The Los Angeles Sparks and Golden State Valkyries have split the first two games of this brand-new California rivalry, with L.A. winning the season opener but dropping the most recent run-in.
Second-year standout Rickea Jackson missed that home loss on May 23, but she returned to the lineup on Friday after an extended hiatus and is ready to keep L.A. rolling in my Valkyries vs. Sparks predictions.
Here are my best WNBA picks on Monday, June 9.
Valkyries vs Sparks predictions
My Valkyries vs Sparks best bet: Rickea Jackson Over 11.5 points (-113 at FanDuel)
Rickea Jackson has played in only four of the Los Angeles Sparks’ nine games to start the season, missing time due to a concussion and, most recently, personal matters.
She was back on Friday night against the Dallas Wings, putting in a solid showing of 10 points on 4-for-8 shooting in just 26 minutes of floor time.
Los Angeles was up by as many as 24 points in that contest, so Jackson eased back into action and coach Lynne Roberts didn’t need to push her starters too hard, with nine players logging 10+ minutes.
Jackson will have shaken off any rust ahead of this third pairing with the Golden State Valkyries. She scored 13 points on 5-for-15 shooting over 35 minutes in the season opener with Golden State.
The Valks allow the fewest points in the paint in the entire WNBA, which will clamp down on L.A.’s interior scorers and push the ball out to Jackson, who thrives in the mid-range.
Tonight's game models for Jackson range between 12.26 points and 13.5, with those projections showing close to 30 minutes of playing time from the small forward.
Jackson has logged 30+ minutes only once this season — the 13-point opener. Tonight should be a return to positive expectations for the former No. 4 overall pick.
This scoring prop opened as low as 10.5 points O/U at some books and immediately jumped to 11.5. Even at that adjusted number, I feel confident Jackson will go Over.
Valkyries vs Sparks same-game parlay (SGP)
Rickea Jackson Over 11.5 points
Kelsey Plum 2+ threes
Sparks -6.5
After coming in and out of the lineup for the first month, tonight should be Jackson's first “normal” run, and her projections all sit north of 12 points.
Golden State sells out to plug the paint, leaving space on the perimeter. Opponents are making them pay from beyond the arc and Kelsey Plum is projected for 3+ triples.
My power ratings make this closer to a 9-point spread in favor of Los Angeles, and Golden State is prime for a letdown after a huge upset over Las Vegas this weekend.
Valkyries vs Sparks odds
Valkyries vs Sparks live odds
Valkyries vs Sparks opening odds
- Spread: Golden State +5.5 (-110) | Los Angeles -5.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Golden State +205 | Los Angeles -250
- Over/Under: Over 161.5 (-110) | Under 161.5 (-110)
Valkyries vs Sparks trend
WNBA favorites have gone 11-2 SU and 8-5 ATS over the past seven days. Find more WNBA betting trends for Valkyries vs. Sparks.
How to watch Valkyries vs Sparks
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Monday, 6-9-2025 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Spectrum SportsNet, KPIX+ |
Valkyries vs Sparks latest injuries
Valkyries: None.
Sparks: Cameron Brink C (Out), Rae Burrell G (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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