The 2026 WNBA Finals is finally here, with Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream taking on the Golden State Valkyries in a best-of-seven series that begins Monday. Will the Dream steal Game 1 on the road? Or, will Golden State start things off with a 1-0 series lead?

Catch this game live on Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 3:30 AM, Manila time

Away: Atlanta Dream (0-0)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Allisha Gray
  • Jordin Canada
  • Naz Hillmon
  • Rhyne Howard
  • Angel Reese

The Dream are on quite a run in the 2026 WNBA Playoffs. They are still undefeated since the postseason started, sweeping the Washington Mystics in two games in the first round before bringing out the walis in the semifinals against the New York Liberty. Atlanta has gotten this far in the playoffs largely because of its defense. 

Among all eight teams that reached the postseason, the Dream own the best defensive rating (102.0). But their offense can’t be slept on either at 113.2. Those numbers check out at 11.2 net rating – the best overall in the playoffs. The Dream have shooters and playmakers, resulting in playoff bests of 92.6 points and 19.8 assists per outing. It could get even better for Atlanta, with star guard Allisha Gray seemingly ready to return after missing games with a hand issue. In three games played so far in the playoffs, Gray has averaged 17.0 points with a 38.5% shooting from behind the arc.

Home: Golden State Valkyries (0-0)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Kayla Thornton
  • Gabby Williams
  • Cecilia Zandalasini
  • Kiah Stokes
  • Veronica Burton

It took the Valkyries just two seasons to make the franchise’s first WNBA Finals appearance, but they’re not stopping there. Four wins away from winning a title, Golden State must feel just as confident in its chances as the Dream. How can they not after taking out Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings in three games in the first round and, most notably, sweeping and dethroning the then-defending WNBA champs Las Vegas Aces in three games in the semifinals? That is not to mention the Valkyries sweeping Atlanta in three regular-season meetings. 

Another apparent big factor favoring the Valkyries is the Ballhalla. Golden State’s home has given the Valkyries a tremendous lift, and there’s no other atmosphere in the WNBA like the Chase Center when Gabby Williams and company are at home. Speaking of Williams, she is leading Golden State’s attack with 22.7 points per game in the playoffs. As a team, Golden State is tops in the postseason with a 114.0 offensive rating, and its 104.1 defensive rating isn’t too shabby either.

Picks

Spread: Golden State Valkyries (-3.0)

Over/Under: Over (154.5)