The Golden State Valkyries are the hottest team in the WNBA right now, having won nine of their last 11, including five straight. Tonight, they hit the road as an 8.5-point betting favorite to take on a Toronto Tempo team marred by injuries.
With Brittney Sykes still out for Toronto and Golden State bringing the league's best defense to The Six, our Valkyries vs. Tempo predictions expect the road team to do major damage, as part of our WNBA picks for Wednesday, July 8.
Valkyries vs Tempo prediction
Valkyries vs Tempo best bet: Valkyries -8.5 (-105)
This is a tough matchup for a Toronto Tempo team that's taking on the W's best defense for the first time. The Golden State Valkyries' style couldn't be more different than the Tempo's, with Natalie Nakase's team playing suffocating defense and completely taking the air out of the ball on offense — they're last in the WNBA in pace (75.4).
Thanks to an offense that keeps the Valkyries' defense fresh, Golden State allows the fewest points per game in the league (76.8) and ranks Top 2 in defensive rating (101.7), effective field-goal percentage allowed (48.1%), and defensive rebound rate allowed (24.1%).
With Brittney Sykes out for Toronto, the Valkyries' Veronica Burton — who's No. 12 in the W in defensive win shares (1.2) — can focus on slowing Marina Mabrey. The Tempo live and die by Mabrey's offensive output, with a defense that ranks third-to-last in rating (111.6).
Since Sykes and Kiki Rice are still out, and Julie Allemand is banged up, I would take Golden State to cover by as many as 9.5 points.
COVERS INTEL: During the Valkyries' 9-2 stretch, they're No. 1 in the WNBA in defensive rating (97.5) and are allowing a league-low 52.7% true shooting percentage.
Valkyries vs Tempo same-game parlay
Golden State has the most distinct style of any team in the league, and it's helped them climb the WNBA championship odds. The offensive goal is to grind out the clock and lean heavily on 3-point shooting.
That approach keeps the defense as fresh as possible and has helped the Valkyries hit the Under in six of their last seven — it's also helped them hit it in five straight games playing on one day of rest.
And with Sykes out for the Tempo, Golden State can give its full attention to slowing Mabrey down.
Plus, Mabrey's scoring numbers are slightly misleading this season. In 10 games against teams ranked in the top half of the league in defensive rating, she's averaging 18.7 ppg.
Valkyries vs Tempo SGP
- Valkyries -8.5
- Under 165.5
- Marina Mabrey Under 20.5 points
Valkyries vs Tempo odds
- Spread: Valkyries -7.5 (-115) | Tempo +7.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Valkyries -320 | Tempo +260
- Over/Under: Over 166.5 (-110) | Under 166.5 (-110)
Valkyries vs Tempo trend
Golden State is 4-0 ATS in its last four games following an ATS win. Find more WNBA betting trends.
How to watch Valkyries vs Tempo
| Location | Coca-Cola Coliseum, Toronto, ON |
| Date | Wednesday, July 8, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | KMAX 31, KPIX+ |
Valkyries vs Tempo latest injuries
Valkyries: Iliana Rupert (OFS) ruled out.
Tempo: Brittney Sykes (foot), Kiki Rice (ankle), and Temi Fagbenle (eye) ruled 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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