May 22, 2026
WNBA first basket picks and predictions for Friday, May 22, 2026
Read Article Valkyries vs. Fever prediction: Caitlin Clark projected to score 18 points in Friday's WNBA matchup [5/22/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Golden State Valkyries vs Indiana Fever predictions for WNBA Friday.
The Indiana Fever will face the Golden State Valkyries in WNBA action at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, beginning at 7:30 PM ET.
Based on updated simulations, Dimers' proven WNBA model predicts the Fever as the most likely winner of the Valkyries vs. Fever game.
The Fever, led by Kelsey Mitchell, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, are set to take on the Valkyries, whose lineup includes Veronica Burton, Janelle Salaun and Kayla Thornton.
Clark, the sweet-shooting guard for the Fever, is expected to deliver a standout performance with a projected 18 points and 3 threes.
This article offers further insights into Friday's matchup, including best bets and player prop picks.
Valkyries vs. Fever prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using trusted machine learning and data analysis, we have simulated the result of Friday's WNBA game between the Valkyries and Fever, forming part of our WNBA predictions coverage.
Our independent predictive model currently gives the Fever a 73% chance of defeating the Valkyries.
According to our model, the Fever (-5.5) have a 53% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 167.5 points has a 56% chance of going over.
Valkyries vs. Fever odds
We have sourced the best WNBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Valkyries | Fever |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +5.5 (-105) | -5.5 (-104) |
| Moneyline | +185 | -215 |
| Total | o167.5 (-110) | u167.5 (-108) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Valkyries vs. Fever picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Fever -5.5 | -104 |
| Moneyline | Fever | -215 |
| Total | Over 167.5 | -110 |
According to our WNBA best bets, the top play to make on this game is Fever to win.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Valkyries vs. Fever player props
WNBA player props are a popular way to wager on Friday's Golden State vs. Indiana game without necessarily betting on the outcome. We have crunched the numbers to project how each team's leading players will perform at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Veronica Burton is expected to lead the Valkyries with 12 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists, while Kelsey Mitchell is projected to have 22 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists for the Fever.
Check out our WNBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's WNBA first basket picks.
Valkyries prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Valkyries are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veronica Burton | 12 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 31 |
| Janelle Salaun | 11 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 21 |
| Kayla Thornton | 11 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 24 |
| Gabby Williams | 11 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 27 |
| Tiffany Hayes | 9 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 18 |
Fever prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Fever:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelsey Mitchell | 22 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 33 |
| Caitlin Clark | 18 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 44 |
| Aliyah Boston | 11 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 28 |
| M. Billings | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 19 |
| M. Hines-Allen | 5 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 18 |
Valkyries vs. Fever game-day updates and essential details
Friday's game between the Fever and Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM ET.
- Who: Golden State Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever
- Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM ET/4:30PM PT
- Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Conclusion
We predict the Fever, with a 73% win probability, will likely beat the Valkyries in Friday's WNBA matchup.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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