NBA Playoff Preview: Portland at Golden State, Game 2

On Tuesday night, the Portland Trail Blazers will be in Golden State, attempting to even their Western Conference semifinal round at a game apiece. The Warriors won Game 1, 118-106, despite the fact that Stephen Curry missed the game with a sprained MCL in his right knee. That did not stop the Warriors from jumping out to a 37-17 lead after the first period and then coasting the rest of the way. Find out the updated NBA lines here.

NBA Playoff Preview: Portland Trail Blazers at Golden State Warriors, Game 2

When: Tuesday, May 3, 2016, 10:30pm Eastern time Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA TV: TNT Radio: KNBR 680 / 1050 AM Oakland Live Stream: NBA-Stream.com NBA Odds: TBA    

Why should you bet on Portland?

Damian Lillard eventually had 30 points on the night, but he started 2-for-13 on the floor, giving him another slow shooting night in Oakland. The Trail Blazers have not played well in Golden State lately. On March 11, they lost in Oakland by the score of 128-112, but that did come after a game in which Portland beat the Warriors by 32 points. If the Trail Blazers can get some rest after a long series with the Clippers and come into Game 2 fresh and with their shooting legs, there are opportunities to take advantage of the Warriors without Curry.

Why should you put your money on the Warriors?

With Curry on the shelf, it was time for Draymond Green and Klay Thompson to take over. Thompson dropped 37 points on Portland, including a shot from way beyond the arc, where Curry has started to destroy opponents’ confidence. Eighteen of Thompson’s points game in the first quarter, as he went 7 for 10 with four from downtown to bury the Trail Blazers before the game even really got underway.Green posted the second triple-double in his postseason career, posting 23 points, 13 boards and 11 assists. All five of the Warrior starters hit double figures, and Thompson’s seven threes made him the first NBA player ever to nail at least seven from behind the arc in three consecutive playoff games.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I don’t think Portland will win Game 2, but I do think this will be a lot closer. I’m predicting a 114-111 Golden State win.