Chicago Sky vs Golden State Valkyries Prediction: Last Games, Injury Report, Player Stats, H2H & Best Picks – WNBA 13 May, 2026

The Golden State Valkyries return home to the Chase Center with momentum firmly on their side after opening the 2026 WNBA season with back-to-back impressive wins. The Valkyries have quickly shown that last season’s playoff appearance as an expansion franchise was no fluke. Their offense has looked balanced, the defense has remained disciplined, and several players have already stepped into major roles early in the year. Now they face a refreshed Chicago Sky team that also enters this matchup with confidence after a strong road win over the Portland Fire.

Chicago has changed its identity during the offseason, moving toward a younger core built around Kamilla Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, and Gabriela Jaquez while adding veteran leadership through Skylar Diggins. The Sky looked aggressive offensively in their opener, but Golden State presents a much tougher challenge because of its chemistry, depth, and home-court advantage. With both teams aiming to establish themselves early in the Western Conference race, this game could become one of the most entertaining WNBA matchups of the week.

Match Information

Match	Chicago Sky vs Golden State Valkyries
Tournament	WNBA 2026
Date	13 May 2026
Time	10:00 PM EST
Venue	Chase Center
Broadcast	CW26, KPIX+, WNBA League Pass

Team Records

Team	Record
Chicago Sky	1-0
Golden State Valkyries	2-0

Golden State enters the game unbeaten this season.

Recent Match Results

Golden State Valkyries Recent Games

Date	Opponent	Result
May 11	Phoenix Mercury	Win 95-79
May 9	Seattle Storm	Win 91-80
Apr 26	Seattle Storm	Win 78-76
Sep 18, 2025	Minnesota Lynx	Loss 74-75

The Valkyries have started the season with strong performances on both ends of the floor.

Chicago Sky Recent Games

Date	Opponent	Result
May 10	Portland Fire	Win 98-83
Apr 30	Atlanta Dream	Loss 78-87
Apr 26	Phoenix Mercury	Loss 104-108
Sep 12, 2025	New York Liberty	Loss 86-91

Chicago looked sharp offensively in its season opener.

Head-to-Head Record

Total Meetings	Valkyries Wins	Sky Wins
3	3	0

Golden State swept all three meetings between these teams last season.

Injury Report

Chicago Sky

Player	Status
DiJonai Carrington	Out
Natasha Cloud	Questionable
Azura Stevens	Out
Maddy Westbeld	Out
Courtney Vandersloot	Out

Golden State Valkyries

Player	Status
Tiffany Hayes	Out
Cecilia Zandalasini	Out

Chicago is dealing with several important injuries entering this game.

Probable Starting Lineups

Chicago Sky

Position	Player
G	Skylar Diggins
G	Jacy Sheldon
F	Rickea Jackson
F	Gabriela Jaquez
C	Kamilla Cardoso

Golden State Valkyries

Position	Player
G	Veronica Burton
G	Julie Vanloo
F	Janelle Salaun
F	Monique Billings
C	Temi Fagbenle

Golden State’s chemistry and continuity have been noticeable early this season.

Also see: Who Are the WNBA Highest-Paid Players in 2026? Full Salary List, Biggest Contracts, New CBA Rules & Record Earnings

Players to Watch

Chicago Sky

Player	Key Contribution
Rickea Jackson	Scoring wing
Kamilla Cardoso	Interior dominance
Skylar Diggins	Playmaking leader
Gabriela Jaquez	Rookie energy

Golden State Valkyries

Player	Key Contribution
Janelle Salaun	Top scorer
Veronica Burton	Floor general
Temi Fagbenle	Rebounding
Monique Billings	Defensive versatility

Both teams have athletic frontcourts that could shape the pace of the game.

Important Player Stats

Player	Recent Stats
Janelle Salaun	Averaging 20.5 PPG
Rickea Jackson	19 points in season opener
Skylar Diggins	21 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists
Kamilla Cardoso	22 points and 14 rebounds
Veronica Burton	Nearly averaging a double-double

Several young stars have already made major impacts this season.

Team Comparison

Category	Sky	Valkyries
Record	1-0	2-0
Offensive Form	Strong	Excellent
Defensive Stability	Average	Strong
Bench Depth	Limited	Deep
Home Court Advantage	No	Yes

Golden State has looked more balanced overall.

Betting Odds

Market	Odds
Spread	Valkyries -5.5
Total	166.5
Moneyline	Valkyries Favorite

The betting market clearly favors Golden State at home.

Best Bets for Sky vs Valkyries

Market	Pick
Match Winner	Golden State Valkyries
Spread	Valkyries -5.5
Total Points	Under 166.5
Player Prop	Rickea Jackson 15+ Points
First Half	Valkyries Lead

Golden State’s defensive discipline could become the difference in the second half.

Match Preview and Analysis

Chicago deserves credit for its strong opening win against Portland. The Sky attacked aggressively, moved the ball well, and received major performances from Kamilla Cardoso and Skylar Diggins. Rickea Jackson also looked comfortable in her expanded offensive role. However, this matchup is a completely different challenge because Golden State already looks like one of the most organized teams in the league.

The Valkyries have started the season with two convincing wins, beating both Seattle and Phoenix by double digits. Their defense has consistently disrupted opposing guards, while the offense has received scoring from multiple players instead of relying on one superstar. Janelle Salaun has emerged as the early breakout player for Golden State, averaging over 20 points per game and providing scoring punch throughout all four quarters.

Chicago’s biggest concern entering this game is depth. The Sky relied heavily on their starters in the opener, and injuries continue to limit their rotation. Against a deeper Golden State lineup that can maintain energy late into games, that could become a serious issue.

Another important factor is rebounding. Kamilla Cardoso dominated Portland inside, but Golden State’s frontcourt is more physical and more experienced defensively. If the Valkyries limit second-chance opportunities, they will likely control the pace of the game.

Predicted Score

Team	Score
Golden State Valkyries	88
Chicago Sky	80

Final Verdict

The Chicago Sky have exciting young talent and enough scoring ability to stay competitive, but Golden State currently looks like the more complete team. The Valkyries are playing with confidence, defending at a high level, and getting production from multiple players every night. Their depth and home-court advantage should help them slowly pull away as the game progresses. Expect another strong performance from Janelle Salaun and a balanced offensive effort from the Valkyries as they continue their unbeaten start to the season.