Best betting pick for Dream vs Valkyries in WNBA Finals Game 1

David SchneidmanThu, October 15, 2026 at 5:17 PM UTC

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The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries will face off in a best-of-seven WNBA Finals series -Credit:Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)Check out the best betting pick for Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, courtesy of Dimers' WNBA predictions model

The 2026 WNBA Finals are here, and an enticing best-of-seven series awaits between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries.

The Dream and Valkyries tip off the 2026 WNBA Finals on Saturday, Oct. 17, with Game 1 taking place at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.

Dimers' WNBA predictions model has already projected the final score and winner of Game 1, and below, Dimers' model makes projections for both teams' box scores, gives picks on the spread, moneyline, and total, and lays out the latest odds for the series opener. Projections for every game are available on Dimers' WNBA predictions page.

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Dream vs. Valkyries Game 1 player projections

Dimers projects Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard to each finish Game 1 with 18 points, the highest marks on either roster. Reese's 12 rebounds are also a game high, while Jordin Canada is set to run Atlanta's offense with a projected nine assists to go with 13 points.

Golden State's scoring is spread more evenly. Gabby Williams leads the Valkyries at 13 points, three rebounds and three assists, with Janelle Salaun (12 points) and Tiffany Hayes (10 points) next in line. Veronica Burton's four projected assists are the most on the Golden State side.

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In the first basket market, the model rates Cecilia Zandalasini as the most likely player to score the opening points of the series.

Atlanta Dream Game 1 projected stats -

Angel Reese: 18 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists

Rhyne Howard: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists

Jordin Canada: 13 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists

DeWanna Bonner: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist

Naz Hillmon: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists

Angel Reese is projected to record her second double-double of the playoffs in Game 1 -Credit:Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty ImagesGolden State Valkyries Game 1 projected stats -

Gabby Williams: 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists

Janelle Salaun: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist

Tiffany Hayes: 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

Veronica Burton: 9 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists

Cecilia Zandalasini: 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist

Best betting pick for Dream vs. Valkyries Game 1

The model's strongest play for Dream vs. Valkyries Game 1 is the over 153.5 total points, which goes over in 63.3 percent of simulations.

Dimers also leans Atlanta on the side. The Dream cover the spread as 2.5-point underdogs in 53.3 percent of simulations. On the moneyline, the model gives Atlanta a 44.1 percent chance to steal Game 1 on the road.

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Dream vs. Valkyries Game 1 odds -

Spread: Dream +2.5 (+104), Valkyries -2.5 (-108)

Moneyline: Dream +133, Valkyries -130

Total: Over 153.5 (-102), Under 153.5 (+100)

This information is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon for financial reasons or to determine a specific course of action. Information should not be used in violation of any law or regulation. Use this information responsibly and at your own risk.

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Source: “AOL Sports”