Dallas heads for an upset after crushing the champions: prediction for Golden State Valkyries vs Dallas Wings - 18.06.2026
Golden State Valkyries
Dallas Wings
On Thursday night, the WNBA regular season action hits the Chase Center in San Francisco, where the Golden State Valkyries will host the Dallas Wings. Both teams enter the contest with identical 9-5 records, yet the bookmakers slightly favor Golden State with a -2.5 spread. However, given Dallas’s current form, the visitors look like a very lively option against the line.
Golden State Valkyries: the league's best defense and a gritty, no-frills style
The Golden State Valkyries come into this matchup riding high after a confident win, having dispatched the Los Angeles Sparks 78-58. The Valkyries held their opponents to just 33.3% shooting from the field and a mere 3-of-21 from beyond the arc, once again underlining their status as one of the season’s toughest defensive squads.
Golden State’s strength is crystal clear: they allow only 78.3 points per game, force turnovers, and deny opponents any rhythm on offense. But questions linger on the other end - Valkyries are converting just 40.6% of their field goals, and if Dallas can keep them from scoring easy points off turnovers, the hosts may have to dig deep for consistent looks in half-court sets.
Dallas Wings: 30-point blowout of the Aces and an offense that thrives on ball movement
The Dallas Wings enter the contest fresh off a statement win over the Las Vegas Aces, 96-66. The team shot a blistering 49.3% from the field, knocked down 10 threes, grabbed 41 rebounds, and dished out 30 assists - a showcase of depth and elite team offense.
Dallas’s main asset is their balance: speed, ball movement, and careful possessions. The Wings commit just 10.5 turnovers per game, average 88.1 points, and rank among the league’s best in assists. Even when Arike Ogunbowale isn’t at her most efficient, she keeps opposing defenses constantly on edge.
Game facts
- Dallas Wings defeated the Las Vegas Aces 96-66, winning the rebounding battle 41-31 and recording 30 assists.
- Golden State Valkyries beat the Los Angeles Sparks 78-58, holding their opponents to 33.3% shooting from the field.
- Both teams share a 9-5 record, but Dallas averages 88.1 points per game compared to Golden State’s 84.6.
The visitors are too strong for the underdog tag: prediction for Golden State Valkyries vs Dallas Wings
Golden State is always dangerous at home thanks to their defense, discipline, and ability to control the pace, but this matchup is anything but straightforward for the Valkyries. Dallas takes better care of the ball, moves it more fluidly, and after dismantling Las Vegas, comes into this game with serious momentum. The key battle will be the Wings’ offense against Golden State’s defensive structure. If Dallas keeps their turnovers low and gets contributions beyond just Ogunbowale, the visitors could not only cover the spread, but fight for victory right down to the final possession.
