Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty: Injury Report, Starting 5, Prediction, and More on Tonight’s WNBA Preview

It’s just days left for the Golden State Valkyries to make history. All thanks to the first-year head coach, and potential Coach of the Year candidate, Natalie Nakase, who’s been driving the team. The team just picked up its third straight win against the dominant Fever, enough to surpass the team and stand at No. 6 in the rankings.

“I’m super proud of the fact that we’re gelling really well together quicker than I thought. The trust that we have right now is pretty much unmatched,” Nakase said after the Valkyries won 75-63 over Indy, still without CC. That also marked a 3-0 season sweep of the Fever. However, the real test is yet to come, as GSV will host the NY Liberty in a highly anticipated game. So, let’s get into it!

Game information

Date: 2nd September, 2025

Tip-off time:10:00 pm ET/7:00 pm PT

Venue: Chase Centre, California.

Injury Report

New York Liberty

Golden State Valkyries

Starting five

Here are the starting five to expect in the NY Liberty vs Golden State Valkyries game:

NY Liberty

• Sabrina Ionescu
• Breanna Stewart
• Kennedy Burke
• Leonie Fiebich
• Jonquel Jones

Golden State Valkyries

• Janelle Salaun
• Temi Fagbenle
• Iliana Rupert
• Kaila Charles
• Veronica Burton

NY Liberty vs Golden State Valkyries prediction

The injury-riddled GSV is finally getting some much-needed depth back in its lineup. Center Monique Billings has finally been activated from injury after missing 14 games so far. In a corresponding move, the team waived guard Bree Hall just two days before her seven-day hardship contract was set to expire. “It’s only been three and a half weeks, but it feels like it’s been three months,” Billings told reporters at practice on Wednesday. “I’m just excited to get back out with the team.” This means the already-strong Valks are going to be even more dominant in upcoming games. Simply put, they’re a threat to Liberty.

But against the Liberty, one of the top teams across the W, it’s no small task to grab a win. They’re more effective with a higher field goal percentage of 45.5% compared to GSV’s 41.1%. While they’re 4–6 in their last ten games and the Valks are 7–3, the Liberty still holds an offensive advantage, averaging about 85.1 points per game compared to the Valks’ 78.8.

The two teams are set to meet for the fourth time this season, and the last encounter was won by the Liberty 81–78 on June 26. So, you can see why ESPN has given the team a 70.4% chance to win this game. But don’t underestimate the Valks. While they’re a young expansion team, they’re not sparing anyone across the league!