We get the WNBA's version of the “Tortoise and the Hare” when the methodical Golden State Valkyries visit the frenetic Indiana Fever tonight.
Golden State is riding high off a blowout win over the New York Liberty and boast the top-rated defense in the land, backed by the league’s slowest pace.
Our Valkyries vs. Fever predictions like the visitor to put the breaks on Indiana’s up-tempo attack, especially if Caitlin Clark is slowed by a bad back.
My WNBA picks take the points with the undervalued Valkyries on May 22.
Valkyries vs Fever prediction
Valkyries vs Fever best bet: Golden State Valkyries +6.5 (-110)
The Indiana Fever have three wins in their last four games, but those victories came against teams with a collective 5-10 record.
The Golden State Valkyries are a step up in competition, especially if Caitlin Clark is slowed by a back injury.
Golden State just sucked all the energy out of New York’s potent offense, holding it to a season-low 62 FGAs and a sloth-like pace (76.5).
Not only does it limit foes’ easy looks (30.5 PITP allowed) but a calculated offense chews up shot clock with plenty of off-ball action.
The Valkyries break the Fever with the same approach.
COVERS INTEL: Indiana is dependent on scoring points off turnovers, topping the WNBA with 21.4 POTO per game. However, Golden State’s plodding offense doesn’t make many mistakes. The Valkyries cough the ball up just over nine times per game and allow only 7.8 POTO – both are league lows.
Caitlin Clark pick: Under 4.5 rebounds +110
The Fever got a slap on the wrist for a late decision to sit Caitlin Clark in Wednesday’s win over Portland. The star guard is nursing a back injury but is probable for tonight’s tilt with Golden State.
The Valkyries are a very physical team on both ends of the floor. Indiana head coach Stephanie White will be careful with the face of the franchise, especially after Clark missed most of 2025 with injuries. It wouldn’t surprise me to see her minutes trimmed.
If her back is hurting, Clark will be a little hesitant to mix it up on the glass against a Golden State squad that gets after it, ranked No. 5 in rebounding. On top of that, the Valkyries will employ their methodical pace and there will be fewer shot attempts – and less rebounding chances – overall.
Valkyries vs Fever same-game parlay
As good as Indiana is at flipping defense into offense, the Valkyries are just as dangerous. Golden State generated 17 points off 15 turnovers from New York and the Fever’s pace can get out of control, averaging 15.6 turnovers per game. Kayla Thornton jumps on those opportunities, leading Golden State with 5.3 POTO per game. I like her to top her point total tonight after a couple of quiet outings.
Valkyries vs Fever SGP
- Valkyries +6.5
- Kayla Thornton Over 13.5 points
- Caitlin Clark Under 4.5 assists
Valkyries vs Fever first basket scorer: Gabby Williams (+900)
The Valkyries haven’t won an opening tip yet but even if they don’t tonight, I like the defense to hold up and give Golden State a chance to open scoring. Gabby Williams has scored the team’s first bucket in two of four games. She’s shooting well from deep for an offense that isn’t shy about letting it fly from beyond the arc.
- Best bet: 2-3, -1.26 units
- SGP: 1-4, -0.1 units
- First basket: 1-4, +3.0 units
Valkyries vs Fever odds
- Spread: Valkyries +6.5 | Fever -6.5
- Moneyline: Valkyries +210 | Fever -260
- Over/Under: Over 168.5 | Under 168.5
Valkyries vs Fever trend
The Valkyries were a great bet in their inaugural season with a 28-17-1 ATS record and have picked up those profitable ways in 2026, starting 3-1 ATS heading into Friday. Find more WNBA betting trends.
How to watch Valkyries vs Fever
| Location | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN |
| Date | Friday, May 22, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ION |
Valkyries vs Fever latest injuries
Valkyries: Cecilia Zandalasini G (Out), Juste Jocyte G (Out)
Fever: Caitlin Clark G (Probable)
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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