Chicago Sky Edges Golden State Valkyries 73-70
Friday, August 21, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Wintrust Arena
Chicago Sky 73, Golden State Valkyries 70, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Golden State Valkyries vs Chicago Sky?
Chicago Sky beat Golden State Valkyries 73-70 at Wintrust Arena on August 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Golden State Valkyries vs Chicago Sky?
Golden State Valkyries were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -265 (about 73% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Chicago Sky secured a narrow victory over the Golden State Valkyries with a final score of 73-70 at Wintrust Arena. This win not only marked an important moment for the Sky, who have struggled this season, but also showcased their resilience against a formidable opponent. The Sky improved their series record against the Valkyries to 3-1, having previously lost to them just days earlier on August 13, when they fell 71-91.
The Sky entered the game with a home record of 15-22, while the Valkyries boasted a significantly better away record of 25-11. Chicago's recent form showed a mixed bag, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak. They averaged 88.8 points scored and 90.4 points allowed during this stretch. Their last five games reflected a record of 2-3, with an average of 84.0 points scored and 88.8 points allowed. In contrast, the Valkyries had a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, although they were on a one-game losing streak at the time of this matchup. They averaged 84.6 points scored and 78.2 points allowed, with a recent record of 4-1 in their last five games.
Home advantage played a role for the Sky, who had a home record of 4-2 in their last six games. They had shown improvement in their scoring at home, but still faced challenges defensively. The Valkyries, despite their strong overall record, had a home record of 5-2 and an away record of 2-1 in their last three games, indicating they were more comfortable in familiar surroundings.
In terms of injuries, the Sky were missing key players, including Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, and Rickea Jackson, all of whom were out due to various injuries. The Valkyries also faced significant absences, with Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, Gabby Williams, and Iliana Rupert all unavailable for this game.
The betting line from DraftKings had the Valkyries favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 163.5. The odds for the over were -112.0, while the under was priced at -108.0. The moneyline reflected the Valkyries as -265 favorites, with the Sky at +215.
The game conditions were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, and fans witnessed a thrilling fourth quarter. The scoring plays highlighted the intensity of the match, with Kaitlyn Chen hitting a crucial three-pointer to give the Sky a late lead. Sydney Taylor's back-to-back three-pointers were pivotal, bringing the Sky from a tie to a three-point lead, which ultimately sealed the victory.
Viewers should have noted the strategic plays and adjustments made by both teams, particularly in the final minutes. The Sky's ability to capitalize on their home court advantage and the Valkyries' struggle to adapt without their key players were significant factors in the outcome of this game.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | GS -6.5 | 163.5 o -112 / u -108 | Golden State Valkyries -265 · Chicago Sky +215 |
Injury report
- Skylar DigginsOutKneeChicago Sky
- DiJonai CarringtonOutFootChicago Sky
- Rickea JacksonOutKneeChicago Sky
- Cecilia ZandalasiniOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Janelle SalaunOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Gabby WilliamsOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Iliana RupertOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
Leaders
- PointsNatasha Cloud17Chicago Sky
- AssistsCourtney Vandersloot5Chicago Sky
- ReboundsKamilla Cardoso10Chicago Sky
- PointsLaeticia Amihere16Golden State Valkyries
- AssistsTiffany Hayes4Golden State Valkyries
- ReboundsTiffany Hayes7Golden State Valkyries
Recent form
Chicago Sky
Last 10: 5-5Streak W288.8 scored · 90.4 allowed per game4-2 at home
- W93-86vs New York LibertyAug 19
- W82-80at Seattle StormAug 16
- L71-91at Golden State ValkyriesAug 13
- L88-97at Seattle StormAug 11
- L86-90vs Indiana FeverAug 8
- W95-88vs Los Angeles SparksAug 6
- L101-106vs Phoenix MercuryAug 4
- W84-83vs Las Vegas AcesAug 1
- W94-88vs Connecticut SunJul 31
- L94-95at New York LibertyJul 22
Golden State Valkyries
Last 10: 7-3Streak L184.6 scored · 78.2 allowed per game2-1 away
- L66-77vs Minnesota LynxAug 20
- W78-70vs Dallas WingsAug 18
- W91-71vs Chicago SkyAug 13
- W84-78at Los Angeles SparksAug 9
- W94-76at Dallas WingsAug 8
- W92-81vs Toronto TempoAug 5
- W96-79vs Toronto TempoAug 3
- L89-91at Phoenix MercuryJul 30
