Skidding Portland must face Golden State
While frequently overshadowed by his higher-scoring brethren, Golden State forward Draymond Green has carved out a reputation as one of the NBA’s most well-rounded performers. Occasionally, though, even he feels the need to post a commanding stat line.
Such was the case Monday, with the Michigan State product notching his 16th career triple-double in a 127-119 triumph over Denver. Green hopes to keep the momentum going when the Trail Blazers hit town tonight. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives the Warriors odds of -4000 to emerge victorious. Portland, on the other hand, enters Oracle Arena as a +1400 underdog.
Thanks in large part to Green’s steadying influence on both ends of the court, the Dubs have won 10 of their last 11 games. They also delight in inflicting pain on the Blazers. Steve Kerr’s troops dismantled Rip City’s finest on Nov. 1, 127-104, followed by a 135-90 thrashing nearly seven weeks later.
Terry Stotts’ team clearly hasn’t regrouped since then, either. Having dropped 11 of 13, Portland hovers near the bottom of the standings. Guards Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum combine to average 49.9 points per tilt. Unfortunately, the bench mob in the Pacific Northwest leaves a lot to be desired.
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With Golden State playing arguably its best ball of the season, we’re taking the easy route here. Look for the host squad to eclipse the 105-point barrier for the seventh straight contest.
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