Date, Time, Location: Tuesday, August 19th, 7:00pm PDT, Chase Center
Broadcast Information: KPYX (Bay Area), KMAX (Sacramento area), Arizona Family Sports, and Merc+ (away team local market), WNBA League Pass (outside local markets), KGMZ (radio)
The Golden State Valkyries play the first of two consecutive games against the Phoenix Mercury when they host them on Tuesday before visiting them on Friday. Phoenix is one of three teams that the Valkyries have yet to defeat in their inaugural season. Two more games against a team ahead of them in the standings will be a tough test for Golden State as they are in the middle of a big group of teams competing for spots in the playoffs.
The Valkyries
Besides dealing with a tough loss on Sunday, the Valkyries had to deal with another injury in the post as Iliana Rupert entered concussion protocol. Without her for this game, Temi Fagbenle and Laeticia Amihere are going to have to handle all of the minutes at center and it will be tough to play bigger lineups to counter the height of the Mercury. Depending on defensive matchups, that could mean Cecilia Zandalasini, Kate Martin, or Kaila Charles playing the four during minutes when Janelle Salaun is not on the court.
The Opposition
The Phoenix Mercury had lost two tough games in a row, but are coming off of a win in Seattle over the Storm, leaving them tied for third in the loss column having player one fewer game than the New York Liberty. Monique Akoa Makani missed that game due to injury, but is expected to play in this game. Phoenix has been trying out former Stanford guard Kiana Williams in their last roster spot and will have to make a decision on her contract when the current deal expires postgame.
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