SAN FRANCISCO (Interstat) — The Washington Mystics will look to avenge an earlier loss when they face the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday at Chase Center, a matchup between one of the WNBA’s top teams and a squad fighting to climb the standings. Golden State (18-7) enters the 3 p.m. PDT contest holding the league’s best record, powered by a deep roster and balanced scoring. Washington (12-10) sits in the middle of the playoff picture but arrives having won three of its last four games, including a 79-62 victory at Toronto on Tuesday. The Valkyries defeated the Mystics 62-49 on July 6 in Washington, holding the Mystics to 28.6% shooting. That loss represents one of Washington’s lowest offensive outputs of the season. Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen has been a consistent force, recording four double-doubles in her past five games. She posted 25 points and 14 rebounds in the win at Toronto, and tallied 12 points and 13 rebounds against Seattle on July 12. In the July 6 meeting with Golden State, she had 12 points and nine rebounds. For Golden State, forward Gabby Williams provides versatility on both ends. She scored 16 points with three rebounds and a block in the Valkyries’ 88-75 win at Indiana on Wednesday. Williams has reached double figures in five of her last seven games, including a season-high 23 points against Atlanta on June 24. The Valkyries have won eight of their last 10 games, with their only losses during that stretch coming at Las Vegas and at Minnesota. They have held opponents under 70 points in five of those wins. Washington has been bolstered by center Shakira Austin, who had 17 points and 10 rebounds against Toronto. Forward Michaela Onyenwere added 15 points in that game. Mystics guard Ariel Atkins remains a key perimeter threat, though her recent scoring has fluctuated. The game is the first of a two-game set between the teams, with Washington playing at Golden State again on Monday. According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Valkyries are projected to win 94-82. Saturday’s contest marks a critical stretch for both teams. Golden State looks to maintain its hold on the top seed, while Washington seeks to build momentum ahead of a four-game homestand that begins Tuesday against Las Vegas.