The Portland Trail Blazers were supposed to give the Golden State Warriors a challenge in the Western Conference Finals, but that has not been the case. Portland has had some big leads in the previous two games, but they haven’t been able to finish it off. The Warriors now have a commanding 3-0 series lead and will look to wrap up the series on Monday night.
The Trail Blazers stunned the Denver Nuggets with a Game 7 win in the semifinals, but they haven’t had the same luck against the defending champions. Portland has tried almost everything in this series, but nothing has worked. Golden State is no stranger to the Western Conference finals, and they are playing some of their best basketball of the season. The Warriors are -3.5 point favorites over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 4.
Warriors Not Missing Durant
Kevin Durant has missed the last four games with a calf strain, but in some ways, it has made the Warriors a better team. Durant was averaging more than 34 points per game in the playoffs before his injury, but the Warriors have found other players to fill his void. Golden State got 33 bench points in the Game 3 victory and dished out 27 assists as a team. There is a reason that the Warriors are the two-time defending champions.
Not only have the role players stepped up for the Warriors, but Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have as well. Curry has been putting on a show all series long and poured in 36 points in the Game 3 victory. Draymond Green is playing the best basketball in his career and registered a triple-double with 20 points to push the Trail Blazers to the brink of elimination. Golden State has weapons all over the floor, and the Blazers can’t stop them.
Dynamic Duo Must Lead Blazers
Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have both played pretty well so far in this series, but they need to find another gear for this team. Lillard and McCollum combined for 42 points in the Game 3 loss, but they are averaging more than 50 points per game in the playoffs. Lillard was a -23 and had five turnovers in the loss on Saturday night, and he will need a much better showing in this game. If these two dynamic players don’t step up their game on Monday, then the season will be over.
The Trail Blazers don’t have a ton of depth, and that has hurt them in this series as well. Meyers Leonard was inserted into the starting lineup in Game 3 and responded by pouring in 16 points and dishing out four assists. Rodney Hood and Seth Curry have played well this postseason, but combined for just eight points in that Game 3 loss. Portland needs its big stars to lead them, but they also need some help from their role players.
Portland Keeps Season Alive With Win
The Trail Blazers will be in desperation mode on Monday night, and that should give them an extra boost. They have played well at home all season long, and they won’t want to see their season end on their home floor. Golden State knows how to close a series out, but they won’t be able to do it in this one. Take the +3.5 points and bet the Portland Trail Blazers over the Golden State Warriors.
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