Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant isn't expected to return for Games 3 and 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers, but his teammates don't seem to need him at all.

With Durant out, two-time MVP Stephen Curry assumed the superstar role for the Warriors once again. He has scored at least 33 points in the team's last three games, which all resulted to victories. Following the Dubs' 114-111 win against the Blazers in Game 2, they have now won 29 of 30 games when Steph is playing and KD isn't.

Durant went down with a left calf strain during Game 5 of the second round against the Rockets. Since then, discussions of whether or not the Warriors are better without him has picked a lot of steam, especially since KD is going to be a free agent after this season.

The Warriors have an opportunity to push the Blazers' backs against the walls this Saturday. A victory in Game 3 would put them 3-0 up in the series, and if that happens, it is almost a guarantee that Golden State will make their fifth consecutive trip to the NBA Finals.

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There's still no timetable for Durant's return, but it is expected that it will be sometime in the Finals. The Warriors are gunning for their third straight title, a rare feat that only three teams have been able to do in the history of the NBA.

Whether or not they are better with Durant, Golden State will need everyone ready for a showdown with either the Milwaukee Bucks or the Toronto Raptors.