The Valkyries are hosting the Sun on Monday. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Golden State is favored by 12.5 points and the game carries a total of 159.5 points.

Let’s get into my pick and prediction for this contest.

Valkyries vs. Sun Preview

In their second season in the WNBA, the Valkyries are off to a strong start with a 3-2 record and the second-best net rating, trailing only the Fever. Golden State hung its hat on the defensive end in its debut season a year ago, finishing third in defensive rating. This has carried over to this season with the Valkyries once again ranking third in defensive rating. Golden State has remained average on offense, ranking seventh in offensive rating, but the team has has vastly improved at protecting the ball. The Valkyries lead the WNBA in turnover rate after finishing 11th in the category last season.

After winning Most Improved Player last season, Veronica Burton has been even better in 2026, leading the Valkyries with 15 points and 6.4 assists per game, both of which are career highs for the 25-year-old. Also, Gabby Williams has been a strong fit with Golden State. After earning her first All-Star selection with the Storm last season, Williams signed with the Valkyries this offseason and has lived up to the hype, averaging a career-high 13.2 PPG.

Burton and Williams are a great pairing, especially on the defensive end, and they should have their way vs. the struggling Sun. Connecticut is 1-6 and for the second year in a row ranks dead last in net rating. The Sun are the only team to rank inside the bottom three in both offensive and defensive rating.

Brittney Griner is leading Connecticut with 15 PPG in her first season with the team, but she will miss her third straight game tonight with a rib injury. The Sun just played back-to-back games vs. the Storm with Griner sidelined. Connecticut won the first matchup by two points for its first win of the season, but Seattle easily won the second matchup by 18 points.

Aaliyah Edwards should continue to start in Griner’s place and act as the Sun’s main option, but after her, Connecticut severely lacks scorers. Aneesah Morrow and Diamond Miller will take on larger roles, but it’s hard to have confidence in either player and the Sun’s poor offense as a whole should have major issues scoring tonight.

Valkyries vs. Sun Pick, Best Bet

These two teams are on opposite trajectories. On their home floor, the Valkyries should have no trouble beating the Sun.

Golden State at -13.5 is a solid bet, but under 159.5 points is a better wager. Golden State ranks dead last in pace in addition to its elite defense, and Connecticut’s league-worst offense should be a complete mess in this matchup. Over the last two years, the Valkyries are 31-20 towards the under.

Best Bet: Under 159.5 Points (-110)