WNBA Finals Game 5 Today: Valkyries vs Dream Date, Game Time, TV Channel, Odds, Starting Lineups and Prediction
The 2026 WNBA Finals Game 5 between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream is scheduled for Monday, October 26, at Chase Center in San Francisco, with tipoff set for 8:00 p.m. ET. The best-of-seven championship series is tied 2-2 after Golden State secured a crucial 67-62 victory in Game 4 on Saturday. With both franchises chasing their first WNBA championship, the upcoming Valkyries vs. Dream Game 5 could prove decisive in determining which team takes control of the Finals.
Golden State returns home with renewed confidence after a strong defensive performance, while Atlanta looks to regain the offensive rhythm that powered its commanding victories in Games 2 and 3. Angel Reese, Gabby Williams and several other standout players will be central to this highly anticipated championship showdown.
How to Watch WNBA Finals Game 5: Date, Time, TV Channel and Live Stream
Matchup: Atlanta Dream at Golden State Valkyries
Event: 2026 WNBA Finals Game 5
Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Tipoff Time: 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Chase Center
Location: San Francisco, California
TV Channel: USA Network and CNBC
Live Streaming: Peacock
Series Format: Best of seven
Current Series Score: Tied 2-2
Golden State Seed: No. 2
Atlanta Seed: No. 4
Next Game: Game 6, Thursday, October 29
Fans can watch WNBA Finals Game 5 live on USA Network, with streaming coverage available through Peacock. CNBC is also listed among the broadcast options in the WNBA's official Finals schedule.
When is the WNBA Finals Game 5?
Game 5 takes place on Monday, October 26, at Chase Center, the home arena of the Golden State Valkyries.
What Time Does WNBA Finals Valkyries vs. Dream Game 5 Start?
The Golden State Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream WNBA Finals Game 5 is listed for Monday, October 26, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT).
Arena doors open at 3:30 p.m. PT for fans attending in person.
The return to San Francisco is important for Golden State, which hosted the first two games of the series. With the championship matchup tied, the Valkyries will attempt to use home-court advantage to secure a 3-2 lead before the series returns to Atlanta.
What Channel Is Valkyries vs. Dream WNBA Finals Game 5 on Today?
The Valkyries vs. Dream WNBA Finals Game 5 is listed for television coverage on USA Network and CNBC on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The game 5 is Tipoff scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Where to Stream WNBA Finals Valkyries vs. Dream Game 5?
The 2026 WNBA Finals Game 5 is listed as available to stream on Peacock, subject to the platform's coverage and subscription requirements.
How to Watch WNBA Finals Game 5?
Fans looking to watch WNBA Finals Game 5 between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream can find the listed broadcast and streaming information below.
Game: Golden State Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream
Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT
Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, California
TV Channel: USA Network / CNBC
Live Stream: Peacock
Valkyries vs. Dream WNBA Finals Scores 2026: Series Results So Far
The first four games have featured significant momentum swings, with both teams recording two victories.
Game 1 — October 17: Golden State Valkyries 68, Atlanta Dream 64
Game 2 — October 19: Atlanta Dream 79, Golden State Valkyries 65
Game 3 — October 21: Atlanta Dream 97, Golden State Valkyries 71
Game 4 — October 24: Golden State Valkyries 67, Atlanta Dream 62
Game 5 — October 26: Atlanta Dream at Golden State Valkyries, 8 p.m. ET
Game 6 — October 29: Golden State Valkyries at Atlanta Dream, 8 p.m. ET
Game 7 — October 31: Atlanta Dream at Golden State Valkyries, 8 p.m. ET, if necessary
The series is tied 2-2, with both teams requiring two additional victories to capture the championship. Game 6 is guaranteed, while Game 7 will only be played if necessary.
WNBA Finals Game 5 Odds, Spread, Moneyline and Over/Under
The Golden State Valkyries enter Game 5 as slight home favorites after their defensive victory in Atlanta.
According to an available SBGGlobal betting listing, the following odds are posted for Monday's matchup:
Point Spread: Golden State Valkyries -1.5 (-104)
Atlanta Dream Spread: +1.5 (-117)
Valkyries Moneyline: -121
Dream Moneyline: -106
Over/Under Total: 149.5 points
Over 149.5: -113
Under 149.5: -108
The narrow spread reflects how competitive this championship series has become. Although Atlanta recorded convincing victories in Games 2 and 3, Golden State responded by holding the Dream to only 62 points in Game 4.
