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Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers travel to the Bay Area to take on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors tonight. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Blazers-Warriors prediction and pick.
The Trail Blazers hold a record of 2-2, but they are 1-3 against the spread. They are coming off a blow off loss to the LA Clippers.
The Warriors mirror the Blazers' record in both ways: 2-2 straight up, 1-3 against the spread. The Dubs are currently on a two-game win streak.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Blazers-Warriors odds.
NBA Odds: Blazers vs. Warriors Odds
Portland Trail Blazers -3.5 (-108)
Golden State Warriors +3.5 (-112)
Over 235.5 Points (-110)
Under 230.5 Points (-110)
Why The Blazers Could Cover The Spread
The Blazers have been a gambler's nightmare so far with their inconsistency.
On opening night, they were embarrassed by the Utah Jazz on their own home floor. They proceeded to triumph over the Houston Rockets in overtime, then shockingly topple LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in Staples Center.
The Clippers thrashed them the next night, handing the Blazers their second 20+ point loss of the season.
So, what do we know about the Blazers?
This team can score the ball, but they don't play much defense. Portland is currently 15th in offensive efficiency and 24th in points allowed.
The good news for Blazers is that the Warriors are even worse on the defensive end. The Warriors have allowed the most points, rebounds, and three-pointers made in the entire league.
All eyes will be on Lillard and Curry, but there are two important Blazers who might steal the show.
CJ McCollum is red hot right now, averaging 28.0 points per game while shooting an eye-popping 48% from deep. The Warriors' fast and free style of play aligns perfectly with McCollum's game.
Additionally, Jusuf Nurkic is primed to have a field day. Against a weak rebounding Warriors team, Nurkic could very well drop a double-double with a few easy put-backs. If McCollum or Lillard get hot and the Warriors are forced to double, expect him to have a huge game.
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Even with Draymond Green's return, the Blazers could turn the Warriors' run-and-gun play against them for an easy win.
Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
For the first time of the season, Draymond Green will take the floor.
The three-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year has a tall task on his hands: Shoring up the league's worst defense.
If anyone can make an immediate defensive impact on this Golden State squad, it's Green. The NBA version of a Swiss Army Knife, he should simultaneously improve the Dubs' perimeter and interior defense when he enters the lineup.
Offensively, Dray will move the needle, but not as significantly. His biggest impact will be adding another playmaker, which the Warriors badly need. Perhaps Kelly Oubre and Andrew Wiggins will get even better looks and finally start to drain their shots.
The offensive end of the floor will still be dominated by Stephen Curry.
After a nightmare start to the season, Curry has rebounded nicely. In the last two games, he is averaging 33.5 points while shooting just under 40% from three.
The Warriors will need peak Steph to pull off the upset tonight, and he is turning the corner at the perfect time.
If the Warriors' defense can end the trend of giving opponents too many open looks from three, and Curry continues his strong play, Golden State can surprise the Blazers on their home floor.
Final Blazers-Warriors Prediction & Pick
In a game that is expected to be a shootout, it's hard to bet against Stephen Curry. But, barring an otherworldly night from Curry, the Blazers' multiple shooters should overwhelm the Dubs' defense. I predict that the Warriors porous defense continues, and Portland hits enough open shots to get the job done. I'll take the Blazers in a high-scoring night in the Bay.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: POR 129, GSW 118
