The Golden State Valkyries (12-13) and Washington Mystics (13-13) will meet in the WNBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC. The game will broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.
The Mystics are 4.5-point favorites over the Valkyries on the spread (Mystics -4.5), with the over/under set at 153.5 total points. Washington is a -190 favorite to win outright, while Golden State is +155 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Valkyries vs. Mystics predictions and WNBA picks for Thursday, July 31.
Valkyries vs. Mystics Odds, Pick
| Valkyries Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 153.5 -110o / -110u | +155 |
| Mystics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 153.5 -110o / -110u | -190 |
- Valkyries vs. Mystics Spread: Mystics -4.5
- Valkyries vs. Mystics Over/Under: 153.5 total points
- Valkyries vs. Mystics Moneyline: Valkyries +155, Mystics -190
- Valkyries vs. Mystics Best Bet: Veronica Burton Under 4.5 Assists (-105)
Valkyries vs. Mystics Preview
The Valkyries and the Mystics come into this matchup with just a half game separating them in the standings.
Both teams have been trading wins and losses of late, but the Mystics are two-possession favorites at home.
This matchup is set to be tight as both teams are solid on defense, sporting nearly equal defensive ratings, with the Valkyries being better by 0.4.
However, a stout defensive matchup also means the pace will be slower, and Golden State is the slowest team in the league in terms of pace per 40 minutes.
While the Mystics do play a bit faster, they are not a contrast by any means.
With the pace slowed, we should see significantly fewer scoring opportunities, and that would lead to fewer potential assists from Valkyries guard Veronica Burton.
I last backed Burton on Sunday, where I highlighted her uptick in shooting volume.
Well, that trend stuck, and another one has appeared: over her last five games, she has failed to record more than four assists.
While it may seem like a small sample size, Burton has gone under 4.5 assists in 48% of games this season.
She faces a Mystics team that has been excellent at playing the passing lanes, ranking third in assists allowed overall and fourth to guards specifically.
Valkyries vs. Mystics Prediction
Burton has been a tough player to figure out recently, as she's shown upside amid her recent struggles.
In this matchup, however, her facilitating struggles are set to continue as her opportunities will be limited due to the slower pace and the defense of the Mystics.
Best Bet: Veronica Burton Under 4.5 Assists (-105, Fanatics)
