Date, Time, Location: Thursday, July 31st, 4:30pm PDT, CareFirst Arena (Washington)
Broadcast Information: KPIX (Bay Area), KMAX (Sacramento), Monumental Sports Network (opponent’s local broadcast), Amazon Prime (outside local area), Audacy (radio), WTEM (opponent’s radio)
The Golden State Valkyries will play the middle game of this current road trip on Thursday when they visit the Washington Mystics. There has already been history between the teams from their earlier matchup after the Valkyries got their first win in franchise history against the Mystics in the second game of the season. After a big win on Tuesday, Golden State will be looking to continue the momentum before traveling for another game the following day. The teams are currently tied in the loss column with Washington having played one more game, so this could end up being critical at the end of the season when the playoff spots are determined.
The Valkyries
Injury news is not getting any better for Golden State with Monique Billings being unavailable again after having to leave the last game early. Cecilia Zandalasini, the hero of that win, is also listed on the injury report, but could still play. She also missed the last game against the Mystics, making her one of four players who could see action after not being in that early season meeting. Each team has three true post players available, but Washington usually starts two of them, which could affect which position that the Valkyries use Janelle Salaun in to start the game.
The Opposition
Unlike the Valkyries, the Mystics have not made any roster additions since the last time that the teams played one another. Aaliyah Edwards was injured for that game before finally returning, but has since been injured again to join Georgia Amoore in being out for this game. Sika Kone is at AfroBasket with Mali’s national team so she is not going to play either, leaving Washington with nine players.
Before the season, experts would have predicted that six or seven playoff spots would be sealed up by teams that made the postseason last year and the Valkyries and Mystics have been battling for their place in that group all season long. They lost two more games in a row after losing in San Francisco, but weathered some tough stretches, using a three-game winning streak earlier this month to get to a winning record. They have spent the last four games alternating between wins and losses, which might be a good sign for Golden State after Washington won their last game over Chicago on Tuesday.
Leave a Reply