Date, Time, and Location: Monday, August 17th, 7:00pm, Chase Center
Broadcast Information: KPIX (San Francisco Bay Area) and KOVR (Sacramento Area) and KION (Monterey Bay Area), KFAA and local affiliates (opposition’s home broadcast area), Peacock and NBCSN (full national)
The Golden State Valkyries host the Dallas Wings on Monday knowing that a win would officially clinch their spot in the playoffs. After extra rest before this game, the team now starts a difficult stretch with seven games in the fourteen days before the World Cup break. The game will have local broadcasts in the home markets of both teams, including all three media markets for the Valkyries. The national broadcast is on Peacock streaming and some providers that carry a linear NBCSN channel available to some of their subscribers that will also show the game.
The Valkyries
All eyes were on the initial injury report again for the Valkyries after having to play shorthanded in the last game. Kiah Stokes is not listed there, which would allow the team to return to their usual starting lineup. Janelle Salaun is still listed as questionable with right knee soreness, which would significantly affect the rotation if she misses another game. While it is not quite the time when Golden State has an equal number of remaining games and remaining developmental player activations, they are getting close to not needing to care about the limit.
The Opposition
The Wings have played three games since hosting the Valkyries, only winning the game against the not currently in a playoff spot. Their last game was on the road at Indiana as they lost while missing two of their starters. After this game, they will face the Fever again, this time at home, but then close the season with seven games against teams sitting outside of the playoffs, including five games at home. That run would give them the chance to move up even though they sit in 8th place right now.
The initial injury report was also heavily anticipated for Dallas with players missing recent games. Azzi Fudd has been out since not playing against the Valkyries and remains unavailable. Aziaha James missed the last game and is set to be out this time as well. Jessica Shepard has not played in the last two games, but is listed as probable, which would be a big boost to their frontcourt as they have preferred taller lineups at those positions. Costanza Verona joined the Italian national team’s training camp after not dressing against the Valkyries and her developmental spot has been filled by Christyn Williams, a guard who finished last season with them.
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