Golden State Valkyries vs Las Vegas Aces Picks and Prediction for Friday October 9, 2026
The Golden State Valkyries will be on the road Friday night for game 3 of the WNBA semifinals in Las Vegas against the Las Vegas Aces. The Game is scheduled for a 9:30 tip-off with coverage on Peacock and NBCSN. Golden State had a solid regular season, finishing 32-12 overall, and enters Game 3 of this series up 2-0. The Las Vegas Aces also had a solid campaign this season, finishing 31-13, but have struggled in this series, down by 2 games. DraftKings has the Aces as a -3.5 favorite and -180 on the money line. The Valkyries are a +150, with the total set at 158.5. Stay up with all the action and see our WNBA Picks.
Golden State looks for the Sweep
The Golden State offense has been mediocre this season, averaging 82.2 points on 42% shooting for the floor. Defensively, Golden State has been elite, holding opponents to 80.4 points per game this season, and they've allowed an average of 71.3 points per game across their current 3-game winning streak. Gabby Williams has been the offensive maestro for Golden State in the playoffs, leading the team, averaging 24 points and 4.2 assists per game. Tiffany Hayes is the only other player on the roster averaging double digits, scoring 13.8 points per game. Veronica Burton is averaging 9.8 points, and Kayla Thornton is averaging 9.4 points per game. Kiah Stokes is averaging just 1.6 points but leads Golden State, pulling in 9.4 rebounds per contest.
Offensively, Golden State did just enough in Game 2 of this series, scoring 83 points on 41% shooting and 34% from beyond the arc. Golden State also won the rebounding battle by 5 and forced 12 turnovers in the win. Gabby Williams led the way for the Golden State offense in Game 2 with 20 points on 17 shots. Kayla Thornton was the second starter in double digits with 16 points in 30 minutes. Tiffany Hayes erupted to lead the way off the bench with 21 points on 10 shots in 17 minutes of action.
Key Injury Report for Golden State:
- Iliana Rupert (OFS) – Not injury-related
Las Vegas tries to keep their year alive
The Las Vegas Aces have been an offensive juggernaut this season, averaging 91.5 points on 49% shooting from the floor, but they have averaged just over 70 points per game thus far in this series. Defensively, Las Vegas has been solid enough, allowing 84.2 points per game this year. MVP candidate A’ja Wilson is leading the Las Vegas offense in the playoffs, averaging 28.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Jackie Young is second on the roster, averaging 19 points along with the team-leading 7 assists per contest. Chelsea Gray is the third player on the roster in double digits, averaging 16.4 points in just over 37 minutes per game.
The Las Vegas Aces offense was solid in Game 2, scoring 81 points on 44% shooting and 42% from beyond the arc, but they scored only 11 points in the first quarter. A’ja Wilson led the Las Vegas offense in Game 2 with 24 points on 16 shots. Chelsea Gray added 19 points on 15 shots, and Jackie Young chipped in 14 points in 37 minutes.
Key Injury Report for Las Vegas:
- Jewell Loyd (Out) – Leg
- NaLyssa Smith (Out) - Leg
Golden State Valkyries vs Las Vegas Aces Picks and Prediction
Pick: Golden State Valkyries +3.5 (-105)
Golden State is the side for Game 3 after winning the first 2 games of this semifinal series. The Valkyries return to the road with an opportunity to complete the sweep after holding off Las Vegas 83-81 in Game 2. Golden State has benefited from its depth throughout the postseason, and Veronica Burton has continued to provide important contributions in crucial situations. The Valkyries have demonstrated their ability to win close games, while Las Vegas has struggled to overcome Golden State's balanced offensive attack. The Aces have the experience and talent to extend the series, but the Valkyries have established momentum and will benefit from their strengths. Expect another competitive matchup, with Golden State having a legitimate opportunity to close out the series.
Pick: Under 156.5 (-115)
The Under is the play for Game 3 after the 2 teams combined for 164 points in Game 2. Golden State scored 83 points, while Las Vegas finished with 81, as the Valkyries held off a late rally to secure the victory. Both teams have now had multiple opportunities to adjust to the opposing offensive schemes, and the stakes will be even higher with Las Vegas facing elimination. The Aces must improve defensively to extend the series, while Golden State has shown it can win through balanced scoring and timely execution. Las Vegas should look to limit Golden State's supporting cast and prevent the Valkyries from establishing another early advantage. With both teams expected to place greater emphasis on defensive execution, another tightly contested matchup could keep scoring down. Lean toward the Under, depending on the posted total.