The 149.5-point total is also worth watching. Three of the four Finals games have finished below that number, and both teams have demonstrated the ability to slow the tempo through physical defense.
WNBA Finals Game 5 Starting Lineups: Valkyries vs. Dream
Neither team has officially confirmed its Game 5 starting lineup. However, the most recent rotations provide an indication of which players could start Monday.
Golden State Valkyries Projected Starting Lineup
Point Guard: Veronica Burton
Shooting Guard: Tiffany Hayes
Small Forward: Gabby Williams
Power Forward: Kaila Charles
Center: Kiah Stokes
Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase made an important adjustment before Game 4, inserting Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles into the starting lineup in place of Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini.
The move helped Golden State secure a 67-62 victory, making it reasonable to expect Nakase to consider retaining the same starting five for Game 5.
Atlanta Dream Projected Starting Lineup
Point Guard: Jordin Canada
Shooting Guard: Allisha Gray
Small Forward: Rhyne Howard
Power Forward: Naz Hillmon
Forward/Center: Angel Reese
Atlanta's expected starting unit features an experienced backcourt and a strong frontcourt presence led by Reese. The Dream will rely on this group to improve their offensive efficiency after a difficult Game 4 performance.
These are projected lineups based on recent games, rather than confirmed starters for October 26.
Golden State Valkyries Game 5 Preview: Can Home-Court Advantage Make the Difference?
Golden State enters WNBA Finals Game 5 with momentum after leveling the series in Atlanta.
The Valkyries produced one of their strongest defensive performances of the postseason in Game 4, limiting the Dream to 62 points and building a 16-point advantage during the first half.
Gabby Williams led Golden State with 17 points, while Tiffany Hayes and Veronica Burton contributed 13 apiece.
The biggest improvement came in ball security. Golden State committed just nine turnovers after struggling with mistakes earlier in the Finals.
Kiah Stokes was another major contributor, collecting 16 rebounds and recording four blocks. Her defensive performance helped Golden State disrupt Atlanta's interior offense.
Atlanta Dream Game 5 Preview: Can Angel Reese Lead a Bounce-Back Performance?
Atlanta enters Monday's matchup looking to recover from a frustrating Game 4 defeat.
The Dream had established themselves as the stronger offensive team in Games 2 and 3, scoring 79 and 97 points, respectively. However, Golden State's defensive pressure limited Atlanta to just 62 points on Saturday.
Angel Reese, who had been dominant earlier in the championship series, was held to only eight points in Game 4. She had averaged 25.5 points and 14 rebounds across Atlanta's previous two victories.
The Dream also struggled from long range, converting only 17.4% of their three-point attempts, while turnovers further disrupted their offensive rhythm.
For Atlanta to regain control, Reese must establish herself inside, while guards Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada need to create better shooting opportunities.
Valkyries vs. Dream Game 5 Stats to Know
Finals Series: Tied 2-2 after four games.
Regular-Season Records: Golden State finished 32-12, while Atlanta earned the No. 4 playoff seed.
Game 4 Result: Golden State defeated Atlanta 67-62.
Game 4 Scoring Leader: Gabby Williams scored 17 points.
Golden State Turnovers: Just nine in Game 4.
Atlanta Turnovers: 18 in Game 4, according to Golden State's official recap.
Angel Reese in Game 4: Eight points after averaging 25.5 points during Games 2 and 3.
Kiah Stokes: Recorded four blocks in Game 4, increasing her Finals-series total to 14.
2026 Regular-Season Meetings: Golden State won all three games against Atlanta.
Championship Stakes: Both franchises are seeking their first WNBA title.
The statistics highlight Golden State's defensive strength and Atlanta's offensive potential. Game 5 could ultimately depend on which team imposes its preferred playing style.
WNBA Finals Game 5 Key Players to Watch
Gabby Williams — Golden State Valkyries
Williams delivered a team-high 17 points in Game 4 and remains one of Golden State's most important two-way players.
Her scoring, defensive versatility and ability to create opportunities in transition could be crucial as the Valkyries look to build a series lead.
Angel Reese — Atlanta Dream
Reese has been one of the defining players of the 2026 WNBA Finals.
After consecutive dominant performances in Games 2 and 3, she struggled against Golden State's defensive adjustments in Game 4.
Her ability to control the boards and score around the basket will be central to Atlanta's Game 5 hopes.
Tiffany Hayes — Golden State Valkyries
Hayes responded to her promotion into the starting lineup by scoring 13 points in Game 4, all in the second half.
