The 2026 WNBA playoffs are already off to a hot start, with the No. 8-seeded Liberty knocking off the No. 1-seeded Lynx and the Fever pushing its contest with the Aces to Game 3. Tonight, the Valkyries look to handle the Dallas Wings in two games, while Paige Bueckers and Co. are fighting for another day in the postseason.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Golden State is favored by 4.5 points with an over/under set at 156.5. Let’s dive into my preview, prediction, and pick for this matchup!
Valkyries vs. Wings Game 2 Preview
The Valkyries entered the postseason with momentum on their side and a point to prove: defense can win championships. After finishing the regular season as the best defense in the league by a wide margin, allowing just 78.8 points per game to opponents, the Valks routed Dallas by holding the team to just 80 points. Offense wasn’t the Valks’ strong suit this season, averaging just 82.3 points per game, but when the three-ball is hot, this team is dangerous. That’s exactly what happened on Sunday night as Golden State shot 50% from the field, making exactly three times as many shots from deep as Dallas and winning by a 24-point margin.
Forward Cecilia Zandalasini stole the show by leading the Valks with 22 points and making 4-of-5 three-point attempts, while Gabby Williams shot an impressive 50% from the field. Tiffany Hayes stunned off the bench with 21 points herself, but contributed defensively as well with two steals. If the Valkyries are as red-hot from range as they were on Sunday, this could be a tough matchup to take control of for Dallas.
In the regular season, the Wings built a roster based on scorers, with Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale leading the team in scoring and Jessica Shepard being a pleasant surprise as a double-double threat every night. While Buckets had 21 points on a ridiculous 9-of-10 shooting night, the defense couldn’t slow down a Valks’ offense that outscored them 37-11 in the second quarter.
Plus, Shepard had a very weak performance, missing all seven of her shot attempts in 24 minutes on the court. Dallas has to take care of the ball tonight and limit turnovers against a Valks team that is so strong defensively in order to stay alive in the postseason.
Valkyries vs. Wings Game 2 Pick, Best Bet
Golden State put up an overall dominant performance in Game 1, and if they can shoot even close to 50% from deep again while staying aggressive with its suffocating defense, the Valks will find themselves in the semis.
