Dream vs. Valkyries: WNBA Finals Game 1 Prediction and Betting Pick
Atlanta's red-hot streak continues as they face the surprising Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA Finals opener.
Game 1 of the WNBA Finals is set to tip off Saturday afternoon, featuring two franchises aiming for their first championship: the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries.
Both teams enter the series after completing unexpected sweeps of their opponents in the semifinals, with the Dream defeating the New York Liberty and the Valkyries overcoming the Las Vegas Aces. This marks a significant shift in the league's landscape, moving beyond traditional powerhouses like the Aces and Liberty. Both the Dream and Valkyries have achieved this success by emphasizing position-less basketball, strong defense, and timely three-point shooting.
Dream vs. Valkyries Game 1 Preview
The Golden State Valkyries, in just their second year of existence, have emerged as a surprise contender and are favored to win the series. The team's preseason odds to win the championship were as high as 33/1. They are coached by Natalie Nakase, the reigning Coach of the Year, who previously served as an assistant under Becky Hammon with the Aces. Gabby Williams, a former top draft pick, has become a cornerstone for the Valkyries and is considered an early Finals MVP favorite.
The Valkyries have demonstrated a potent offense throughout the postseason, boasting a 114 offensive rating while playing at a deliberate pace. The team's depth includes experienced players such as Kayla Thornton, Veronica Burton, Kiah Stokes, and Tiffany Hayes. Golden State has shown remarkable resilience, securing two double-digit victories against the Aces in the semifinals, including overcoming a 47-36 deficit in Game 3 with a decisive 17-0 run. Furthermore, the Valkyries have maintained an undefeated record (4-0) in the playoffs at the Chase Center.
Atlanta's Dominant Playoff Run
The Atlanta Dream have also enjoyed a sensational playoff performance, extending a late-season winning streak into a ten-game winning streak that has not seen a loss since late August. The team, led by Karl Smesko, Angel Reese, and other key players, has an impressive record of 13-2 against the spread in their last 15 games. Defensively, the Dream rank highly in the playoffs for steals (10.6) and defensive rating (102), and they lead the WNBA with a net rating of +9.6.
Atlanta's offensive execution relies on players like Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada, and DeWanna Bonner. Gray's availability is uncertain due to a lingering hand injury, which caused her to miss two games against the Liberty. In her absence, Angel Reese has stepped up her all-around game and is currently second in MVP odds.
Despite a 0-3 record against Golden State in the regular season, Atlanta is expected to carry its playoff momentum into the Finals. The Dream have convincingly won Game 1s in their previous playoff series and remain undefeated with DeWanna Bonner on the floor. Bonner's presence, along with her championship experience, has significantly boosted the Dream heading into the series opener.
Betting Pick: Dream moneyline (+130 via BetMGM)