Western Conference NBA Playoffs preview – Golden State Warriors vs Portland Trail Blazers

Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Kevin Durant (35) talk on the bench during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Kevin Durant (35) talk on the bench during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NBA Playoffs
Jan 29, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives past Golden State Warriors guard Patrick McCaw (0) during the second half at the Moda Center. The Warriors won 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

2017 NBA Playoffs Series specifics

Game 1

Date: Sunday, April 16

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Location: Oracle Arena in Oakland, California

Watch: ABC

Line: Golden State -12, per OddsShark

Game 2

Date: Wednesday, April 19

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

Location: Oracle Arena in Oakland, California

Watch: TNT

Game 3

Date: Saturday, April 22

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

Location: Moda Center in Portland, Oregon

Watch: TNT

Game 4

Date: Monday, April 24

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

Location: Moda Center in Portland, Oregon

Watch: TNT

More from Thunderous Intentions

*Game 5

Date: Wednesday, April 26

Time: TBD

Location: Oracle Arena in Oakland, California

*Game 6

Date: Friday, April 28

Time: TBD

Location: Moda Center in Portland, Oregon

*Game 7

Date: Sunday, April 30

Time: TBD

Location: Oracle Arena in Oakland, California

*if necessary

Predictions:

With all due respect to the supremely confident Damian Lillard (who hails from Oakland), the Blazers are not beating the Warriors. And the Blazers are absolutely not beating them in six games.

The length of this series hinges on Nurkic’s health. If he suits up from Game 1 on, Portland has a chance to push this thing to six (hey, that’s a one-game improvement over last season!). But, if Nurkic stays on the shelf for any amount of time, Golden State won’t be tested.

I’ve got the Warriors in five.