Her experience and shot creation give the Valkyries an additional offensive option in high-pressure situations.
Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard — Atlanta Dream
Gray and Howard provide Atlanta with perimeter scoring and playmaking ability.
Both will need to contribute consistently to prevent Golden State from concentrating its defensive attention on Reese.
Kiah Stokes — Golden State Valkyries
Stokes has become a major defensive force during the championship series.
Her rebounding, shot-blocking and interior presence were instrumental in Golden State's Game 4 victory. Another strong performance could limit Atlanta's second-chance opportunities.
Three Key Matchups That Could Decide WNBA Finals Game 5
1. Angel Reese vs. Golden State's Interior Defense
Golden State successfully limited Reese in Game 4, with Stokes providing important rim protection.
Atlanta will need to create better opportunities for Reese while preventing the Valkyries from dominating the defensive glass.
2. Golden State's Ball Security vs. Atlanta's Defensive Pressure
Turnovers played a major role in the Dream's victories earlier in the series.
The Valkyries corrected those mistakes in Game 4, committing just nine turnovers. Repeating that performance will be important against an Atlanta team capable of converting defensive pressure into easy points.
3. Three-Point Shooting and Offensive Efficiency
Atlanta struggled from beyond the arc during Saturday's loss, while Golden State has also experienced inconsistent perimeter shooting throughout the Finals.
Whichever team finds an offensive rhythm early could establish control of the game.
WNBA Finals Game 5 Prediction and Pick: Who Will Win Valkyries vs. Dream?
Golden State enters Monday's championship showdown with renewed confidence after winning Game 4 on the road. The Valkyries have demonstrated an ability to adjust defensively, protect the basketball and limit Atlanta's most dangerous offensive weapons.
The return to Chase Center could provide another advantage, particularly with the series tied and the opportunity to move within one victory of the championship.
Atlanta, however, remains a dangerous opponent. The Dream have already shown they can dominate Golden State offensively, and Reese is capable of producing a major bounce-back performance.
The deciding factor may be Golden State's defense. If Stokes continues to protect the rim, Williams contributes at both ends and Burton limits turnovers, the Valkyries have a strong opportunity to take control of the series.
Prediction: Golden State Valkyries 76, Atlanta Dream 72
Betting Pick: Golden State Valkyries -1.5 (-104)
Moneyline Pick: Golden State Valkyries -121
Over/Under Lean: Under 149.5 points
What Happens After WNBA Finals Game 5?
Because the 2026 WNBA Finals use a best-of-seven format, neither team can win the championship in Game 5 with the series currently tied 2-2.
The winner will take a 3-2 advantage and move within one victory of securing its first WNBA championship.
Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, in Atlanta at 8:00 p.m. ET.
If the teams split Games 5 and 6, a decisive Game 7 will take place on Saturday, October 31, at Chase Center in San Francisco.
WNBA Finals Game 5 Frequently Asked Questions
When is WNBA Finals Game 5 in 2026?
WNBA Finals Game 5 between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026.
What time does Valkyries vs. Dream Game 5 start?
The game tips off at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time or 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
What channel is WNBA Finals Game 5 on?
Game 5 will air on USA Network, with CNBC also listed as a broadcast option. Live streaming is available on Peacock.
Where is Valkyries vs. Dream Game 5 being played?
The game will take place at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, home of the Golden State Valkyries.
Who is favored to win WNBA Finals Game 5?
Golden State is a narrow 1.5-point home favorite in the referenced betting market, although odds may change before tipoff.
What is the Valkyries vs. Dream series score?
The series is tied 2-2 after Golden State's 67-62 victory in Game 4 on October 24.
Is WNBA Finals Game 5 an elimination game?
No. With the series tied 2-2, Game 5 is not an elimination game. The winner will take a 3-2 lead and have an opportunity to clinch the championship in Game 6.
Final Thoughts
Golden State returns to San Francisco after a strong defensive performance that tied the Finals at two games apiece. Atlanta, meanwhile, will attempt to rediscover the offensive production that helped it secure commanding victories earlier in the series.
With Gabby Williams, Angel Reese, Tiffany Hayes and several other standout players competing for their first franchise championship, Monday's matchup carries enormous significance.
The Valkyries appear to have a slight advantage because of their home court and defensive momentum, but Atlanta has already demonstrated the ability to respond decisively following a defeat.
Fans can watch Valkyries vs. Dream WNBA Finals Game 5 live on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock, with CNBC also listed as a broadcast option.
The winner will move one step closer to making WNBA history.
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