Golden State Valkyries vs Minnesota Lynx: Injury Report, Starting 5, Prediction and More on Tonight’s WNBA Preview

Natalie Nakase did the impossible. She took the expansion Golden State Valkyries to the playoffs with their 84-80 win against the Dallas Wings. For context, the last expansion team, the Atlanta Dream, finished 4-30 in 2008. However, even after this massive achievement, Nakase simply said, “This is what we were supposed to do.” That summarizes the mentality within the Valkyries as they face the title contenders Minnesota Lynx. 

The Lynx are pretty much done and dusted with their position. Sitting 32–9 and miles ahead, they eased off a little, and Vegas pounced, 97–87. Now, Reeve’s crew is hunting statement wins. And Collier needs to snatch back that MVP shine after A’ja Wilson stole the spotlight. Golden State Valkyries will be aware and waiting. But do both teams have their complete roster available? Let’s find out. 

Golden State Valkyries vs Minnesota Lynx: Injury Report

Golden State Valkyries:

For the Valkyries, Cecilia Zandalasini remains out with her left calf strain, along with Tiffany Hayes, who is suffering a knee injury. Kayla Thornton is already ruled out for the season with her right knee injury.

Minnesota Lynx:

DiJonai Carrington remains out with her shoulder injury. “It’s just day to day,” Reeve said before their Aces clash. “I know that it’s improved. We want to make sure she’s ready when she gets back.” While she might be fit enough to participate, the Lynx will likely keep her fresh for the playoffs. 

Golden State Valkyries vs Minnesota Lynx: Where To Watch

Day and Date: Saturday, Sept. 6 

Tipoff: 5:30 p.m.(PT)

Where To Watch: KPIX, KPIX+ (Bay Area), KMAX, KOVR (Sacramento), KION (Monterey)

Streaming: WNBA League Pass

Golden State Valkyries vs Minnesota Lynx: Predicted Starting 5

Golden State Valkyries:

Janelle Salaun

Temi Fagbenle

Iliana Rupert

Kaila Charles

Veronica Burton

Minnesota Lynx:

Bridget Carleton

Alanna Smith

Napheesa Collier

Kayla McBride

Courtney Williams

Golden State Valkyries vs Minnesota Lynx: Match Preview and Prediction

Valkyries come into this game with a five-game streak and will be greeted by an enthusiastic Chase Center crowd that has turned up for the entire season. This will be their last regular-season home game, marking the end of a historic season attendance-wise, where they averaged a league-leading 18,064. Despite qualifying, there are still stakes to this game as far as the Valkyries are concerned. They could still finish as high as fifth, replacing the New York Liberty. Or they can go down to as low as eighth, which would mean a first-round matchup with the Lynx, who have already clinched the No. 1 seed. Let’s look at how both teams stack up statistically. 

Looking at the metrics, the Lynx are the clear all-around team. They can attack as well as defend. However, the Valkyries focus on their defense and lock down their opposition. Their attack has been toothless, but they more than make up on the other end of the court. With the injuries racking up, the defense will be the focus yet again while capitalizing on their advantage on the boards. That is the only Achilles heel as far as the Lynx is concerned, along with their lackluster defense from the last game. 

The Valkyries are yet to win against the Lynx this season, being 0-2. However, it’s been a while, as their last game was in early July, which ended 82-71 with Collier starring at 22 points and 6 rebounds, consistent with their first clash, where she scored 24 points. With a 74.9% ESPN edge, Collier’s crew strolls in as firm front-runners. However, the late-season surge and a slight loss in edge for the Lynx could give Valkyries a peep.