Portland Trail Blazers vs Golden State Warriors Picks and Predictions October 23rd 2024

Trail Blazers vs Warriors October 23rd 2024

At 10:00 ET, the Golden State Warriors (-222) will travel to take on the Portland Trail Blazers (+186) at the Moda Center. The over/under line for this Western Conference matchup is currently set at 222 points.

Last year, the Warriors finished 10th in the Western Conference with a record of 46-36, while the Trail Blazers finished 15th in the West with a record of 21-61.

Warriors vs. Trail Blazers Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Golden State Warriors at Portland Trail Blazers
• Where: Portland at Moda Center
• Date: Wednesday, October 23rd
• Betting Odds GS -5.5, GS -222 | POR +186 O/U 222

The Warriors Can Win If…

The Warriors enter the season ranked 14th in our power rankings, with a 44.5% chance of making the playoffs and a 14.9% chance of winning the Pacific Division. Last season, Golden State finished 46-36, placing 5th in the division and 10th in the Western Conference. They were 21-20 at home and 25-16 on the road.

Against the spread, the Warriors had a 35-47 record, and they were 37-18 straight-up when favored. Their games averaged 232.9 points, with an average O/U line of 231 points, and they went 41-40-1 on over/unders.

Golden State enters the season ranked 10th in our offensive power rankings after finishing 8th in points per game (117.8) last year. The Warriors were 12th in possessions per game (99.3) but ranked 3rd in field goal attempts per game (91.6), shooting 47.7% (13th). They were 2nd in three-pointers made per game (14.8) and 7th in three-point percentage (38.0%), while attempting 38.9 threes per game (4th). They were 27th in free throw attempts per game (20.0) and 16th in free throw percentage (78.0%).

Stephen Curry, who averaged 26.4 points per game last season, is projected to lead the team in scoring and is ranked 10th in our league-wide projections. He’s also projected to be 1st in three-pointers made. Jonathan Kuminga is projected to be 2nd on the team in scoring, ranking 67th in the league. New addition Buddy Hield is projected to be 4th on the team and 98th in the league, and he’s expected to be 2nd on the team in three-pointers made, ranking 14th in the league.

Golden State comes into this season ranked 18th in our defensive power rankings after allowing 115.9 points per game last year, placing them 20th in the NBA. They were one of the league’s top rebounding teams, finishing 4th in defensive rebounds, and Stephen Curry, who is questionable, is among the top rebounders at his position. Brandin Podziemski, another strong rebounder, is also questionable, while Draymond Green is projected to lead the team in rebounds and blocked shots, with Trayce Jackson-Davis also providing a strong inside presence.

Opponents shot 45.9% from the field against the Warriors last season, the 5th-lowest mark in the NBA. They allowed 38.7% shooting from beyond the arc, ranking 28th, but were much stronger inside, holding teams to 50.7% shooting, the 2nd-best in the league.

• In their last five games away from home, the Warriors have a straight up record of 3-2 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 113 points per game in these contests.
• Spanning across their last three games as the betting favorite, the Warriors have gone 0-3 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-2.
• Over their last three games, the Warriors have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 0-3 vs. the spread.

The Trail Blazers Can Win If…

Portland enters the season ranked 26th in our power rankings, with just a 3.0% chance of making the playoffs. Last season, the Trail Blazers finished 21-61, placing 5th in their division and 15th in the Western Conference. They struggled in conference play, going 8-44, and had a 1-15 record against divisional opponents.

Against the spread, Portland matched its 21-61 overall record, going 11-30 at home and 10-31 on the road. As underdogs in 76 games, they went 20-56 straight-up. The average over/under line for their games was 222.7 points, and they ended the season with a 39-42-1 O/U record, with their games averaging 221.8 points per game.

Portland enters the season ranked 28th in our offensive power rankings after finishing 29th in points per game (106.4) last year. They were 17th in possessions per game (97.4) but struggled with efficiency, ranking 29th in field goal percentage (43.9%) and 30th in three-point percentage (34.5%). The Blazers were 11th in field goal attempts per game (89.7) and 20th in three-point attempts (33.2), making 11.5 threes per game (28th). They were 9th in free throw percentage (79.1%) and 2nd in offensive rebounds per game (12.6).

Anfernee Simons is projected to lead the team in scoring, ranking 8th among shooting guards and 32nd overall. Jerami Grant, who averaged 21 points per game last season, is projected 2nd on the team and 12th among power forwards. New addition Deni Avdija, who averaged 14.7 points and 7.2 rebounds with the Wizards, is projected 5th on the team in scoring.

Last season, the Trail Blazers ranked 18th in points allowed, giving up 115.4 per game, and we have them 18th in our defensive power rankings heading into this season. Portland allowed opponents to shoot 49.1% from the field, ranking 25th in the NBA, but they were much better at defending the three-point line, holding teams to 35% shooting, which ranked 4th in the league. They also averaged 7.6 steals per game, ranking 12th in the NBA.

Portland finished last in the NBA in defensive rebounding, but they added Deandre Ayton and Donovan Clingan, two strong rebounders, to help in that area. Ayton is also projected to be one of their top shot-blockers, along with Clingan, who ranks among the league’s best in blocks. Last season, the Blazers ranked 27th in blocked shots.

• Across their three previous home games, Portland has an ATS mark of 1-2. Their straight up record in these matchups was 1-2 while averaging 99 points per game.
• Going back to their previous three games as the underdog, Portland has an ATS mark of 1-2 while going 0-3 straight up.
• In their last five games, the Trail Blazers have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 4-1 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +5.5, the Trail Blazers is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 222, and our model predicts the Warriors and Trail Blazers to score a combined 304 points. We recommend betting on the over.

