Phoenix Mercury vs Golden State Valkyries Picks and Prediction for Sunday, May 10, 2026
Use Code WWWC It’s the opening week of the WNBA schedule. It’s a fantastic opening week slate featuring Golden State Valkryies vs Phoenix Mercury prediction along the other best WNBA Predictions on Sunday, May 10. The Valkryies opened the season with a big win over Seattle on the road and now its their home opener. This is the first game of the season for the Mercury. These two teams will meet with tip-off set for 8:30 P.M. EST.
Mercury open season after amazing playoff push last year
Phoenix is back in action for the second time this season. The Mercury are coming off of a great season where they reached the WNBA Finals as the No. 4 seed. Although they lost 4-0 to champions Las Vegas, it was a fantastic postseason run for the Mercury.
Now the team is back with key contributors returning. Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper still shine for the Mercury. It was a big year for Thomas, who averaged 15.4 points and a career-high 9.2 rebounds in her 12th year in the league.
The biggest blow in the offseason for Phoenix was losing Satou Sabally. She left for New York after a great season, where she scored 16.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Sabally was key leading the team in shooting, but with her gone, the team may struggle to score efficiently. The Mercury shot the second-worst field goal percentage amongst playoff teams last season.
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Golden State opens season with win
The Valkyries are off to a strong start. Golden State started the year with a win over Seattle on the road. It's a big start to the season after last year's up-and-down inaugural season. The Valkyries ended last season with a 23-21 record and the No. 8 seed in the playoffs. The Valkyries were swept in the opening round by the Minnesota Lynx in two games.
In the first game of the season, the Valkyries defeated Seattle 91-80 on Friday, May 8. Golden State led for 72% of the game and as many as 20 points. They shot 42% from the field and 41% from behind the arc in the win. Janelle Salaun led Golden State with 20 points on 7-for-16 shooting from off the bench.
Gabby Williams is the big addition to the Valkyries. She scored seven points on 2-for-9 shooting in opening night. Williams finished with 99 steals last year, which was one shy of a new all-time WNBA record. Veronica Burton should continue to be a key player for Golden State this year, too. Along with Kayla Thornton, this trip can all easily average over 15 points per game this season.
Phoenix Mercury vs Golden State Valkyries Picks
Mercury vs Valkyries Spread Pick
- Take Golden State -1.5 (5 units)
Golden State started the new season with an emphatic win over Seattle. The Valkyries will be trying to improve upon last year's eighth place finish and an early statement win over Phoenix could be in order. The Valkyries shot the ball great in the opening game and Gabby Williams can only improve as the season rolls onward. The Mercury may be in for a dip of a season after reaching the WNBA Finals. With many different players featuring this season, Phoenix’s expectations may be different. The Mercury’s loss of Satou Sabally is a big blow and gives Golden State a big advantage. With this being Golden State's home opener, expect the crowd and momentum to be on their side.
Take Golden State to cover.
Mercury vs Valkyries Over/Under Pick
- Take the under (5 units)
One of Phoenix's biggest struggles last season was offensive efficiency. The Mercury shot the second-worst shooting percentage amongst playoff teams. With the team losing Sabally, the shooting percentage is only going to get lower unless some players step up this year. Golden State’s defense should shine in this game and a low-scoring affair should be in order.
Take the under on Sunday.
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