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Golden State (10-11) at Seattle (13-9)
- When: Jul 16 2025, 3:00 PM
- Where: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA, USA
- TV: CW Seattle
WNBA Preview and Prediction: Golden State Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm
Spread: Seattle -5.0 | Total: 157.5
Seattle Storm Breakdown
Seattle enters this matchup looking to snap a puzzling two-game losing streak to the expansion Golden State Valkyries, the only WNBA squad to sweep them so far this season. Sitting at 13-9 and third in the Western Conference, the Storm know they’ve underperformed specifically in these contests, losing both by margins of 6 and 27 points. That latter blowout, a 84-57 loss was a brutal reminder of what happens when Seattle starts slow and never recovers.
More recently, the Storm suffered a 74-69 loss to the Mystics at home, a game where they scored just 10 points in the first quarter. That marked the second time in three games Seattle tripped out of the gate offensively, something head coach Noelle Quinn knows can’t repeat.
Energy and urgency will be the buzzwords heading into this one. Despite being led by All-Stars like Jewell Loyd and Nneka Ogwumike, the Storm have struggled with early-game execution, particularly against Golden State’s aggressive schemes.
This game holds more than revenge. It’s about Seattle proving it can close strong heading into the All-Star break. A poor outing here would not only be another loss to an upstart but also a momentum-killer before the back half of the season.
Golden State Valkyries Breakdown
Golden State may be an expansion team, but they’re the Storm’s boogeyman. With a 10-11 record, the Valkyries sit just outside the West’s top tier, yet they’ve handled Seattle twice and done so convincingly.
The key to their success? Balance and disruption. In the previous two matchups, they had seven players notch double digits combined, showing a dynamic offense that doesn’t rely on just one scorer. Kayla Thornton led the first ambush with 22 points, while Tiffany Hayes exploded in the rematch for 21.
Though they’re coming off a narrow 78-77 loss to the Mercury, that defeat came on a free throw with just one second left. Head coach Natalie Nakase praised her team’s late-game execution and fight. That confidence, despite the L, could carry over and make the Valkyries an outright threat again.
If they can get early production and continue to neutralize Ogwumike like they have (14 points combined in two games), they’re more than capable of delivering another statement win.
Prediction
Seattle has been given the edge by Bovada oddsmakers at -5.0, but let’s be real: this matchup is a coin toss. The Valkyries have dominated both games and know exactly how to frustrate the Storm. Seattle’s sluggish starts make them vulnerable, and Golden State’s balanced attack has proven a nightmare for them.
Golden State gets the season sweep and continues to wear the underdog crown like champs.
Score Prediction: Golden State 79, Seattle 75
Best Bet: Golden State (+160)
Total: Under 157.5
- WNBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
