Chicago and Golden State couldn’t be on more different paths right now. The Valkyries are making their best push to cap a historic debut season with a playoff spot, while the Sky are focused on salvaging some dignity as they already glance toward the draft lottery. This game might not change Chicago’s standings much, but it’s a chance to bounce back and regain some pride after their loss to the league-worst Connecticut Sun in the last outing.
Where to Watch
Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm ET
Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco
TV: ESPN
Streaming: WNBA League Pass, Fubo
Injury Report
Golden State Valkyries
Kayla Thornton (out for season): Season cut short with a knee injury
Chicago Sky
Courtney Vandersloot (out for season): ACL injury ended her season
Angel Reese (out): No timetable for return (back)
Hailey Van Lith (probable): Ankle injury; played last three games and will likely be available
Ariel Atkins (probable): Leg injury; played last four games and is expected to suit up
Probable Starting Lineups
Valkyries: Monique Billings (#25), Janelle Salaun (#13), Temi Fagbenle (#14), Tiffany Hayes (#15), Veronica Burton (#22)
Sky: Elizabeth Williams (#1), Kamilla Cardoso (#10), Rachel Banham (#24), Ariel Atkins (#7), Sevgi Uzun (#0)
Chicago Sky vs Golden State Valkyries: Preview & Prediction
One stat already tells the story: the Sky couldn’t beat the last-place Connecticut Sun on Wednesday, trailing all quarters except the final one in a 62-71 loss. Meanwhile, Golden State handled the same Sun on Monday with authority, winning 74-57 and dominating all four quarters.
Golden State also made a minor roster tweak recently. Guard Kaila Charles, initially signed on a seven-day contract on August 1 to fill in for Thornton and Monique Billings, has been released as Billings returns. The Valkyries are back to almost full strength and riding an eight-game streak where they’ve only lost to the Aces, including a three-game win streak capped by an 88-83 victory over Washington led by Veronica Burton’s 30 points.
The Valkyries also lead the season series against Chicago 2-0, with one win at home and one on the road. Along with that, Golden State might be 7-10 on the road this season but won their last road game against Washington. The Sky, meanwhile, are struggling at home, just 5-11 in 2025.
To add to all the worries, with Reese out, Chicago’s inside game and rebounding have taken a hit, removing a key weapon from their arsenal. Statistically, Golden State is seventh in the league, ranking 10th in offensive rating and fourth in defensive rating. The Sky are near the bottom in both categories, 12th out of 13 teams.
Hence, the numbers heavily favor the visitors. But if Atkins and Cardoso find their rhythm at the same time, things could turn the other way around. Either ways, expect a slower tempo game.
Prediction: Golden State Valkyries to win. Statistically and on the floor, they have the edge. More than that, the Valkyries are not just playing for another win, they’re aiming to solidify their push toward the playoffs, currently sitting at 7th.
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