The Golden State Warriors (68-8) are on the march to 73 wins and the NBA record for most wins in a single season. Their next opponent is the Portland Trail Blazers (41-36), a team fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. A win would give the Warriors the second-most in NBA history, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls and 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers.
The Warriors are coming of their first regular season home loss since January 2015, and need to finish the year with a 5-1 mark to break the NBA record for most wins in a season. The Trail Blazers are one of the few teams that have beaten the Warriors this season. Portland holds the No. 6 spot in the Western Conference, with a 3.5 game lead over the first team out of the playoff race. So who will come out on top in this key matchup? Here's our preview and prediction for Warriors vs. Trail Blazers.
Game Info:
When: 8 p.m. ET
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
TV: NBATV
Spread: Warriors by 12
O/U: 225
Playoff/Record Update:
The Warriors are still chasing the NBA record for most wins in a single season, but a loss Friday snapped a six game losing streak. The Warriors have three more home games left in a row, and they need to win all three. Golden State has clinched a playoff spot, although the Spurs are still technically in the race for the No. 1 seed. While Golden State wants home court advantage, they really want the NBA single-season win record.
As for the Trail Blazers, they hold the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. They are just a half game back of the No. 5 seed, but can't catch the No. 4 seeded Clippers. Portland hasn't clinched a spot yet, holding a two-game lead over the No. 7 seed, a 2.5 game lead over the No. 8 seed and a 3.5 game lead over the first team out. The Trail Blazers should clinch a playoff spot soon and are riding a four-game winning streak.
Key To The Game:
Will the Warriors cut down on their mistakes? That's what cost them against the Boston Celtics. Golden State turned it over 22 times, including nine by Stephen Curry. But the Warriors have been making mistakes on defense as well, forgetting about shooters and playing sloppily. The Warriors look a bit tired, and perhaps the run at 73 wins is weighing on them. Golden State has had a string of close games, and they must play better defense against the Trail Blazers. If the Warriors don't Portland could pull the upset. However, the Trail Blazers face the tough task of playing a back-to-back.
What They're Saying About The Golden State Warriors:
Warriors Showing Clear Sign Of Fatigue (ESPN)
Warriors "Got Too Much Crap Going On" To Sulk Over Home Loss (CSN Bay Area)
Scottie Pippen Says 1995-96 Bulls Would Sweep Warriors (ESPN)
What They're Saying About The Portland Trail Blazers:
Blazers Organization Shines In Face Of NBA Dysfunction (FanSided)
Portland Cruises Past Heat (ESPN)
Trail Blazers Gaining Ground On Memphis In Playoff Picture (The Oregonian)
Prediction: Warriors win 118-106
The Warriors are the more rested and more talented team. The Trail Blazers are no pushover, but the Warriors don't lose back-to-back games. The Trail Blazers played at home last night, and had to travel down to Golden State for a game tonight. That will only make things more difficult for Portland. The Warriors are on a mission to reach 73 wins and a loss last night should only serve to fire them up.