The Golden State Valkyries travel east to face the Washington Mystics on Thursday night. Golden State, the league’s 13th franchise, is still finding its footing in its inaugural season. The Mystics, meanwhile, are in a transitional phase, relying heavily on fresh faces and new contributors to reverse a middling start. Washington currently sits around .500 in Eastern Conference play, while the Valkyries hover just under that mark in the west. What’s the best bet in tonight’s Valkyries vs. Mystics matchup?
Valkyries vs. Mystics Game Outlook
Golden State Valkyries at Washington Mystics
7:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, July 31, 2025
CareFirst Arena, Washington, D.C.
TV: Prime Video
Valkyries vs. Mystics Betting Odds
According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Bovada.lv, the Mystics are 1-point home favorites to knock off the Valkyries. As for the betting total, meanwhile, the number currently sits at 154.5.
Game Preview
The Mystics’ offense features rookie standout Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and veteran Brittney Sykes. Citron and Iriafen combine for an average of around 35 points per game, while Sykes injects scoring volume and free‑throw reliability, anchoring the backcourt with her experience and pace.
Golden State counters with a rooks-and-international fusion, including Julie Vanloo, Veronica Burton, Temi Fágbénlé, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Kayla Thornton, many of whom came over in the expansion draft or signed developmental contracts. Their cohesion is still evolving, but Vanloo has flashed spark off the bench — including a memorable sequence of third‑quarter threes that energized their crowd in earlier matchups at Chase Center.
The two sides already met back in May in San Francisco, where Washington edged out Golden State in a tight 76‑74 contest. That game showcased the Mystics’ toughness with Sykes pouring in 30 points, while the Valkyries leaned on Kiki Iriafen’s double‑digit minutes despite the narrow loss.
What to Watch
Mystics:
Rising rookies: Citron and Iriafen remain pivotal as offensive catalysts. Washington’s challenge is to build around them while improving consistency.
Veteran steadiness: Brittney Sykes offers leadership and efficiency; if she controls tempo and the paint, Washington is in control.
Home energy: At CareFirst Arena, the Mystics aim to feed off their crowd and defensive effort.
Valkyries:
Bench firepower: Vanloo and Burton could shift momentum with deep shooting when healthy.
Frontcourt scrappiness: Fágbénlé and Zandalasini bring energy but face a tough frontcourt test against Austin and Iriafen.
Building chemistry: The Valkyries still look for cohesion across units—depending on flow, they can swing the game in bursts, but struggle sustaining consistency.
Keys to the Game
If Citron & Iriafen continue their scoring synergy and Sykes delivers in crunch time, Washington locks it down.
Golden State needs bench sparks and stout defense; if they force turnovers and convert in transition, the game stays tight.
Home crowd impact at CareFirst Arena could tilt tight possessions late — expect Washington to ride that wave in the final quarter.
Valkyries vs. Mystics Prediction
Washington enters this game with the edge in continuity and rising youth talent. The Mystics have momentum from their earlier win in San Francisco and the comfort of home court. Golden State remains an exciting project, but their lack of veteran continuity likely catches up over 40 minutes.
Expect the Mystics to control the pace behind Sykes and their home support. The Valkyries can stay close with bursts from Vanloo and timely shooting, but Washington’s balance and experience should prove decisive.
Prediction: Mystics win, 83–76.
Valkyries vs. Mystics WNBA Prediction: WASHINGTON MYSTICS -1