NBA Western Conference Semifinal Preview: Trail Blazers vs Warriors

(photo credit: blazersedge.com)

Both the Golden State Warriors, and the Portland Trail Blazers, have arrived to a matchup in the second round in different ways. The Warriors cruised past a dysfunctional Houston Rockets squad in five easy games in the first round.

Portland was a trendy upset pick against the Los Angeles Clippers, after devastating injuries to Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, Portland would win the series in six games. Portland is in the second round after losing 4 of 5 starters this offseason. Portland has been a matchup problem for Golden State, as Portland was one of only nine teams to beat the Warriors during the regular season.

In fact, Portland demolished Golden State, 137-105 in February. The main x factor of this series will be Stephen Curry’s health. The MVP has a grade 1 MCL sprain, and it was announced he’d be out 2 weeks. However, many have been saying he could be back as quickly as Game 3. Curry averaged 30.1 points during the regular season.

Klay Thompson has been huge for the Warriors during the playoffs. He has averaged 23.4 points in five games. Even without Steph Curry, the Warriors have still had continued success. They won a series in five games in the first round, with Curry not playing a full game. The Warriors still have two All-Stars on their team, and they should only be without Curry for a few games.

The Trail Blazers heavily rely on their star studded backcourt. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum have been the center of the Blazers offense this year. Lillard has averaged 22.0 points during the playoffs, while McCollum has averaged 19.0 points per game. Both teams like to play a fast pace on offense, so we can expect many high scoring games.

Portland will need to get consistent scoring from their role players, as McCollum and Lillard need a solid supporting cast in this series. What will make the difference in this series is the defenses.

We know that both offenses will be highly productive, which makes the performance of both defenses so important. What also will be important is the play in the paint. The Warriors have struggled this year in the paint, and with center Mason Plumlee getting hot, he can present a matchup problem for the Warriors.