Warriors vs. Trail Blazers – As the NBA season heats up, the upcoming clash between the Golden State Warriors and the Portland Trail Blazers is attracting significant attention from fans and bettors alike. The Warriors, holding a record of 10-13, face off against the struggling Trail Blazers at 6-16. This matchup is not just a battle on the court but also a focal point for NBA daily picks, as both teams bring unique strengths and challenges to the table.
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Date & Time: Sunday, December 17, 2023, at 9:00 PM ET
Location: Moda Center at the Rose Quarter
TV: ROOT Sports NW
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Warriors | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Trail Blazers | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Golden State Warriors Analysis
The Warriors enter this game with a 10-13 record, struggling to find consistency so far this season after winning the championship last year. Offensively, they are led by superstar Stephen Curry, averaging 29.1 points per game on 48% shooting from the field and 43% from three. Curry continues to showcase his limitless shooting range whether off the dribble or catching and shooting. He has uncanny body control and touch on his high degree of difficulty layups. In addition, Curry remains one of the best table-setters in the league, keeping defenses constantly off balance. However, the supporting cast around Curry has failed to step up.
Defensively, the Warriors are allowing the 4th most points per game this year at 117. Their normally stout defense led by Draymond Green has regressed partly due to personnel losses. Additionally, effort and communication have slipped. Green continues to make his presence felt with elite help defense and versatility but he alone cannot return this defense to prior peaks. Overall, the Warriors have yet to discover the right substitutions, rotations or defensive identity so far. But their underlying talent and pedigree means they could turn it around any game now.
Portland Trail Blazers Analysis
Meanwhile, the 6-16 Trail Blazers have also had a disappointing start plagued by injuries after making solid moves in the offseason. Offensively, Anfernee Simons has done his best to carry the load in the backcourt, putting up 28.5 points per game on 47% shooting overall and 43% from deep, along with 5 assists. His quickness, silky shooting stroke and tight handle allow him to create space for shots or blow by defenders and get to the rim. Simons has showcased the ability to score at all three levels, whether shooting off screens and handoffs or in isolation and pick and rolls. Jerami Grant has provided a secondary scoring option but he lacks playmaking for others.
Defensively, the Trail Blazers are allowing the 3rd most points in the NBA at 117.4 per game. Additionally, their perimeter defenders regularly get beat whether in isolation or the pick and roll. Quick guards easily turn the corner while forwards struggle fighting through screens. Communication and effort also lag far behind elite defenses. Players fail to rotate properly and close out to shooters with urgency. If the Trail Blazers harbor any hopes of turning their season around, defensive improvement must become a priority.
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers Against the Spread
The Warriors have proven more reliable against the spread in their most recent five games, going 4-1 against it and an even better 8-3 road game performance against it, suggesting they excel under pressure. Three out of their last five totals went OVER however, suggesting high-scoring encounters may occur more frequently than expected.
The Trail Blazers have had mixed results against the spread, posting only three wins out of their past five contests against it and only two overs in that span, suggesting their games tend to be low scoring affairs.
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers Free Pick
Based on trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Golden State Warriors. The Warriors have the best player on the court in Curry and more overall talent. Their struggling defense matches up well with Portland’s woeful offense.
Spread: Golden State Warriors. The Warriors should be favored by at least a couple of possessions over the short-handed Trail Blazers. Lay the points with the better team.
Total: Over. Both of these teams rank bottom-five in defensive efficiency while featuring elite scoring guards. Expect a shootout with the over hitting comfortably.
Predicted Score: Golden State Warriors 118, Portland Trail Blazers 110
The most reliable pick for this matchup seems to be the Warriors on the spread. Their proven ability to cover spreads in recent games, coupled with their superior offensive play, makes them a solid bet. For those looking at top betting websites in Canada, this game presents a great opportunity, with the Warriors poised to capitalize on their offensive strengths against the Trail Blazers’ inconsistent defense.
