Golden State Valkyries vs Los Angeles Sparks Picks and Prediction for Thursday, September 24, 2026

The Golden State Valkyries visit the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday at crypto.com Arena, with the opening tipoff at 10:00 PM ET and televised on WNBA League Pass. This is the final regular-season game for both teams. Golden State is 31-12, sits second in the WNBA standings and has clinched a playoff berth. The Valkyries had a four-game winning streak end Tuesday with a 90-82 overtime loss to Portland. Los Angeles is 16-27, sits 12th overall and has been eliminated from playoff contention. The Sparks lost 89-79 to Las Vegas on Tuesday. Golden State leads the season series 2-0. Let’s get into the matchup and our free WNBA picks.

Golden State Valkyries Looking to Rebound From an Overtime Loss

Golden State has won four of its last five games, with victories over New York, Portland twice and Seattle before Tuesday’s overtime defeat. Gabby Williams leads the Valkyries with 14.3 points per game and adds 3.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.6 steals. Janelle Salaun averages 12.9 points and shoots 39.7% from 3-point range, while Veronica Burton records 12.0 points and a team-high 5.7 assists per game.

The Valkyries average 82.3 points while shooting 42.4% from the field and 34.7% from 3-point range. Golden State’s biggest advantage has come defensively, with opponents averaging a league-low 74.8 points and shooting only 41.5%. The Valkyries also force 13.8 turnovers per game and own a +7.2 average scoring margin, the best mark in the WNBA. Golden State is 14-7 on the road.

Injuries: Iliana Rupert (out).

Los Angeles Sparks Trying to Close the Season With a Home Win

Los Angeles has won three of its last five games, beating Washington, Seattle and Portland while losing to Dallas and Las Vegas. Nneka Ogwumike averages 17.3 points and 8.9 rebounds while shooting 51.6% from the field. Rae Burrell adds 14.6 points and makes 37.8% of her 3-point attempts. Erica Wheeler averages 8.9 points and a team-high 5.0 assists.

The Sparks average 87.5 points while shooting 46.3% overall and 33.6% from 3-point range. Los Angeles averages 31.0 rebounds and 22.0 assists, but opponents score 91.7 points per game and shoot 47.3% from the field. The Sparks have a -4.4 average scoring margin and an 8-13 home record. Golden State won the first two meetings 78-58 and 84-78.

Injuries: Cameron Brink (out), Aaliyah Nye (out), Dearica Hamby (out).

Key Player Matchup

Gabby Williams vs Nneka Ogwumike

Williams and Ogwumike lead their teams in scoring entering the finale. Williams averages 14.3 points and 1.6 steals, while Ogwumike records 17.3 points and 8.9 rebounds. Ogwumike shoots 51.6% from the field and 39.6% from 3-point range, making her Los Angeles’ main scoring option. Williams has an important defensive role for a Golden State unit allowing just 74.8 points per game, creating a key matchup whenever the two share assignments.

Golden State Valkyries vs Los Angeles Sparks Game Pick

• Golden State Valkyries

Golden State is the pick after winning four of its last five and taking each of the first two meetings against Los Angeles. The Valkyries have held the Sparks to 58 and 78 points in those games, matching a season-long defensive advantage that has Golden State allowing only 74.8 points per contest. Los Angeles is also missing Brink and Hamby from its frontcourt. Golden State owns a 14-7 road record and has allowed 69 points or fewer in three of its last five games.

Golden State Valkyries vs Los Angeles Sparks Over/Under Pick

• Under

Under is the pick with Golden State’s defense at the center of the matchup. The Valkyries have allowed 57, 66, 69 and 60 points across four of their last five games, and their first two meetings with Los Angeles finished with 136 and 162 combined points. Golden State allows a league-low 74.8 points per game and holds opponents to 41.5% shooting. Los Angeles is also without two frontcourt scorers, while the Valkyries average only 82.3 points themselves.