The Las Vegas Aces vs Golden State Valkyries has all the ingredients to be a special game. It marks the return of former assistant coach Natalie Nakase to Vegas. Nakase was part of Becky Hammon’s coaching staff during the Aces’ historic run of success between 2022 and 2023. It’s the ultimate showdown between teacher and apprentice! This game also marks the return of Kate Martin to Las Vegas. With so many homecomings on the cards, this game is shaping up to be one for the ages!

The Aces are coming on the back of two successive defeats, while the Valkyries have managed to snap out of their recent two-game losing streak with a win against the Indiana Fever. Kayla Thornton will definitely be a player to watch out for after her team-high 15.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals earned her the first All-Star nod of her career.

The Aces will be without A’ja Wilson for the second straight game, which means the spotlight shifts to Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray. Both veterans will be looking to bounce back after a rough outing last time around against the Mystics. In this preview, we’ll dive into the expected starting lineups, check the latest injury updates, and wrap things up with a prediction for what promises to be an exciting matchup!

Las Vegas Aces vs Golden State Valkyries: Where to watch

You can watch these two teams clash on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET. For those unable to attend the game, don’t worry, we have got you covered on that front as well! The game will be broadcast on CBS. It can also be viewed by taking the WNBA pass.

Las Vegas Aces vs Golden State Valkyries: Injury report

Coach Nakase can head into the game stress-free as she has nothing to worry about when it comes to injuries. But that’s not the same case for Nakase’s opposite number, as Beck Hammon will be without their superstar and reigning WNBA MVP, A’ja Wilson, for a second game in a row.

Wilson picked up a wrist injury during the game against the Liberty while attacking the basket. Hammon later confirmed that it’s not a fracture, but the team is choosing to be cautious with her recovery. “Let’s just let it heal correctly the first time, so we’re not dealing with it all year…sometimes as a coach, you just have to make the bigger judgment call,” Hammon said.

In addition to Wilson, the Aces will also be without their recent free agent signing, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus. The veteran forward is currently on maternity leave as she prepares to welcome her second child.

Predicted starting lineup

Las Vegas Aces

• NaLyssa Smith
• Kiah Stokes
• Chelsea Gray
• Jewell Loyd
• Jackie Young

Golden State Valkyries

• Kayla Thornton
• Temi Fagbenle
• Tiffany Hayes
• Kate Martin
• Veronica Burton

Prediction: Who will come out on top?

The last time these two teams faced each other was at the Chase Center, and the Valkyries walked away with a dominant win. Despite having a fully fit A’Ja Wilson that day, it was Kayla Thornton’s 22 points that helped deliver a 68-95 thumping in front of 18,000 people present in the Chase Center!

You would think that heading into this game, the Valkyries would be the favorites to win, right? Well, not according to ESPN! Despite not having Wilson in the team, ESPN gives the Aces a 72.9% chance of winning. But in this case, even the numbers don’t back up this prediction.

The Aces have a 9-11 record this season. They’re averaging just 79.0 points per game, ranking 11th in the league, while giving up 80.9 points, which puts them 9th defensively. That’s simply not good enough for a side with title aspirations. The Valkyries, on the other hand, have been one of the season’s biggest surprises of the season. With a 10-9 record in their debut season, they’re putting up 79.2 points per game, which ranks them 9th in the league. They also have the second-best defense in the league, restricting their opponents to just 77.3 points per game.

So, we are going with the Valkyries with this one. Yes, Coach Hammon definitely has the better set of players at her disposal–but the numbers favor Golden State. So, who are you supporting tonight? Let us know in the comments down below!