The Golden State Warriors have already clinched the top seed in the Western Conference and the best record in the NBA, and start a four-game homestand to close the season against the Portland Trail Blazers, who have already clinched the Northwest Division.
Projected Starting Lineups
Golden State Warriors (63-15)
G Stephen Curry – 23.6 ppg, 7.7 apg, 2.1 spg
G Klay Thompson – 21.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg
F Harrison Barnes – 10.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg
F Draymond Green – 11.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg
C Andrew Bogut – 6.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg
Portland Trail Blazers (51-27)
G Damian Lillard – 20.9 ppg, 6.3 apg
G Arron Afflalo – 11.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg
F Nicolas Batum – 9.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg
F LaMarcus Aldridge – 23.4 ppg, 10.3 rpg
C Robin Lopez– 9.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg
What to watch for:
Who plays with more intensity?
Even though Portland has clinched a top-four seed in the West, they're only two games out of second with four games left. They may decide to play as hard as they can to improve their positioning, or they could limit the minutes of their starters to help them rest up for the playoffs.
Golden State is locked into the top seed in the West, and while head coach Steve Kerr has been limiting his starter's minutes during the past few games, they want to head into the postseason playing as well as they possibly can. Because of the varying levels of motivation each team may have, whoever plays harder and places more emphasis on winning will give themselves a huge advantage.
Prediction: Trail Blazers win 109-108
Golden State rarely loses at home, but they've taken their foot off the gas a little bit coming down the stretch. Portland is trying to improve their seeding, and that extra effort will give them a slight lead they'll hold onto for most of the game.
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