Golden State Valkyries vs Atlanta Dream Picks and Prediction for Wednesday October 21, 2026
The Golden State Valkyries are set to travel to Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday night for Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8 PM ET, with coverage available on USA Network, CNBC, and Peacock. The best-of-seven championship series is currently tied 1-1, following Atlanta's 79-65 victory on Monday night in San Francisco. Golden State won the series opener on Saturday afternoon with a score of 68-64 but could not maintain that performance in Game 2. The Dream will return home with momentum and a chance to take their first lead in the series. Both franchises are seeking their first WNBA championship, and Wednesday's winner will take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Dream enter Game 3 as a -3.5 favorite and -162 on the money line. Golden State is a +136, and the total is set at 151.5. Stay in the action with our WNBA Picks.
Golden State Hunts the road win
The Golden State offense was mediocre this season as they averaged 82.2 points on 42% shooting from the field. Defensively, Golden State held their own, allowing 77.8 points per game overall this season. Gabby Williams is leading the Golden State offense in the postseason, averaging 22 points in nearly 31 minutes per game. Tiffany Hayes is the only other player on the roster averaging double digits, scoring 12.1 points per game. Veronica Burton is third on the team, averaging 9.1 points, and she leads the way, dishing out 3.6 assists. Kayla Thornton averages 8.4 points, and Cecilia Zandalasini is averaging a fourth-best eight points per game. Kiah Stokes is averaging just 3.5 points per game, but she leads Golden State, pulling in 9.4 rebounds per contest.
The Golden State offense didn't live up to their game one performance in Game 2, scoring just 65 points, including only nine in the third quarter on 34% shooting and 29% from beyond the arc. Golden State lost the rebounding battle and turned the ball over 19 times in the loss. Gabby Williams led the way for the Golden State starters in Game 2 with 14 points on 15 shots in 27 minutes. Veronica Burton was the only other Golden State starter in double digits with 11 points on nine shots in 24 minutes. Tiffany Hayes chipped in heavily off the bench with 14 points on 11 shots.
Key Injury Report for Golden State:
- Iliana Rupert (OFS)- Not injury-related
Atlanta looks to take control
The Atlanta Dream offense carried them this year, averaging 91.3 points on 44% shooting. Defensively, Atlanta also held their own, allowing 78.3 points per game, and they gave up only 65 points in their Game 2 win. Angel Reese is leading Atlanta in the postseason, averaging 19.1 points and 10 rebounds per game. Allisha Gray is second on the Atlanta roster in the postseason, averaging 17.6 points, and Rhyne Howard is averaging a 4th-best 16.1 points per game. Jordin Canada is third on the roster, averaging 16.7 points, and she leads the way in dishing out 8.7 assists. DeWanna Bonner is the fifth player on the roster in double digits, averaging 11 points in just under 24 minutes per game.
The Atlanta Dream found their footing on the offensive side in Game 2, scoring 79 points, including 40 in the second half after erupting for 21 points in the third quarter. Angel Reese led the show for the Atlanta offense in Game 2 with 30 points and 16 rebounds on 16 shots in 34 minutes. Allisha Gray was second on the roster with 18 points on 11 shots, and Jordin Canada added a third-best 13 points in 36 minutes. DeWanna Bonner led the way off the Atlanta bench with 9 points in 20 minutes of action.
Key Injury Report for Atlanta:
- Matilde Villa (Out) - Coach's Decision
- Brionna Jones (OFS) - Leg
Golden State Valkyries vs Atlanta Dream Picks and Prediction
Pick: Atlanta Dream -3.5
Atlanta returns home Wednesday night with plenty of momentum after delivering an impressive performance against Golden State in Game 2. The Dream were much more aggressive offensively Monday night, particularly around the basket, where Angel Reese established herself as a difficult matchup for the Valkyries. Her ability to control the glass and generate second-chance opportunities should remain a major advantage for Atlanta. The Dream also did an excellent job defensively, forcing Golden State into turnovers and converting those mistakes into transition opportunities. Golden State has been one of the league's strongest defensive teams throughout the season, but its offensive struggles could become a bigger concern if Atlanta continues applying pressure on the perimeter. Playing at State Farm Arena should provide the Dream with an additional boost as they look to build on Monday's victory. Expect Atlanta to continue attacking the paint, control the rebounding battle, and make enough defensive stops to take a 2-1 series lead.
Pick: Under 151.5
The first two games of the WNBA Finals have been dominated by defensive intensity, and Wednesday's matchup could follow a similar pattern. Golden State and Atlanta combined for just 132 points in Game 1 before producing 144 points Monday night, with neither team finding consistent offensive success for extended stretches. The Valkyries have struggled to generate quality scoring opportunities against Atlanta's defensive pressure, particularly when forced into half-court possessions. Golden State will likely place a greater emphasis on protecting the basketball and slowing the pace after committing 19 turnovers in Game 2. Atlanta has been more effective offensively when creating transition opportunities, but those chances could become limited if the Valkyries improve their ball security. Both teams can contest shots, protect the paint, and make opposing offenses work deep into the shot clock. With the series tied and neither team wanting to fall behind, expect another physical, defensive matchup with fewer easy baskets and extended scoring droughts. Take the under in Game 3.