#valkyries vs sparks
Valkyries vs Sparks Live: Start Time, Streaming Links, Score Updates & Must-See Highlights
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The Golden State Valkyries and Los Angeles Sparks renew their fast-building rivalry after two dramatic early-season clashes that have already jolted the 2025 WNBA landscape. The inaugural-year Valkyries, buoyed by rookies Kate Martin and Charisma Osborne, arrive in Los Angeles hungry for the franchise’s first win over the Sparks after falling 83-82 on May 6 and 84-67 on May 16, games in which veteran guard Kelsey Plum torched Golden State for a combined 63 points.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PT at Crypto.com Arena, with national streaming on WNBA League Pass and regional coverage via Spectrum SportsNet and NBC Sports Bay Area—prime exposure for a matchup that has surged in search interest thanks to the expansion buzz, historic Bay Area fan base and the Sparks’ push back to playoff relevance.
Key storylines
• Bounce-back for the Valkyries: Coach Teresa Weatherspoon’s squad averages 79.4 ppg but has shot just 39% against LA’s length. Expect more two-man action between point guard Marina Mabrey and stretch-forward Teaira McCowan to drag the Sparks’ rim protectors away from the paint.
• Sparks’ perimeter firepower: Plum (26.2 ppg) and Lexie Brown (41.7% from three) headline a backcourt that ranks top-three in offensive rating. Golden State must chase shooters off the arc or risk another long-range barrage.
• Rookie watch: Kate Martin’s court vision and defensive grit already make her a fan favorite, while Sparks first-rounder Rickea Jackson provides instant scoring punch off the bench—setting up a must-see duel for Rookie of the Month chatter.
What each team needs to win
Los Angeles: Maintain the rebounding edge (plus-9 in the first two meetings) and keep turnovers under 12 to fuel their transition game.
Golden State: Crack LA’s switching scheme with early-clock post touches for McCowan, then spring shooters like Jewell Loyd on flare screens to loosen interior congestion.
Betting outlook & prediction
Oddsmakers peg the Sparks as 4.5-point favorites after covering in both previous contests. If the Valkyries’ offense finds rhythm and limits second-chance points, an upset is live; otherwise, LA’s veteran poise should prevail at home.
Why this matchup matters
Beyond the box score, Valkyries vs Sparks showcases the WNBA’s rapid expansion and deepening talent pool. A sold-out Chase Center debut, record regional ratings, and surging social-media chatter prove that Northern and Southern California now anchor a compelling basketball corridor. Tonight’s outcome won’t just shape the standings—it will define bragging rights in a rivalry poised to headline the league for years.
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