Storyline: I’ve been on a roll, first picking the Trail Blazers to make the Playoffs and, then, picking Portland to beat the Clippers in Round 1. Here’s my prediction for Round 2, Blazers-Warriors.
For those who may not read my previous articles in TSC, know that I’ve been doing very accurate numerology analysis of the Portland Trail Blazers for the last season and a half. You can find all of my work here.
Analyst Lynn Buess
This season I was the only national sports writer and prognosticator to the Blazers to win 44 regular season games. The going consensus among 1001 professional NBA writers, analysts, and pundits across the country was for 16-26 wins. Las Vegas had them booked for 27 wins.
Earlier I posted the predictions here for the Blazers/Clippers series. Again, I was one of the very few, if not the only one, to pick the Blazers over the Clippers in 6 games.
I’m flushed with the ecstasy of victory and fraught with the agony of performance anxiety — having created such an unparalleled string of success and facing the public expectation of continuing to do so.
Oh, well, after all, it’s just a game! So I’ll now focus on the next hurdle, plunging into the task of assessing the Blazers-Warriors series.
Even without ‘The Curr,’ this is an obviously talented and formidable foe. The series will feature the most deserving Coach of the Year candidate as the young Blazers continue their “us against all” campaign.
I’m afraid at this point I must do my best imitation of mainstream writers, analysts, and pundits. It looks like this may be the end of the line for the hard playing, loveable Trail Blazers. The numerical cues I’ve used throughout the season are now vague and not reassuring. The Warriors are wary, having gotten their socks taken off and mauled by the Blazers earlier in the season. So, with all of that in mind, here we go:
Courtesy: foxsports.com
Game 1 at Warriors 5/1/16. Because of the beating the Warriors took in the regular season they’re going to be ready for the Blazers, determined not to let them get off to a good start. It looks like they will be successful at doing that very thing in Game 1. The double team on Dame leaves more freedom of CJ and a chance for him to excel. Mason Plumlee continues strong and Gerald Henderson’s experience is valuable in this one. (Loss).
Game 2 at Warriors 5/3/16. I know this will sound cliché, but I’m speaking numerically and not from the basketball industry, obviously. The Blazers will need this one early to stay in the fray. Looks like CJ could have an off night. It will be important to see if Aminu can pick up the slack. Allen Crabbe’s struggles appear to continue. They will play their hearts out, as usual, but it looks like they will come up just short. (Loss)
Game 3 at Blazers 5/7/16. This is one of the more favorable days numerically. Dame is up and CJ off. Gerald Henderson continues to shine. And Mason Plumlee’s performance will be a crucial issue in this one. It will be good to be home and the 6th player crowd will be a big factor. This one is iffy. (Win)
Courtesy: blazersedge.com
Game 4 at Blazers 5/9/16. This is the strongest numerical indicator for a Blazers win. Allen Crabbe comes alive and has a big night. The Blazers are feisty and free. Mo Harkless will be spotty, but timely, in his contribution. There will be a lot of energy expended in this one, and it will come down to stamina, fatigue, and willpower as the determining factors. (Win).
Game 5 at Warriors 5/11/16. If the Blazers have lost Game 3, it can all be over right here! But,if they’ve won Game 3, this will be a barn burner. A win could put them up a game. It will be a mixed game between Dame and CJ–one is up and one is off. Everyone contributes somehow and they all put their hearts into it. This one is a tough call, numerically, but I will say no. (Loss)
Game 6 at Blazers 5/13/16. This is the game that dreams are made of … if the Blazers get this far. If they’re to go further, this will be the GAME of games. Ed Davis and Mason Plumlee must control the boards and everyone else needs to contribute in little ways. A total team effort it’s another tough call, but I will have to go with lights out. (Loss).
Game 7 At Warriors 4/16/16. If they get this far, they may just pull it off.
