Valkyries vs. Wings Prediction: WNBA Playoffs Game 2, Round 1

The No. 7 Dallas Wings hope their home-court advantage will be enough to avoid elimination against the No. 2 Golden State Valkyries. Tipoff for Game 2 of this Round 1 series is set for 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday at College Park Center on ESPN.

Read on for my Valkyries vs. Wings prediction based on the latest WNBA odds:

Valkyries vs. Wings Prediction: Wednesday, Sept. 30

• Valkyries first-half spread (-1.5)

For the second straight game, I’m laying the points with Golden State in the first half. It worked in Game 1, as Golden State led 58-31 at the break after a 37-11 second-quarter lead.

That’s been a theme for the Valkyries all season. Golden State was the league’s best first-half team this regular season, posting a +17.3 net rating. No other team posted a better first-half net rating than +12.9.

The Wings had the second-worst first-half net rating (+3.3) of all playoff teams. Paige Bueckers and Co. typically played their best basketball in the fourth quarter, especially in close games.

Dallas could be more competitive in Game 2, but Golden State has several advantages in this matchup. The Valkyries exposed Jessica Shepard’s defensive issues by attacking her on the interior several times.

The Wings also lacked offensive help around Bueckers, which forced her to be aggressive early in Game 1. Bueckers scored 11 of her 21 points in the first quarter, knocking down several tough jumpers.

Even with that level of shot-making, the Valkyries were in complete control by the break. I expect them to lead by multiple points in the first half again on Wednesday.

Prediction: Valkyries first-half spread (-1.5)

Valkyries vs. Wings Odds for Game 2, Round 1

• Valkyries spread: -4.5
• Wings spread: +4.5
• Total: 157.5