Sparks of LA versus Valkyries of Golden State: Betting Tips, Projections, and Choices during the Inaugural Game
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Gear up for the electrifying opening night of the WNBA season as the LA Sparks lock horns with the Golden State Valkyries. Get ready for all the action this Friday, May 16, 2025, at 7:00 pm PT/10:00 pm ET, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. The Sparks, fresh off the acquisition of three-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champion Kelsey Plum, hope to leave their lackluster 8-32 record from the previous season behind. In the betting odds, the Sparks are heavy favorites against the brand new Golden State franchise, the Valkyries.
Find all the LA Sparks vs Golden Valkyries odds, predictions, and picks below:
Sparks vs Valkyries Odds
The Sparks are currently 6.5-point road favorites and -290 on the moneyline. The Valkyries come back as +235 underdogs to win the historic first game. The over/under stands at 162.5 with -110 odds for both possibilities.
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Betting Trends
LA Sparks
The Sparks' underwhelming 8-32 SU season in 2024 drove them to pull off a major trade, swapping the second overall pick for Kelsey Plum. This seasoned leader and championship-winning player will bring invaluable experience and grit to a Sparks squad that often floundered last season.
The Sparks currently sit ninth in WNBA Championship odds at +6000. The potential return of Cameron Brink, who tore her ACL in her rookie season, but is expected to rejoin the team, should bolster the Sparks. Ranking second in the league in blocks per game (2.3) in her limited appearances, Brink will solidify the Sparks' frontcourt alongside incumbent forward center Azura Stevens.
Golden State Valkyries
With preseason results holding little weight, the Valkyries dropped a close preseason encounter to the Sparks in their first-ever game, 83-82, at the Chase Center. Head coach Natalie Nakase leads a roster that blends youthful energy with veteran know-how. Expect rookies Carla Leite, Janelle Salaun, and Kyara Linskens to receive ample playing time for the expansion franchise. Seasoned WNBA veterans Tiffany Hayes, Kayla Thornton, and Monique Billings provide a steady scoring presence.
Golden State enter the season with the longest odds of any team, resting at +50000 in the WNBA Championship odds. As a new franchise, the Valkyries will aim to establish themselves as future contenders and build a winning culture this season.
Prediction
Although there's no shortage of intriguing narratives leading up to the Sparks vs Valkyries WNBA opener, pitting a youthful, expansion team against a revitalized Sparks squad led by Kelsey Plum, the critical question lies in the Valkyries' ability to contain Plum. Plum serves as the driving force behind the Sparks' offense, tallied an impressive 17.8 points and 4.2 assists in the 2024 season, and will likely set the tempo early for the Sparks.
While covering a seemingly formidable 6.5-point spread might be a tall order, the enhanced Sparks appear poised to start the season with a win. The electric atmosphere in a sold-out Chase Center, coupled with the anticipated high nerves among the young Valkyries, leaves little room for doubt. Ultimately, the Sparks' superior experience, talent, and cohesion should be more than enough to carry them to victory. Bet on Plum to dominate and the LA Sparks to roll!
Sparks vs Valkyries Prediction: LA Sparks -6.5 (-110)
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- In the electrifying WNBA season opener, the LA Sparks, with their acquisition of three-time All-Star Kelsey Plum, aim to surpass their previous season's lackluster record and spread their dominance against the debuting Golden State Valkyries.
- The Sparks are currently 6.5-point road favorites and have a -290 moneyline, while the Valkyries are +235 underdogs in the moneyline odds, with an over/under of 162.5 points.
- With invaluable experience and grit, Kelsey Plum—joining the Sparks from a significant trade—serves as the driving force behind the team's offense and is expected to set the tempo against the young Valkyries.
- The Valkyries, as a new franchise, contest their historic first game, having led by head coach Natalie Nakase, who blends youthful energy with veteran know-how.
- Despite the compelling storyline, the revitalized Sparks, backed by superior experience, talent, and cohesion, are predicted to emerge victorious, according to the sports betting trends, making the Sparks vs Valkyries match a tantalizing prospect for WNBA basketball enthusiasts.
