Draymond Green Returns to Face Injury-Plagued Trail Blazers
The Golden State Warriors (13-13) are gearing up for a pivotal matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers (9-16) this Sunday, and the return of Draymond Green after a three-game absence could be just what the team needs. Green’s presence on the court offers the Warriors a much-needed boost, while the Trail Blazers will be scrambling without five key players.
Blazers Struggling with Injuries
Portland’s roster is severely undermined, as they continue to navigate a wave of injuries. Two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday is nearing a return but will sit out for the 14th consecutive game due to a calf issue. Meanwhile, rookie Scoot Henderson is still waiting to make his season debut because of a hamstring injury. The situation is even more dire for the Blazers, as Damian Lillard is recovering from an Achilles injury that might sideline him for the entire year. Additionally, Matisse Thybulle (thumb) and Blake Wesley (foot) are also out of action. Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III are listed as questionable, although both are expected to suit up.
Warriors Face Avdija Challenge
One key player to watch on the Trail Blazers is Deni Avdija, who has been a thorn in the side of the Warriors this season. Avdija’s impressive performances have included:
October 24 vs. GSW: 26 points, 11-of-18 shooting, six assists, five rebounds
November 21 @ GSW: 26 points, 6-of-14 shooting, 13 assists, six rebounds
Both outings resulted in victories for the Blazers, highlighting the challenges the Warriors face in containing him. Without a designated defensive stopper, the Warriors will likely employ a committee approach to defend against Avdija. Players such as Jimmy Butler (6’6″) and Moses Moody (6’5″) have been tasked with the assignment, and expect De’Anthony Melton (6’2″) to also take a shot at guarding the larger Avdija. If Melton can effectively position himself to limit Avdija’s drive, it could significantly hinder the Blazers’ offensive strategy.
Curry on the Verge of History
Stephen Curry is in the spotlight as he stands poised to break another one of Michael Jordan’s records. After celebrating his 35th birthday on Friday, Curry recorded his 94th game with 35 or more points, surpassing Jordan for the most such games in NBA history. He now has the chance to eclipse Jordan’s record for the most 40-point games after turning 30, currently tied at 44.
Curry has been no stranger to high-scoring performances against Portland, having tallied 35 points in their first meeting and 38 points in the second. The timing couldn’t be better; the Blazers just allowed a staggering 143 points to the Pelicans on Thursday, indicating a potential defensive vulnerability that Curry could exploit.
Warriors’ Starting Lineup Uncertainty
As the Warriors prepare to take the court, the starting lineup remains a topic of speculation. Expect Curry, Butler, and Green to lead the charge. Quinten Post has been consistent as the starting center for the past three games, and he is likely to retain that role. However, Golden State’s last outing with a fully available Big Three saw them go small with Will Richard and Moses Moody as additional starters.
In their most recent game against the Timberwolves, Pat Spencer and Buddy Hield took starting roles alongside Curry, yielding mixed results. Moving forward, it’s anticipated that Hield and Post will round out the starting five. Regardless of the final lineup, expect a rotation featuring Spencer, Moody, Hield, Melton, and Brandin Podziemski in the first half, with the players who perform best likely to seal the game in crunch time.
With significant implications for standings and momentum, this matchup promises to be an exciting clash, especially with Curry on the hunt for record-breaking performance against a shorthanded Blazers squad.