- L82-90vs Washington MysticsJul 21
- W74-69vs Washington MysticsJul 19
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
Box score
| Stat | Golden State Valkyries | Chicago Sky |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-70 | 24-61 |
| Field goal % | 36 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 5-22 | 14-30 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 47 |
| Free throws | 15-22 | 11-16 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 2 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 29 |
| Assists | 17 | 19 |
| Steals | 4 | 4 |
| Blocks | 0 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 18 |
| Fouls | 15 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 9 | 81 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter29-41Natasha Cloud makes 25-foot three point jumper (Azura Stevens assists)
- 3rd Quarter31-41Cecilia Zandalasini makes 5-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter32-41Veronica Burton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter33-41Veronica Burton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter33-43Kamilla Cardoso makes layup (Sydney Taylor assists)
- 3rd Quarter34-43Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter34-46Natasha Cloud makes 24-foot three point jumper (Rachel Banham assists)
- 3rd Quarter36-46Laeticia Amihere makes layup
- 3rd Quarter39-46Kaila Charles makes 26-foot running jump shot (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 3rd Quarter41-46Laeticia Amihere makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter42-46Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter42-48Gabriela Jaquez makes driving layup (Jacy Sheldon assists)
- 3rd Quarter45-48Janelle Salaun makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kaitlyn Chen assists)
- 3rd Quarter46-48Janelle Salaun makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter47-48Janelle Salaun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter49-48Kaila Charles makes running layup (Janelle Salaun assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-48Janelle Salaun makes 2-foot layup (Kaitlyn Chen assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-49Kamilla Cardoso makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter53-49Laeticia Amihere makes driving layup (Janelle Salaun assists)
- 4th Quarter53-52Courtney Vandersloot makes 24-foot three point jumper (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 4th Quarter55-52Kaitlyn Chen makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter55-54Kamilla Cardoso makes driving layup (Courtney Vandersloot assists)
- 4th Quarter55-55Kamilla Cardoso makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter56-55Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter57-55Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter57-57Azura Stevens makes 2-foot two point shot (Kamilla Cardoso assists)
- 4th Quarter59-57Janelle Salaun makes 18-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter59-60Rachel Banham makes 25-foot three point jumper (Courtney Vandersloot assists)
- 4th Quarter59-63Rachel Banham makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kamilla Cardoso assists)
- 4th Quarter61-63Laeticia Amihere makes running layup
- 4th Quarter61-65Courtney Vandersloot makes two point shot (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 4th Quarter62-65Janelle Salaun makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-65Janelle Salaun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter65-65Tiffany Hayes makes driving layup (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter68-65Kaitlyn Chen makes 33-foot three pointer (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 4th Quarter68-66Natasha Cloud makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter68-67Natasha Cloud makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-67Kaitlyn Chen makes 3-foot two point shot (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter70-70Sydney Taylor makes 23-foot three point jumper (Courtney Vandersloot assists)
- 4th Quarter70-73Sydney Taylor makes 24-foot three pointer
Win probability
Above the line favours Chicago Sky, below favours Golden State Valkyries.
Venue
- Wintrust ArenaChicago, IL
- Attendance8028
- OfficialsAngelica Suffren, Tim Greene, Ryan Johnson
Elsewhere
- Stephen A. on Cathy Engelbert announcing retirement: 'About time'
- 'The Golics' reacts to Cathy Engelbert's retirement announcement
- WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to retire after season
- Clark, Howard lead U.S. rout of China in women's World Cup opener
- How the US basketball system has shaped Nigeria's D'Tigress
- Nigeria's D'Tigress at the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup - Everything You Need to Know
- Portland Fire's Amy Okonkwo targets medal with Nigeria at FIBA Women's World Cup
- Kanter Freedom files suit against Sky, Wintrust Arena owners