The Golden State Warriors host the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of their Western Conference first round series Sunday. The Warriors are heavily favored, but can they start the series with a win? Here's our preview and prediction for Warriors vs. Trail Blazers.
Game Info:
When: 3:30 PM EST
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA
TV: ABC
Spread: Warriors by 14.5
O/U: 221.5
What They're Saying About The Golden State Warriors:
Warriors scoff at idea they'll coast to finals
Durant, Warriors won't take Blazers lightly
Matt Barnes out for Game 1
What They're Saying About The Portland Trail Blazers:
Jusuf Nurkic's status still unclear
Damian Lillard thinks Blazers can take down Warriors
Which Blazers need to step up against the Warriors
Key To The Game:
Do the Warriors 3-point shooters show up? Let's not kid ourselves: the Warriors shouldn't have much trouble with the Blazers. Yes, it's the playoffs and anything can happen, but the Warriors are nearly 15-point favorites for a reason. The only way the Warriors run into trouble (and this has been true for most of the season) is if their shooters don't get going. If Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and the rest of the group are hitting from outside the 3-point line, the Warriors are nearly impossible to beat. The Warriors shot over 30 3s per game this year, hitting 38.3 percent. Those are some of the best marks in the NBA.
On the flip side, the Blazers need Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum to drain their 3s. The Blazers took about 27 3-pointers per game, hitting 37.5 percent. That's a quality figure, but the Blazers will need to play out of their minds to win. That starts with what happens outside the 3-point line.
Prediction: Warriors win 119-102
The Warriors, with a now-healthy Durant, aren't going to have many issues. The Warriors and Blazers will have a close first half, before the Warriors go on one of their classic near 40-point quarters and cruise to a win.