The WNBA playoff race is heating up, and the battle for the final postseason spots is must-see drama.
The Golden State Valkyries are right in the mix, holding a 1.5-game edge over the Los Angeles Sparks for the eighth and final playoff berth.
They’ll face the Washington Mystics for the fourth and final time this season, and in my Mystics vs. Valkyries predictions, I’m backing the home team to finish the sweep.
Let's dig into why with my WNBA picks for Saturday, August 30.
Mystics vs Valkyries predictions
My Mystics vs Valkyries best bet: Valkyries moneyline (-215 at FanDuel)
Grab your popcorn because we're in store for a wild one here. Sure, the Washington Mystics are on a downward spiral riding a five-game losing streak, but they've been able to keep the Golden State Valkyries on their toes all season long.
In their previous three contests throughout the 2025 season, the Mystics have managed to keep the matchups close, with each one being decided by five points or fewer.
Count on this one also being a nail-biter. The Mystics may not shown any encouraging signs to revive their season especially after shipping Brittney Sykes off to Seattle, but flying on the wings of Sonia Citron — they've been given some hope thanks to the rookie.
But the Valkyries have much more to lose. As current holders of the final playoff spot, don't expect this gritty Golden State team to lose grasp of that with the Los Angeles Sparks on their heels in the standings and a wobbly Seattle Storm just a half-game ahead of them.
In a crucial five-game home-stand among their final seven games of the regular season, the Valkyries couldn't have it any better than this. With a 10-7 record at home, I expect Golden State to put the pedal to the metal to take advantage of potentially giving their home crowd their first playoff bid.
I mean, there's no better way to cap off your debut season than with that. Without a doubt, the Valkyries will be motivated and will need just enough to stave off a pesky Mystics team that can make them sweat.
Plus, they're well-rested after nearly of week to recuperate from Sunday's win over the Dallas Wings. All signs point in the Valkyries favor especially with Washington having a short turnaround since their last game on Thursday.
Take Golden State to get the wins while they can at home starting with this one.
Mystics vs Valkyries same-game parlay (SGP)
Valkyries moneyline
Veronica Burton 20+ points
Sonia Citron 10+ points
Much of the reason why the Valkyries are still hanging tough is because of Veronica Burton.
After losing Kayla Thornton to a season-ending knee injury, Burton has consistently showed up for Golden State with an team-high of 12 points per game and 5.6 assists per game — fifth in the league.
Burton has comfortably hit the Over on this points prop in two out of the three previous contests against the Mystics this season and knowing what's at stake, I see her running up the numbers again on this one.
To cap off this SGP, let's ride with the savior of Washington: Sonia Citron. The rookie hasn't had a single-digit scoring game since late July. The Mystics depend on her too much for that.
Although she hasn't had major performances in August, she's able to float around this modest line to keep Washington within arms reach when she can.
She'll be able to do that once again at Chase Center.
Mystics vs Valkyries odds
Mystics vs Valkyries live odds
Mystics vs Valkyries opening odds
- Spread: Washington +5 (-112) | Golden State -5 (-108)
- Moneyline: Washington +172 | Golden State -215
- Over/Under: Over 150.5 (-110) | Under 150.5 (-110)
Mystics vs Valkyries trend
The Golden State Valkyries are 10-7 at home and 3-0 against the Washington Mystics this season. Find more WNBA betting trends for Mystics vs. Valkyries.
How to watch Mystics vs Valkyries
| Location | Chase Center, San Francisco, CA |
| Date | Saturday, August 30, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | MNMT, KPYX, KMAX |
Mystics vs Valkyries latest injuries
Mystics: Jacy Sheldon (ankle) and Georgia Amoore (ACL) out.
Valkyries: Kayla Thornton (knee) out.
Find our latest WNBA injury reports.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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