Dream vs. Valkyries Prediction: WNBA Finals Game 2 Picks for Monday, Oct. 19

My Dream vs. Valkyries prediction expects Atlanta to give its best effort to even the series Monday in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. Tipoff at Chase Center in San Francisco is set for 8 p.m. ET (USA Network, CNBC, Peacock, E!).

The Valkyries, who lead the WNBA championship odds after winning Game 1, are a 2.5-point betting favorite, but I'm backing the Dream's defense in Game 2.

Dream vs. Valkyries prediction: WNBA picks

See all of our experts' WNBA picks based on the latest WNBA odds.

Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: +2.12 units

Who will win Dream vs. Valkyries?

I predict the Dream will defeat the Valkyries by two points in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. Their plus-money moneyline value is worth a look, though it's hard to bet against the Valkyries' home-court advantage. Atlanta lost Game 1 in San Francisco, ending a 10-game win streak. The Dream haven't lost consecutive contests since July 4.

Score prediction: Dream 72, Valkyries 70

Dream vs. Valkyries prediction & best bet

Valkyries Under 77.5 points (-120)

The full-game total has dropped two points since Game 1, falling to 152.5 after the Valkyries' 68-64 win on Saturday. I'm expecting a similar script on Monday, but I'd rather fade Golden State's team total, as there is a chance that Gabby Williams isn't 100% in Game 2.

Williams, who is the WNBA Finals MVP favorite, was involved in a collision late in Game 1. Given that she led the team with 26 points on 22 shots, this could be a concern for the Valkyries on Monday.

Even if Williams can go, I trust the Dream's defense in this spot. They've ranked second in defensive rating this postseason.

Best Dream vs. Valkyries player prop bet

Jordin Canada Over 17.5 points + assists (-117)

Point guard Jordin Canada has played a crucial role in the Dream's recent run. She's averaged 15.2 points and 7.7 assists per game since Aug. 30, clearing this prop in 72.7% of her contests.

Canada fell short of her closing line of 18.5 in Game 1, finishing with eight points and seven assists. But I like the idea of taking advantage of a discounted prop, as this line hasn't been as low as 17.5 since Round 1.

This postseason, Canada is averaging 17.3 points and 8.5 assists per game. I think Canada and the Dream are due for a bounce-back performance.

Dream vs. Valkyries same-game parlay

FanDuel offers odds of just +285 on this correlated Dream vs. Valkyries parlay in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. I like the Dream's chances of evening the series, though I don't actually need that for this parlay to hit. I'm banking on Atlanta's defense and Canada to keep things close on Monday.

Live Dream vs. Valkyries odds

How to watch Dream vs. Valkyries

• Date: Monday, Oct. 19
• Tipoff: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: Chase Center (San Francisco)
• TV: USA Network, CNBC, Peacock, E!