hayes went down hard after taking an arm to the face from Shakira Austin with 3:43 left in the second quarter. As she lay on the floor, a half-dozen medical staff rushed out. Fans held their breath. But as Hayes finally stood, towel pressed to her face, she gave the crowd a thumbs-up—and got a standing ovation on her way to the locker room. She did not return after that and Nakase later provided a wholesome update, saying, “I think we’re just going to wait to see how she feels but I walked in the locker room and she was the first one to open her arms and give me a big hug“.

When you listen to that, you can understand why her departure sparked a fierce determination within the team and why her potential absence will be, as we said, an emotional one.

While Nathan Canilao and ESPN have Hayes listed as questionable, the vibes out of the Bay Area suggest she’s game-time ready. In fact, in a response to Canilao’s post, the Valkyries’ official X account all but confirmed it: Thought we would see Hayes again tomorrow but in a mask. Was it broken?

Let’s just say it’s going to be a look.

Valkyries Projected Starting Five vs. New York Liberty

We’re likely to see the same gritty group that closed it out against Washington. That means a starting five of:

• #5 Kayla Thornton – vocal leader, defensive glue
• #13 Janelle Salaün – the long, smooth-shooting rookie from France
• #14 Temi Fagbenle – rebounding machine, anchor in the paint
• #15 Tiffany Hayes – masked and fearless, the heartbeat of the backcourt
  #22 Veronica Burton – floor general, pest on defense, calm under pressure

However, if Tiffany Hayes sits out due to Coach Nakase’s decision to give her some rest, the Valkyries might turn to Julie Vanloo to fill that starting spot.

On the court, the Valkyries have been grinding hard, averaging 75 points per game but allowing 77. Now they face an explosive Liberty offense that set a new WNBA record with 19 made 3-pointers on just 34 attempts and racks up 93.7 points per game on a scorching 49.7% shooting clip.

The boards are nearly even, but with Jonquel Jones leading the charge, the Liberty’s playmaking blows past Golden State’s 14.3 assists with a team average of 23.7. Defensively, the Valkyries force more steals, but New York’s rim protection is fierce, swatting away 7 shots per game.

Riding a two-game winning streak, the Valkyries are up against a Liberty team undefeated in their last three games and cruising with a near-perfect record. This Brooklyn showdown promises to test every ounce of grit and skill — can the Valkyries rise to the challenge? We’re about to find out.