WNBA Preview | Finals Game 5, October 26, 2026
The series is tied 2-2 after Golden State's defense bounced back hard in Game 4, and the Finals return to San Francisco. As the higher seed, Golden State hosts Games 5 and, if necessary, 7. Atlanta at Golden State tips at 8:00 PM ET on USA Network and CNBC.
Golden State Chases a Series Lead Back at Ballhalla
Atlanta Dream @ Golden State Valkyries | Game 5 | 8:00 PM ET | USA Network / CNBC
KEY STAT
16.0%
Atlanta's three-point shooting in Game 4 (4-of-25), its worst shooting night of the series in a 67-62 loss that evened things at 2-2.
Golden State's defense found its identity again in Game 4, with Kiah Stokes leading the effort to slow down Angel Reese and Tiffany Hayes stepping into the starting lineup for 13 points on 50% shooting. Gabby Williams added 17, and Veronica Burton sealed it late. The Valkyries have now won every game played at Chase Center this series.
Atlanta shot just 33.3% from the field and 16.0% from three in the loss, with Reese admitting afterward that she rushed her shots. The Dream need a sharper offensive performance on the road to avoid returning home facing elimination.
Our number has Golden State winning a tight one, 76-73, barely more than a point off DraftKings' Valkyries -1.5 — too close to call anything but a toss-up on the spread. The total is nearly identical to the market: our number of 149 sits right on DraftKings' 149.5, continuing a series that's trended low-scoring outside of Atlanta's Game 3 outburst. Lean Golden State -1.5 (Toss-up), and lean the under (Toss-up).
Atlanta wins if the shooting slump proves to be a one-game blip and the Dream's offense looks more like its Game 2 and 3 form on the road.
Golden State wins if the home crowd and Stokes-led defense carry over from Game 4 and the Valkyries take a 3-2 series lead.
LEAN
GSV -1.5
O/U 149.5
Under ↓
CONFIDENCE: Spread — Toss-up · Total — Toss-up
Our number is close to even on both sides; home court and a hot defense give Golden State the slightest of edges.
What to Watch For Tonight.
Our series call was Golden State in 6, and a win tonight would put them right on pace, up 3-2 with a chance to close it out back in Atlanta. Watch whether Reese and the Dream's shooters bounce back from their worst offensive night of the series. Game 5 tips tonight in San Francisco.

