- This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Golden State (2-1) at New York (3-1)
- When: May 21 2026, 8:00 PM
- Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- TV: WWOR
Golden State vs New York Preview & Prediction
Spread: Golden State -7.5
Moneyline: Golden State (-330)
Total: 171.0
Golden State Valkyries Betting Breakdown
Golden State continues proving that flashy superstar names are optional when a team actually plays defense and shares the basketball. The Valkyries may not have the same star power as New York, but they remain one of the tougher teams to handicap because they compete for all 40 minutes and constantly pressure opponents from the perimeter.
Gabby Williams has quietly become the engine behind Golden State’s success. The veteran forward is averaging 14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals while also shooting 40 percent from three-point range. Her ability to impact both ends gives the Valkyries stability against stronger offensive teams.
Golden State’s style revolves around ball movement, perimeter shooting, and forcing mistakes defensively. Bettors backing the Valkyries have benefited from their ability to keep games ugly and grind opponents into uncomfortable possessions.
Another storyline worth watching is Kayla Thornton returning to face her former team. Thornton struggled badly in her previous outing after missing all 11 shots against Chicago, but bounce-back spots often create sneaky betting value for experienced veterans. Golden State will likely need a much stronger offensive performance from her to keep pace with New York.
The concern for the Valkyries is depth and travel fatigue. Flying across the country into one of the league’s toughest road environments against a rested Liberty team is not exactly ideal scheduling.
New York Liberty Betting Breakdown
New York already looked dangerous before potentially getting even healthier. The Liberty enter Thursday as one of the WNBA title favorites and could receive a major boost if Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally both return to the lineup.
Ionescu has missed the first four games with a foot injury, but her return to practice this week signals progress. Sabally also resumed practicing after missing time with a cyst issue. If both players suit up, New York suddenly becomes one of the deepest offensive teams in the league.
Even without them, Breanna Stewart continues carrying the offense at an elite level. Stewart is averaging 23.0 points per game and remains one of the most reliable scoring options in basketball. Rookie Pauline Astier has also been outstanding early in the season, leading all rookies with 16.8 points per game while giving New York another dangerous perimeter threat.
The Liberty benefit from perfect scheduling here as well. They have not played in over a week and now begin a lengthy homestand with fresh legs against a traveling opponent. New York’s offensive ceiling already creates matchup problems, and if Ionescu returns, Golden State’s defense will be tested constantly in transition.
WNBA Prediction & Betting Picks
Golden State’s defensive effort should keep things competitive early, but New York’s depth, rest advantage, and overall talent eventually take over. The Liberty simply possess too many scoring options if their stars return to action.
Final Score: Liberty 91, Valkyries 78
Lean: New York -7.5
Total: Over 171.0
- NBA Playoffs Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
