NBA Western Conference Finals – Golden State Warriors vs Portland Trail Blazers
Golden State Has Edge in Series
This Golden State vs Portland preview for the 2019 NBA West Finals likes the Warriors. Our Golden State vs Portland preview notes that the third-seed Trail Blazers had to defeat the second-seed and favored Denver Nuggets to get here. It took Portland seven games, but they did win that series. In their last series, the Warriors, who this year finished atop the West, took down the Houston Rockets in six games.
The series will tip off on Tuesday, April 14 at 9:00 pm ET at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA. After playing the first two games, the series will shift to Portland where these two teams will meet at the Mode Center for two games. After that, if more games are needed the NBA Western Conference Finals will alternate between Oakland and Portland.
Golden State vs Portland Preview – Stats
The Warriors are averaging 118.1 PPG while the Trail Blazers are hitting for 111.2 PPG. Portland has the edge in rebounding 46.7 RPG to 42.8 RPG. However, Golden State is dominant on assists, leading by 10 with the averages being 28.3 APG to 18.3 APG. When it comes to shooting, the Warriors are tough to stop. They lead in field goals 48.6% to 44.0%. threes 37.2% to 35.9%, and frees 81.9% to 76.4%. Finally, the Warriors top the Trail Blazers in two-point shot completions 55.4% to 48.5%.
Warriors Play Trail Blazers – Players
Golden State puts some of the best of the best in the NBA on the court. SF Kevin Durant and PG Stephen Curry control the front and back respectively. Durant is averaging 34.2 PPG, while Curry has been good for 24.3 PPG. Both offer top-notch assist chops. Durant is averaging 4.9 APG and Curry 5.1 APG. Also in the paint, PF Draymond Green is notching 8.0 APG, 9.3 RPG, and 12.4 PPG. SG Klay Thompson is putting 18.3 PPG on the scoreboard.
The Portland backcourt is exceptionally strong, as it features PG Damian Lillard and SG CJ McCollum. Lillard is 28.4 averaging PPG and McCollum 25.6 PPG. Lillard is dishing off 6.0 APG. Although the Blazer backcourt is strong and productive and should match up well against Golden State’s, they are thinner in the paint. Center Enes Kanter is the guy upfront. In the playoffs, Kanter is averaging 12.9 PPG and 10.6 RPG.
Five Keys to 2019 NBA Western Conference Finals
- Trail Blazers backcourt can be deadly
- Curry and Durant with Draymond equal big three
- Will Portland’s rebounding offer and edge?
- Warriors shooting – lights out
- Home court a big advantage for Golden State
Golden State vs Portland Preview – Our Pick
In the regular season, the Golden State Warrior beat the Portland Trail Blazer three-of-four times. In their three wins, the Warriors beat the Blazers by an average of 16.6 PPG. The one win by Portland was in OT by one point. The Warriors definitely have a major edge in this series and they will be tough to beat at home. Our Golden State vs Portland preview picks the Warriors in the 2019 NBA Western Conference Finals. We think they will take the series in four games.
Summary Warriors vs Portland Blazers Pick
Golden State Warriors in four games
