Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest WNBA Odds - Thursday, May 21st
The New York Liberty will look to pick up another home win, this time against a feisty Valkyries team. Can they get the job done with defense on Thursday night? Let's take a look at this Valkyries vs. Liberty prediction and best bet for Thursday, May 21st in the WNBA.
OC Staff - May 21, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT
4 Minute ReadGolden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty Prediction: Can Liberty Dig in on Defense Amid Injury Bug?
The Golden State Valkyries visit the New York Liberty on Thursday, May 21, at 8 p.m. ET on Prime Video, with the defending champions opening a long home stretch at Barclays Center. New York is 3-1 despite playing short-handed, while Golden State is 2-1 and trying to respond after its first loss of the season against Chicago.
The Liberty have enough scoring power to win this matchup, but the injury situation around Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally still creates offensive uncertainty, and Golden State’s best path is slowing the game down, defending the paint, and making this more physical than pretty.
Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: Prime Video
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Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty Odds
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Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty Prediction
New York has been waiting on reinforcements. Ionescu has missed the first four games with a left foot injury, while Sabally has yet to make her Liberty debut after joining the team in the offseason. Both are trending closer to returning and have been listed as game-time decisions, but even if one or both play, rhythm is a fair concern after time away from live action.
The Liberty have still produced at an elite offensive level, averaging 100 points per game while shooting 37.9% from three through the early stretch. Breanna Stewart has carried star responsibility, Jonquel Jones gives New York frontcourt control, and Marine Johannès and Pauline Astier have helped cover backcourt minutes. The issue is that New York has also been turnover-prone, sitting near the bottom of the league at 16 turnovers per game, which can slow offensive flow if Golden State applies pressure.
Golden State has the defensive profile to keep this total in check. Veronica Burton has been one of the early bright spots for the Valkyries as a two-way guard, while Gabby Williams gives them defensive versatility and improved perimeter scoring. The Valkyries are not likely to outgun New York in a clean shootout, so their path is forcing half-court possessions, defending without fouling, and keeping the Liberty from turning turnovers into immediate momentum.
Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty Best Bet
- Pick: Under 170.5 Points (-110) Click here to get the best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
New York’s offense is dangerous, but the injury uncertainty around Ionescu and Sabally, Golden State’s defensive approach, and the Valkyries’ need to control pace all point toward a lower-scoring game. Expect the Liberty to have the stronger closing punch, but the total is a little too high for a matchup that should have long stretches of half-court basketball.
WNBA ODDS
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