ScoresandStats | The Edge You’ve Been Looking For

New-Look Warriors, Minus a ‘Splash Brother,’ Open Season Against Blazers

The Golden State Warriors are set to open the 2024-2025 NBA season on Wednesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, embarking on a new chapter in the franchise’s storied history. With Klay Thompson now a member of the Dallas Mavericks, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are leading a Warriors team that must reinvent itself without one of the core players who helped the team reach six NBA Finals and win four championships.

The End of the Iconic “Splash Brothers” Duo

The offseason departure of Klay Thompson marks the end of an era for the Warriors. Thompson’s shooting prowess and chemistry with Curry were central to Golden State’s dominance over the past decade. Together, the “Splash Brothers” changed the NBA with their unprecedented long-range shooting and helped establish the Warriors as a dynasty. Now, the team will need to redefine itself without Thompson, who chose to take his talents to Dallas.

Stephen Curry, now 36, and Draymond Green, 34, remain the cornerstones of the Warriors, but the absence of their third member requires the team to reimagine its identity. Coach Steve Kerr acknowledges the challenge ahead, stating, “We just have to start a certain way and see how it plays out.” Kerr’s goal is to find a reliable starting lineup that can bring the team back to title contention after missing the playoffs last season.

New Faces and a Revised Strategy

To fill the void left by Thompson, the Warriors have introduced several new players into their rotation. Notable newcomers include sharp-shooting guard Buddy Hield, defensive stalwart De’Anthony Melton, and forward Kyle Anderson, a versatile addition. Alongside these veterans, the Warriors are banking on the development of younger talent, including Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody.

Kuminga, a highly touted forward, is entering his fourth season after averaging 16.1 points per game last year. However, he declined a rookie contract extension, setting himself up to become a restricted free agent next season. His role and performance this year will be critical for both his future and the team’s success.

Coach Kerr is prepared to experiment with different lineups to find the right chemistry on the court. “I’d like to have one starting lineup for the whole year, but it has to lead to wins,” Kerr said. With Curry and Green at the helm, supported by Andrew Wiggins, the Warriors’ lineup will likely remain fluid in the early stages of the season.

Stephen Curry: Still the Focal Point

Despite spraining his right index finger in the preseason, Stephen Curry is expected to be fully available for the opener. The extended scrimmages in practice have been designed to help Curry regain his rhythm, ensuring the Warriors’ offense remains potent with him at the center. Now entering his 15th season, Curry continues to be the engine driving the Warriors’ success, both as a playmaker and a leader.

Curry’s unique combination of experience, leadership, and unmatched shooting ability will be pivotal as the Warriors seek to overcome the loss of Thompson. Curry himself remains optimistic but realistic about the transition. “I don’t think you can avoid feelings getting hurt,” Curry said, addressing the potential internal competition among teammates, “but it’s part of the NBA.”

Warriors’ Roster Depth: A Key Strength

One of the Warriors’ advantages heading into the season is their depth. Beyond Curry and Green, Andrew Wiggins provides consistent two-way play, while the new additions are expected to bring energy and versatility. Buddy Hield’s three-point shooting will help stretch the floor, while De’Anthony Melton’s defensive prowess offers Kerr options on the perimeter.

In addition to the veterans, the Warriors’ young core—headlined by Kuminga—offers potential for growth. Moses Moody and rookies like Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis will have opportunities to prove their worth and contribute, especially in a system that values ball movement and teamwork.

The Trail Blazers: A Team in Transition

While the Warriors are trying to maintain their status as contenders, the Portland Trail Blazers find themselves in a rebuilding phase. After finishing last season with a dismal 21-61 record, the Blazers are still adjusting to life without Damian Lillard, who was traded prior to the start of last season.

Portland’s roster features a mix of promising young talent and established veterans. Center Deandre Ayton, acquired last season, and forward Jerami Grant will be crucial in providing scoring and leadership. The backcourt includes young stars Anfernee Simons and second-year player Scoot Henderson, who are expected to play pivotal roles in the Blazers’ new direction. Portland’s No. 7 overall draft pick, center Donovan Clingan, adds more depth to their frontcourt.

However, injuries remain a significant issue for the Blazers. Shaedon Sharpe (shoulder), Robert Williams III (hamstring), and Matisse Thybulle (knee) are all sidelined for the opener. Despite this, Portland coach Chauncey Billups remains optimistic, saying, “I love our depth. We want to play fast, we want to pressure guys out, and that wears you out—not just the other team but us, too.”

Warriors’ Dominance Over Portland

The Warriors have had the upper hand against the Trail Blazers in recent matchups, winning all four games last season and 10 of their last 11 meetings. With Portland still finding its footing and battling injuries, Golden State will look to exploit its experience and depth to start the season with a win.

What to Expect in the Season Opener

As the Warriors and Trail Blazers take the court, the season opener presents a contrasting narrative. Golden State, though missing a key piece in Thompson, is still in win-now mode, driven by Curry and Green’s leadership. Portland, on the other hand, is focused on building for the future, integrating young talent with the hope of turning the page on the Lillard era.

Golden State’s journey to establish a new identity begins in Portland, and all eyes will be on how they adapt without Thompson. Will the new lineup gel quickly, or will the Warriors need time to adjust? One thing is certain: the Warriors remain a team with championship aspirations, even as they transition into a new phase of their dynasty.

Conclusion The Warriors’ season opener against the Blazers marks the start of a pivotal season for Golden State. Without Klay Thompson, the team will lean heavily on Curry’s leadership, Green’s defensive intensity, and the contributions of new and young players. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers will look to build momentum as they continue their rebuild. Both teams face challenges, but the Warriors’ depth and experience could give them an edge in the early part of the season.