Arlington, TX (Sept. 4, 2025) — The Dallas Wings’ grueling road stretch continues Thursday as they travel west to face the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. CT, with local coverage on KFAA29, where veteran broadcasters Ron Thulin and Fran Harris will be on the call.

Dallas’ Ongoing Battle with Depth

The Wings enter the matchup at 9-32 and in the midst of one of their most challenging stretches of the season. Monday’s 96-71 loss at the Minnesota Lynx underscored the challenges posed by a depleted roster. Dallas suited up just eight players, three of whom have joined the team in the past two weeks via hardship contracts.

Despite the adversity, rookie sensation Paige Bueckers continues to shine. The three-time WNBA Rookie of the Month scored a team-high 17 points on 7-for-14 shooting against Minnesota, her consistency proving vital in keeping the Wings competitive. She was one of four Dallas players to reach double figures, though the lack of depth ultimately wore the team down against the playoff-bound Lynx.

Dallas hopes to regain some reinforcements soon, but until then, Head Coach Chris Koclanes is leaning heavily on a rotation that has had little time to gel. The lack of chemistry and limited substitutions have been evident, particularly on the defensive end where the Wings have struggled to contain runs.

Golden State’s Winning Streak

The Valkyries, by contrast, are trending upward. Golden State improved to 22-18 with a gritty 66-58 win over the New York Liberty on Tuesday night. Temi Fagbenle powered the offense with 16 points, while the defense held New York to one of its lowest scoring outputs of the season.

Golden State’s current four-game winning streak has boosted its playoff positioning, and the Valkyries are gaining momentum at precisely the right time. Their depth and balance have allowed them to weather injuries throughout the season, and they appear poised to make noise in the postseason.

Series History

Thursday’s contest marks the fourth meeting of the season between Dallas and Golden State. The Wings made history by winning the inaugural matchup earlier in the year, but the Valkyries have since responded by taking the last two. Each game has featured swings of momentum, though Golden State’s defensive adjustments and superior depth have given them the edge in recent clashes.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Paige Bueckers vs. Valkyries’ Perimeter Defense: Bueckers has emerged as Dallas’ offensive catalyst, but Golden State’s guards will likely pressure her early to limit her rhythm. If she can handle the attention and facilitate for teammates, Dallas could find opportunities to hang around.

• Dallas Frontcourt vs. Temi Fagbenle: The Wings’ interior rotation has been thinned by injuries, creating challenges in containing Fagbenle. Her ability to score in the paint and control the boards could tilt the matchup decisively in Golden State’s favor.

• Wings’ Bench Production: With only a handful of active players, Dallas needs contributions from hardship signees to stay competitive. Every possession will matter, and fresh legs could provide a much-needed spark.

What’s at Stake

For Dallas, the game is less about standings and more about resilience. At 9-32, the Wings are building toward the future, but the development of their young players, particularly Bueckers, remains a central storyline. Competitive showings against playoff-caliber teams offer valuable experience for the rookies and newer additions.

For Golden State, however, Thursday’s contest carries playoff implications. With the postseason picture tightening, every win helps solidify their seeding. The Valkyries have found their rhythm, and protecting home court against a shorthanded Dallas squad is crucial to sustaining momentum.

Outlook

Golden State enters as a heavy favorite, riding confidence from its winning streak and boasting a roster built for late-season pushes. Dallas will need an extraordinary performance from Bueckers and steady contributions from its patchwork lineup to pull off an upset.

Still, the Wings have shown fight despite their challenges, and the opportunity to spoil Golden State’s surge could provide motivation. The Valkyries, meanwhile, will look to showcase why they’ve quickly become one of the league’s most dangerous new franchises.

Prediction: Valkyries 84, Wings 69