Mystics vs. Valkyries prediction: Golden State favored to win Saturday's WNBA matchup [7/18/2026]
Get Washington Mystics vs Golden State Valkyries predictions for WNBA Saturday.
The Golden State Valkyries and Washington Mystics are scheduled to meet in the WNBA at Chase Center on Saturday, starting at 8:30 PM ET.
Based on the latest simulation results, Dimers' advanced WNBA model predicts the Valkyries as the most likely winner of the Mystics vs. Valkyries game.
The Valkyries, with star players like Janelle Salaun, Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton, are set to take on the Mystics, who feature Shakira Austin, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen.
This article offers an expanded analysis of Saturday's matchup, including best bets and player prop picks.
Mystics vs. Valkyries prediction: Who will win and cover?
Our famous predictive model currently gives the Valkyries a 77.3% chance of defeating the Mystics.
According to our model, the Mystics (+8.5) have a 55.1% chance of covering the spread, while the 148.5-point over/under has a 70.3% chance of going over,.
Mystics vs. Valkyries odds
We have researched the best WNBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Mystics | Valkyries |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +8.5 (-102) | -8.5 (-106) |
| Moneyline | +335 | -355 |
| Total | o148.5 (+102) | u148.5 (-110) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Mystics vs. Valkyries picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Mystics +8.5 | -102 |
| Moneyline | Mystics | +335 |
| Total | Over 148.5 | +102 |
According to our WNBA best bets, the top play to make on this game is Over 148.5 total points.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Mystics vs. Valkyries player props
WNBA player props are a common way to wager on the Mystics vs. Valkyries matchup without necessarily betting on the outcome. We have crunched the numbers to project how each team's leading players will perform at Chase Center.
Shakira Austin is expected to lead the Mystics with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists, while Janelle Salaun is projected to have 11 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assists for the Valkyries.
Looking at the opening tip, the numbers point to Kiki Iriafen striking first with a 14.3% probability.
Check out our WNBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and a deeper look at today's WNBA first basket picks.
Mystics prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Mystics are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shakira Austin | 18 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 39 |
| Sonia Citron | 15 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 30 |
| Kiki Iriafen | 13 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 30 |
| Cotie McMahon | 9 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 17 |
| M. Onyenwere | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 16 |
Valkyries prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Valkyries:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Janelle Salaun | 11 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 21 |
| Veronica Burton | 11 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 30 |
| Kayla Thornton | 8 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 18 |
| Tiffany Hayes | 8 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 16 |
| Kaila Charles | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 20 |
Mystics vs. Valkyries game-day updates and essential details
Saturday's matchup between the Valkyries and Mystics at Chase Center is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM ET.
- Who: Washington Mystics vs. Golden State Valkyries
- Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
- Time: 8:30 PM ET/5:30PM PT
- Venue: Chase Center
Conclusion
We predict the Valkyries, with a 77.3% win probability, will likely beat the Mystics in Saturday'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.
