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Imago

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Imago

It’s just days left for the Golden State Valkyries to make history. All thanks to the first-year head coach, and potential Coach of the Year candidate, Natalie Nakase, who’s been driving the team. The team just picked up its third straight win against the dominant Fever, enough to surpass the team and stand at No. 6 in the rankings.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

“I’m super proud of the fact that we’re gelling really well together quicker than I thought. The trust that we have right now is pretty much unmatched,” Nakase said after the Valkyries won 75-63 over Indy, still without CC. That also marked a 3-0 season sweep of the Fever. However, the real test is yet to come, as GSV will host the NY Liberty in a highly anticipated game. So, let’s get into it!

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Game information

Date: 2nd September, 2025

Tip-off time:10:00 pm ET/7:00 pm PT

Venue: Chase Centre, California.

Injury Report

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New York Liberty

NameStatusInjuryReturn Date
Nyara SaballyOut(Knee injury) continues to progress, but will not be making a return by next week2 September
Sabrina IonescuGTD(toe) questionable for Tuesday’s game, as per Myles Ehrlich of Winsidr.com reports.2 September

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Golden State Valkyries

NameStatusInjuryReturn Date
Cecilia ZandalsiniOutCalf4 September
Tiffany HayesOutKnee4 September
Kayla ThorntonOFSShe underwent successful right knee surgery and will be out for the remainder of the season.1 May

Starting five

Here are the starting five to expect in the NY Liberty vs Golden State Valkyries game:

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NY Liberty

  • Sabrina Ionescu
  • Breanna Stewart
  • Kennedy Burke
  • Leonie Fiebich
  • Jonquel Jones

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Golden State Valkyries

  • Janelle Salaun
  • Temi Fagbenle
  • Iliana Rupert
  • Kaila Charles
  • Veronica Burton

NY Liberty vs Golden State Valkyries prediction

The injury-riddled GSV is finally getting some much-needed depth back in its lineup. Center Monique Billings has finally been activated from injury after missing 14 games so far. In a corresponding move, the team waived guard Bree Hall just two days before her seven-day hardship contract was set to expire. “It’s only been three and a half weeks, but it feels like it’s been three months,” Billings told reporters at practice on Wednesday. “I’m just excited to get back out with the team.” This means the already-strong Valks are going to be even more dominant in upcoming games. Simply put, they’re a threat to Liberty.

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Imago

But against the Liberty, one of the top teams across the W, it’s no small task to grab a win. They’re more effective with a higher field goal percentage of 45.5% compared to GSV’s 41.1%. While they’re 4–6 in their last ten games and the Valks are 7–3, the Liberty still holds an offensive advantage, averaging about 85.1 points per game compared to the Valks’ 78.8.

The two teams are set to meet for the fourth time this season, and the last encounter was won by the Liberty 81–78 on June 26. So, you can see why ESPN has given the team a 70.4% chance to win this game. But don’t underestimate the Valks. While they’re a young expansion team, they’re not sparing anyone across the league!

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Written by

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Yashika Dutta

2,141 Articles

Yashika Dutta is a Basketball Writer at EssentiallySports, covering the NCAA, WNBA, and Olympics. A member of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, she specializes in the high-stakes energy of college basketball, with features on the Big Ten Conference and the chaos of March Madness that bring fans right to the hardwood. Her coverage has even caught the attention of UConn coaches and Olympian Rori Dunk, earning her recognition for both accuracy and insight. A former state-level basketball player, Yashika channels her on-court experience into reporting that captures the game’s intensity beyond the box score. With a player’s sense of timing and a journalist’s instinct for storytelling, she shines a light on rising stars like Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins, while unpacking the pressures and triumphs that shape college hoops. Whether charting a Big Ten rivalry or chronicling the ethos of March Madness, Yashika connects fans to the heart of the game with energy and authenticity.

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Shreya Singh

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