The Portland Trail Blazers are fully in “life after C.J. McCollum” mode, breaking up his longtime partnership with alleged second greatest shooter in NBA history Damian Lillard. Portland ran into the Golden State dynasty three different times in the postseason, winning only a single playoff game in that span.
They’ve reconfigured their team around Lillard with Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant in major supporting roles. Currently they have a record of 18-16, coming off a win over the Charlotte Hornets.
Meanwhile the Golden State Warriors are also coming off a win over the Hornets (the gift that keeps on giving) and have a record of 18-18.