Western Conference Final, Game 1 Preview

Two franchises, different in almost every way, seek the same prize–a trip to the NBA Finals.

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Golden State is coming off an improbable victory in Game Six over Houston. For improbable Portland, CJ McCollum poured in 37 points against the Nuggets to send the Blazers to the Western Conference Finals.

So what should fans expect in Game 1?

For one thing, don’t expect Kevin Durant to be playing. He’ll be held out of this game and, probably, Game 2. Also, don’t expect Boogie Cousins to be back quite yet, either. 

Both outcomes represent good news for the Blazers. First, it gives Portland a chance to steal one game–and possibly two games–in Oakland. Second, with two big-time players out for the Warriors, Rodney Hood has time to heal from his own injury (sustained on Sunday). Finally, the Blazers, who need confidence going up against a juggernaut, will definitely have it.

Just don’t count out the Warriors! Steph and Klay will be ultra-aggressive. The ‘Splash Brothers’ will have more shots to take as the offense strays away from isolation plays.

McCollum has to be watched, too. A stellar talent in his own right, McCollum has emerged during this year’s playoff run.

So look for the backcourts of both teams to determine who will win Game 1.

What about the boards? Looney and Bogut are capable of grabbing misses, but I think Kanter and Collins are more physical and will be a problem for the Warriors to handle. Another Portland advantage is team depth–something that has been an issue for Golden State. During the semi-finals against Houston, the Warriors’ starting five averaged over 40 minutes of play.

Will that amount of play haunt the Warriors in this series? Perhaps. But, remember, these are the defending champs–a team that has been there and done that. Experience almost always pays off.

I predict that Lillard will have his way even though Thompson (a fierce defender) will most likely be guarding him. But Lillard is a big-time shot maker and I think he’ll do just that. For the Warriors, Curry is going to dominate because he has a history of torching the Blazers. 

And to add spice to this series, there’s a sibling rivalry–Curry (Warriors) v. Curry (Blazers)! It will be Steph against Seth in a match-up that makes mom and dad both proud and perplexed (about which team to root for). 

When all is said and done, I’ll take the Warriors in Game 1, 125-110.

On Wednesday morning, look for Steph and crew to be the talk of Twitter.