2019 Western Conference Finals: Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers preview

Predictions

This Western Conference Finals may not be the matchup we’d all hoped for, but it’s one ripe with captivating storylines. Stephen and Seth Curry will become the first pair of siblings to face off in a conference finals. They likely won’t match up often, but the times they do is sure to bring some good-spirited brotherly competition to the court.

Durant’s injury closes the talent gap between the two teams. The battle of the backcourts is sure to produce some stupefyingly high point totals that include arguably the two best point guards in the NBA today. Oh, and let’s also not forget Lillard’s connection to the Bay Area where he was born and raised.

So many had begged the Blazers to blow things up after the way their 2017-18 season ended. Instead, they bounced back with their best playoff run since the turn of the century and have at least a puncher’s chance at the NBA Finals.

With all that being said, this series is still Golden State’s to lose. Even without arguably their best player, the Dubs have shown time and time again their ability to rise to the occasion. With their fifth consecutive Finals appearance oh so close, expect the effort level to increase at both ends.

Portland will certainly make things both tough and exciting as it has all postseason long. In the end, the Blazers’ lack of surrounding talent next to Lillard and McCollum will be their doom. The Warriors, on the other hand, will come out swinging in an attempt to make a loud statement regarding their abilities sans KD, which will put them four wins away from the coveted three-peat.

Predictions: Warriors in 5