Golden State Valkyries vs New York Liberty Picks and Prediction for Thursday May 21 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 05/21/2026, 12:00 AM ET

The Golden State Valkyries travel to face the New York Liberty at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET. The game will be televised on Prime Video, WWOR-TV, and Liberty Live. New York enters this matchup as a 6.5-point favorite with a total set at 169.5 points. The Liberty are listed at -325 on the moneyline, while the Valkyries are +260. Both teams have started the season well, making this an early measuring-stick game between two teams that have already shown flashes of strong offensive basketball. Be sure to check out our free NBA picks at free WNBA picks.

Golden State Looking to Continue Strong Start

The Valkyries come into this contest with a 2-1 record and have already picked up an impressive road win earlier this season. Golden State recently defeated Phoenix 95-79 and Seattle 91-80 before falling to Chicago 69-63 in its most recent outing. Even with that setback, the Valkyries have shown they can compete on both ends of the floor and have already built momentum early in the year. Their offense has consistently generated scoring opportunities while the defense has held opponents under control in multiple games.

Golden State is averaging 83.0 points per game while allowing 76.0 points per contest. The Valkyries are shooting 40 percent from the field while averaging 35.7 rebounds and 19.0 assists per game. Defensively, the team has been especially active around the rim with 6.0 blocks per contest while also averaging 6.0 steals. Those numbers highlight a group that has relied heavily on defensive pressure and interior protection to stay competitive.

One clear strength for Golden State has been its defensive consistency. Allowing only 76.0 points per game through the opening stretch is one of the better marks in this matchup, and the team has already shown an ability to slow down opposing offenses. The challenge here will be maintaining that defensive intensity against a New York team that has been explosive offensively throughout the opening weeks of the season.

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Liberty Seeking Another Big Offensive Performance

New York enters this matchup at 3-1 overall and has already delivered several impressive performances offensively. The Liberty recently defeated Portland 100-82, Washington 98-93 in overtime, Connecticut 106-75, and Connecticut again 79-67. Their only recent loss came in a narrow 98-96 defeat against Portland. Even in that loss, New York continued to show an ability to score consistently and remain competitive deep into games.

The Liberty are averaging 100.0 points per game while giving up 87.0 points per contest. New York has also been extremely efficient offensively, shooting 51 percent from the field while averaging 25.0 assists per game. The team is collecting 33.5 rebounds per contest and averaging 7.5 steals. Those offensive numbers have been among the strongest in this matchup and have allowed the Liberty to consistently pressure opponents from start to finish.

The biggest strength for New York has clearly been offensive efficiency. Shooting 51 percent from the floor while averaging 100 points per game creates a difficult challenge for any opponent. The Liberty have already scored at least 98 points in three of their last four games, and that offensive rhythm could become a major factor again in this home matchup.

Golden State Valkyries vs New York Liberty Picks and Prediction

Golden State Valkyries vs New York Liberty Pick

Pick: New York Liberty -6.5

New York enters this game with the stronger offensive profile and home-court advantage. The Liberty are averaging 100.0 points per game while shooting 51 percent from the field, and they have consistently produced high-scoring performances throughout the early portion of the season. Golden State has played solid basketball defensively, but New York’s offensive balance and efficiency make the Liberty the more reliable side here. The Liberty have also won four of their last five games and appear to be carrying strong momentum into this matchup.

Golden State Valkyries vs New York Liberty Total Pick

Pick: Over 169.5

I like the over in this matchup because New York has consistently pushed games into high-scoring territory. The Liberty have scored at least 98 points in three of their last four games, while Golden State has also shown an ability to contribute offensively in victories over Phoenix and Seattle. Even though the Valkyries have defended well overall, New York’s pace and shooting efficiency could drive this game toward another high total.

Final Score Prediction: New York Liberty 92 – Golden State Valkyries 82

This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Tuesday.