Los Angeles Sparks vs Golden State Valkyries Prediction, Injury Report, Predicted Lineups, Where to Watch, Odds | WNBA 2025

The new addition to the WNBA world, Golden State Valkyries, is ready to assert its presence on the first day of the WNBA regular season games against the Los Angeles Sparks. It is expected to be a thriller, considering the past matchup of these teams in the preseason game. It is scheduled on May 17, Saturday, with Sparks looking for a comeback after the previous season, while Valkyries are on the lookout for a turnaround after their preseason game.

The Los Angeles Sparks and Golden State Valkyries are expected to kick off the tournament with their best players absolutely hale and hearty. Although Cameron Brink's absence might affect the Sparks squad but they are doing well. Instead, they are using the strategy of playing with three forwards that keeps their offense strong.

It is worth noting that such players are also delivering on the defensive end, so this strategy keeps them on the front foot. Now it's up to the Valkyries to figure out the solution for it. Considering the strength that both teams have, along with their previous outings, we have compiled a preview for the regular season game between the Los Angeles Sparks vs Golden State Valkyries. So let's move ahead with it.

Los Angeles Sparks vs Golden State Valkyries Game Preview

The Los Angeles Sparks had a really bad run last season, winning only 8 games out of 40 and registering a whopping 32 losses. With a 20% winning percentage, the team could not qualify for the playoffs and finished the season as a sixth-place team in the Western Conference. The star performer of the team last season was Dearica Hamby, who led the team in scoring and rebounds with 17.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. While the star playmaker for the squad was Odyssey Sims, who led the assists average with her 5.1 apg. Practically, the Los Angeles Sparks look strong since both of these players are still part of the team.

On the other hand, Golden State Valkyries have an all-around squad, but they need to be explosive to absolutely dominate their opponents with their performance. Even in the last game against the Sparks, Dearica Hamby, Kayla Thornton, Tiffany Hayes, and Veronica Burton scored above 5 points in the game while contributing on defense as well. Monique Billings even grabbed seven rebounds and scored 9 points. So, Valkyries have the capability to turn the game, but they must ensure that they don't give any window to loosen up and keep the game close till the end.

Los Angeles Sparks vs Golden State Valkyries Injury Report

The Los Angeles Sparks and Golden State Valkyries, both teams, have reports of injury ahead of their first WNBA game matchup on May 17. However, all of these players do not affect the playing squad for both teams, considering that they have been out for a long time. Although one player from the Sparks roster can be an exception in terms of significance. Here is an injury report for both the Los Angeles Sparks vs Golden State Valkyrie ahead of the WNBA regular season fixture on May 17.

Los Angeles Sparks Injury Report

For the Los Angeles Sparks, Julie Allemand is out for an indefinite period, and there is no expectation of her return to the game. On the other hand, veteran player Cameron Brink is expected to make a return in the month of June. So till then, she will not be available to play in the initial games for the Los Angeles Sparks in the month of May, as per ESPN.

Golden State Valkyries Injury Report

For the Golden State Valkyries, the reason has not been cleared out, but the squad seems to have removed Juste Jocyte from the team. She is not expected to don the purple and black Valkyries jersey in the upcoming season. Any further updates regarding her return will come from the team's front office.

Predicted Lineups

In the upcoming game between the Los Angeles Sparks vs Golden State Valkyries, the mentioned teams are expected to present the following starting lineups for their preseason game at the Chase Center Arena, along with their fresh squads and injury reports from the team:

Los Angeles Sparks Predicted Lineups

The Los Angeles Sparks are expected to kick off their debut game with the same lineup that performed well against the Golden State Valkyries in the preseason matchup on May 7, 2025. So the starting five for the Sparks on Saturday can come out with the following names on the chart:

Golden State Valkyries Predicted Lineups

The Golden State Valkyries have a new squad, and surprises will emerge on their team in the upcoming month. Old members of the league might not stand up to the mark, or new players will make a breakout performance. All in all, it will take time for the Valkyries front office to assess the best combination that is court-tested and won't crumble under pressure. However, to get that far, the Valkyries must try their best in every game to get that analysis as quickly as possible. For now, the team can come up with the following combination for the upcoming game:

Where to Watch Los Angeles Sparks vs Golden State Valkyries

On the first days of matches in the WNBA 2025 season, four games are scheduled to happen, and the Los Angeles Sparks vs Golden State Valkyries will be the third matchup. It will kick off at 7:30 am GMT as the third game of the season. So the viewers who are excited to witness the potential of the new squad, Golden State Valkyries, against historic Los Angeles Sparks, can witness the showdown on the following platforms.

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025

Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco, California, United States

Stream: WNBA League Pass

Los Angeles Sparks vs Golden State Valkyries Prediction: Who Will Win?

Since the Golden State Valkyries are an expansion team in the league, they will be playing their debut game in the league. Also, the Sparks have not faced the Valkyries head-to-head in a regular season. So there is no normal head-to-head record. However, the Sparks and the Valkyries clashed horns on May 7 in a preseason game setup. It was a thrilling showdown in which the Los Angeles Sparks eventually emerged victorious by one point, putting up a scoreline of 82-83. Notably, this matchup also happened at the Chase Center, San Francisco, which is the home arena of the Valkyries.

So, the Valkyries have a chance of redemption there at their home arena since Temi Fagbenle could have done better in that game rather than just adding two points. The average score that the Golden State Valkyries had put in was less than that of the Los Angeles Sparks. The only thing that stood out to them and brought them so close to victory was Laeticia Amihere, who tallied 20 points in that game. That's how the Golden State Valkyries were able to come so close. So there are chances that Valkyries will make an upset there. But the Spaks still have the upper hand on them with their already assembled squad and veteran experience.

Our Prediction: Los Angeles Sparks 88- 83 Golden State Valkyries

The Los Angeles Sparks win by 5 points

Los Angeles Sparks vs Golden State Valkyries Betting Odds

The Los Angeles Sparks look stronger when they are a more experienced team and have a better understanding of teamwork. It might take some time for the Valkyries to settle down and explore the dynamics of the team. Once that dust settles down, since the WNBA players are already on the squad, there are chances that they will recover soon and cause upsets.

Moreover, there are even chances that they might dominate the season from the head start if things start clicking at first. Coming to the betting odds for the Los Angeles Sparks vs Golden State Valkyries fixture, it seems the Sparks will win, relying on the following probable odds:

Odds: Sparks by 5.5 points
Over/Under: 150.5
Moneyline: Sparks -155 | Valkyries +170