The Chicago Sky seek to secure their second-consecutive home victory with a matchup against the Golden State Valkyries on Friday, Aug. 21 in Wintrust Arena. The Sky are coming off a crucial 93-86 win against the Liberty on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Since the All-Star break, Chicago holds a 5-4 record. 

Friday’s matchup is the final game in the series between Chicago and Golden State this season. In their first contest on May 13, the Sky achieved a dynamic 69-63 victory. The next time the two teams saw each other, the Valkyries pulled away with a 91-71 win on Aug. 12. Chicago trails the all-time record against Golden State 4-1.

In their most recent matchup, center Kamilla Cardoso led the fight for the Sky, posting 20 points, six rebounds, a steal and a block on a 53.8% look from the field. The former Gamecock recorded 23 games this season with a 50.0% or better clip from the floor. Joining Cardoso’s versatile effort was veteran Rachel Banham who notched a crucial 11 points, four rebounds, a steal and a block while achieving a season-high three made field goals from deep.

The Valkyries saw five players reach double-digit scoring on Aug.12. Guard Tiffany Hayes led the offensive front with a season-high 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Also notching a season high in scoring was Kaila Charles with 15 points, five rebounds and three steals. Veronica Burton and Gabby Williams chipped in 13 points each while forward Cecelia Zandalasini added an additional 12.

Chicago was missing a central part of their lineup during the most recent loss against Golden State in Sydney Taylor due to injury. The undrafted rookie is averaging 17.6 points and 2.7 three-point field goals per game since being inserted into the Sky’s starting rotation. The Valkyries also were missing forward Janelle Salaün who is averaging 13.1 points per game and center Kiah Stokes who is posting 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. All listed players are anticipated to participate in the game on Aug. 21.

Golden State is coming off a recent 77-66 home loss to Minnesota on Wednesday, Aug. 19. The matchup at Chicago will be the first of a five-game stretch on the road for the Valkyries.

The game between Chicago and Golden State tips off at 6:30 pm CT and will be broadcast on ION.