Golden State Warriors vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 23/12/2023, 07:15  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 23/12/2023 at 12:30 in NBA Prediction

The Portland Trail Blazers square off against the Golden State Warriors in a Western Conference showdown at Chase Center on Saturday. The hosts are 14-14 and 11th in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 7-20 and 14th. 

The upcoming game marks the third encounter between these teams this season, and so far, the Golden State Warriors have emerged victorious in both previous matchups, winning 110-106 at home and 118-114 away. In their most recent outing, the Warriors secured an impressive 129-118 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday, with Steph Curry leading the scoring with 30 points, including 8-for-13 on three-pointers. The Warriors are averaging 116.9 points per game, ranking them 11th in the league. Interestingly, though, they have a higher scoring average on the road, putting up 118.6 points per game compared to 115.2 at home. Their proficiency from beyond the arc is notable, averaging 15.1 three-pointers per game, which is the fourth-highest in the league, and they make 2.7 more threes than their opponents (12.4). On defense, they are allowing an average of 116.1 points per game, placing them 20th in the NBA. Brandin Podziemski, Andrew Wiggins, and Gary Payton II are doubtful for the upcoming game due to injury. 

Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers have been struggling recently, with eight losses in their last nine games. Despite a brief respite with a 109-104 victory over the Phoenix Suns, they returned to their losing streak, falling 118-117 to the Washington Wizards on Thursday night, even as 4.5-point home favorites. Anfernee Simmons had an impressive 42 points in the game, but it wasn't enough to secure a win, leading to their fourth home defeat in the last five games. Offensively, the Trail Blazers are facing challenges, scoring an average of 108.0 points per game, which is the second-worst in the NBA. They are being outscored by 6.3 points per game. On the defensive end, they have performed slightly better, allowing an average of 114.3 points per game. Portland will be without Shaedon Sharpe and Robert Williams II for the upcoming game.