Published May 21, 1:04am ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated May 21, 1:04am ET
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Updated May 21, 1:04am ET
One of Thursday's WNBA matchups features the New York Liberty hosting the Golden State Valkyries. Who has the edge in our Liberty vs Valkyries pick?
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| New York Liberty | -6.5 (-105) |
| Golden State Valkyries | +6.5 (-115) |
New York has opened the season with three wins in its first four games. This stretch includes a 100-82 victory against the Portland Fire on May 14.
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The game was close in the first half, with the Liberty clinging to a two-point lead at the break. After intermission, though, New York seized control of the game for good in the third, outscoring Portland 31-16.
Breanna Steward scored a team-high 22 points and collected seven rebounds. Pauline Astier added 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting from the field. The Liberty also got a 41-point effort from its bench unit.
On the other side, the Valkyries won their first two games by double-digit margins. But that streak abruptly ended with a 69-63 defeat at the hands of the Chicago Sky.
Golden State controlled the game early, jumping out to a 19-7 lead in the first quarter before sputtering the rest of the way. The home team shot 29 percent overall, while converting just seven of its 26 attempts from 3-point range (27 percent).
Only two players reached double figures for Golden State. Gabby Williams scored 18 points on 6-for-17 shooting and grabbed five rebounds. Veronica Butler added 16 points, four assists, and three rebounds.
New York enters this tilt as a 6.5-point favorite. Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of Thursday's matchup.
The Liberty have taken three of the four meetings between these ball clubs and are 4-1 in their last five outings at the Barclays Center. With that in mind, the edge goes to New York.
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Pick
New York Liberty (-6.5)
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