Game Preview: Trail Blazers v Warriors

The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of
the Western Conference first-round playoffs, at Moda Center on Monday evening.
The Warriors lead the series 3-0. Despite lacking Kevin Durant in Games 2 and 3,
the Warriors have been able to dominate the first three games of the series.
Stephen Curry led the way in Game 3 with 34 points, after solid showings in Game
1 and 2 as well. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have also given consistent
efforts through the first three games, to help the Warriors remain steady
despite some bumps in the road. Unfortunately for the Warriors, Kevin Durant
(calf) is expected to miss Game 4, while coach Steve Kerr is also expected to
miss more time. The Warriors have scored 110 points or more in each of the first
three games, while they have also held the Trail Blazers below 44 percent from
the field in each game. Meanwhile, after dropping the first three games of the
series, the Trail Blazers will be fighting for their playoff lives, at home in
Game 4. They had a chance to make it a series when they led 67-54 at halftime at
home in Game 3, but fell apart in the second half, leading to their third
straight loss. The Trail Blazers only had 17 assists and gave up 16 turnovers in
Game 3, and were out-scored 22-6 in fast-break points. C.J. McCollum led
Portland with 32 points, while Damian Lillard followed up with 31 in Game 3.
Lillard and McCollum have been solid throughout the series, but the Blazers have
not had enough of a boost from the supporting cast. Evan Turner has started the
first three games and come through with a couple solid performances, but
Portland will need more guys to step up in Game 4. They will be without Jusuf
Nurkic again in Game 4. Nurkic was a significant part of Portland’s playoff push
and they have certainly missed him.