Golden State Warriors: Ranking Best First Round Playoff Matchups

3. Portland Trail Blazers

Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

These next three teams are the teams in the West that the Warriors should be the most concerned with facing in the first round of the playoffs. The Portland Trail Blazers lack big-time postseason experience, but the talent on the roster cannot be denied. With the scoring ability of power forward LaMarcus Aldridge from the post, the dynamic playmaking ability of Oakland star Damian Lillard, and the defensive presence of Robin Lopez, the Trail Blazers have arguably the best starting five in the league.

The Warriors do have the advantage in terms of depth, as the Trail Blazers’ subs really don’t compare with the likes of Iguodala, David Lee, Livingston, and Marreese Speights. But when the playoffs come, depth won’t be as much of a factor as it is in the regular season. For the Warriors to come out on top in this series, their core players have to outperform the Blazers’ key players.

The backcourt will be where this series is won. Aldridge will likely have his hands full battling with Green, and Lopez and Bogut will feature the best center competition the playoffs will have to offer. For the scale to tip in the Warriors’ favor, Curry will have to outmatch Lillard at both ends of the floor. Wesley Matthews is no slouch either, so Thompson will have to be on top of his game as well.

On paper, the Warriors hold a slight edge, but they’ll have to be on top of their game during this particular matchup.

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