SAN FRANCISCO (Interstat) — The Golden State Valkyries will host the Toronto Tempo on Sunday at Chase Center in a WNBA matchup between teams heading in opposite directions. Golden State enters at 19-9 and has one of the Eastern Conference’s best records. The Valkyries are coming off a 91-89 loss at Phoenix on July 29, a game in which Kaila Charles posted 10 points and 10 rebounds. Charles has been a steady contributor in Golden State’s rotation, and she had five points and five rebounds in the Valkyries’ 83-75 win at Toronto on July 8. Toronto, meanwhile, is 10-18 and has lost five straight. The Tempo’s most recent defeat came Thursday, 104-72 at Minnesota, despite 19 points from forward Laura Juskaite. She also had five rebounds, three assists and a block in that game. Juskaite has been Toronto’s most consistent scorer recently, with 18 points against Minnesota on July 28 and 25 points against Dallas on July 10. But Toronto has struggled defensively, allowing 100 or more points in four of its past five losses. The teams met once earlier this season, with Golden State taking an 83-75 road win July 8. Juskaite was held to five points in that game. Charles contributed five points and five rebounds for the Valkyries. Golden State has been installed as an 11.5-point favorite. The over-under is set at 166.5. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 94-82 victory for the Valkyries. Sunday’s game also opens a two-game set between these teams at Chase Center. They will meet again Tuesday before Toronto begins a road trip that includes games at Portland, Atlanta and Dallas. Golden State will host Toronto again, then travel to Dallas and Los Angeles. For Toronto to stay competitive, Juskaite will likely need to improve on her last meeting against Golden State and get help from the Tempo’s supporting cast. For Golden State, Charles’ activity on the boards and defense could be key to controlling the pace. The Valkyries look to protect their home court and strengthen their playoff position, while the Tempo aim to snap their skid against one of the league’s top teams.