Western Conference Finals - Golden State Warriors vs Portland Trail Blazers
The Warriors get home court advantage in their Western Conference Finals matchup against the Blazers.
There were concerns raised for Golden State after Kevin Durant suffered a calf strain against the Rockets with the series still in the balance. But the Dubs reminded everyone that their sum is greater than its parts, going on to win Game 5 after Durant went down before ending the series in Game 6 in Houston.
After struggling by his lofty standards throughout the Rockets series, Stephen Curry stepped up in a back way down the stretch of Game 5 and in Game 6, as did his dynamic backcourt partner Klay Thompson. The pair combined for 50 points and 11 threes in Game 6, making several big shots down the stretch to lead the Warriors to the West Finals.
The truth is that the Rockets could be the toughest opponent they will face these playoffs, and they beat them in six games without Durant in one of them. With Durant and DeMarcus Cousins both ruled out for Game 1 against Portland, Golden State will need the Splash Brothers to keep shooting the ball at a high clip and get consistent production from their role players.
Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston and Kevon Looney were all outstanding against the Rockets, and these types of unsung heroes have always helped drive the Warriors while the stars get all the praise.
The Splash Brothers will have their hands full in this one though, coming up against one of the premier backcourts in the league. Curry and Thompson have combined for an average of 42.6 points and 6.8 assists per game while shooting 38.8 per cent from three-point land this post-season, per ESPN. Well, Portland’s Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are going at 54 points, 9.4 assists and 38 per cent from three.
McCollum was sizzling hot against the Nuggets and largely the reason the Blazers advanced after being down 3-2 in the series. In Game’s 6 and 7, McCollum averaged 33.5 points while shooting 53.7 per cent from the field. If he can continue to play at that level and Lillard turns it on, this Blazers team has a chance against a Durant/Cousins-less Warriors outfit.
As is the case for the Dubs, Terry Stotts’ side will need production from the lesser names. Enes Kanter, Mo Harless and Zach Collins all defended brilliantly against Denver, despite the Turkish big man playing through a separated shoulder. However, Rodney Hood (knee bruise) is questionable for Game 1, who came in and made several big shots against Denver, particularly in that epic 4OT Game 3.
Golden State and Portland split their season series matchup 2-2.
Prediction: Golden State to win Game 1 -3.5 @ $1.47, win series 4-1
