WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The Golden State Valkyries visit the Washington Mystics on Monday night at CareFirst Arena in a pivotal WNBA matchup between two teams trending in opposite directions. Golden State (14-7) has won four straight games, most recently a 88-83 victory at Atlanta on Saturday. The Valkyries sit second in the league standings and have won seven of their last eight contests. Washington (10-9) has won two consecutive games after a 81-76 home victory over Atlanta on Thursday. The Mystics are fighting to climb above .500 and into the upper tier of the playoff race. Guard Veronica Burton has been a catalyst for Golden State’s recent surge. In Saturday’s win at Atlanta, Burton posted 21 points, five assists and one rebound in 31 minutes. Over her last five games, she is averaging 13.6 points, 5.6 assists and 3.6 rebounds while shooting efficiently from the floor. Burton recorded a season-high 25 points in a 87-81 victory over Phoenix on June 9. Center Shakira Austin anchors the Mystics’ frontcourt. In Washington’s win over Atlanta on Thursday, Austin collected 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks in 30 minutes. She has registered double-doubles in three of her last six games, including a 12-point, 11-rebound effort in a 86-85 victory over Toronto on June 12. Austin also grabbed 16 rebounds against Minnesota on June 24. The Valkyries have relied on balanced scoring throughout their winning streak. Forward Gabby Williams added 19 points and two assists in the win over Atlanta, while guard Kaila Charles contributed seven points, eight rebounds and five assists. Golden State’s defense has held opponents to 72.3 points per game over the last four contests. Washington’s offense has shown resilience. Forward Kiki Iriafen recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds against Atlanta on Thursday, and guard Alicia Florez Getino added 13 points, six rebounds and seven assists. The Mystics have won six of their last nine games after a 1-4 stretch in early June. The game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this month. They play again July 18 and July 20 in San Francisco. According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Washington 93, Golden State 90. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.