1. Is this team ready for this postseason run?
Sam Esfandiari
Yes.
Sheed Malek
Been Ready. Huge postseason for them, can they avenge last season’s colossal colapse or will they trick it off again.
Andy Liu
Yes.
Alex Torres
Yes, it might take a little longer for Kevin Durant to get his game legs back, but this team has been waiting for the playoffs, they’re ready.
2. Who will be the most important player for this team to win another title?
Sam Esfandiari
Draymond Green. Beyond the fact last years suspension may have cost the team a chance to repeat, Draymond is the teams leader on defense and irreplaceable on that end. The offense gets the headlines but GSW is at their best when they are defending like crazy and getting out in transition. Draymond staying on the court and being the lynchpin of the defense will be the key to the Warriors title hopes.
Sheed Malek
Steph Curry. It’s turn up time.
Andy Liu
Stephen Curry has yet to play at his MVP level in the Finals.
Alex Torres
Draymond Green. He’s the heartbeat of this team and as long he’s playing at his best, this team will be in good shape.
3. Predict the outcome of the series and in how many games?
Sam Esfandiari
Warriors in 4. Most teams struggle with the fact they don’t have 3 high level perimeter defenders to deal with Steph, Klay and KD at the same time. In Portland’s case they may not have 1. When fully healthy Portland has not posed a threat to GSW this season. Add Nurkic’s health being in doubt, Portland will likely be unable to punish GSW inside. all of this spells a short series.
Sheed Malek
W’s in 4. Hard to see the Blazers having enough defense to slow down GSW and manufacture enough offense (outside of Dame/CJ) vs the best defensive team in the league.
Andy Liu
GSW in 4.
Alex Torres
Dubs in 5. I will give Damian Lillard one game where he drops 50 and the Blazers win by 3-4 points.
4. Do you think D. Lillard really believes they’ll win in 6 games?
Sam Esfandiari
No. He was caught of guard by a team employee asking him if they’d win in 6 or 7. I don’t mind Dame making the statement. He was in a no-win position.
Sheed Malek
Of course. Is he supposed to say W’s in 4?… Probably shouldn’t have said anything, why give Draymond and co. any added motivation.
Andy Liu
He had no choice but to answer 6 with the way the question was asked. Lillard doesn’t like GSW but deep down, he probably knows they don’t stand much of a chance. Like the rest of the NBA.
Alex Torres
I don’t buy it, Lillard knows he has no shot at winning this series. Portland has a dynamic backcourt, but that’s all they got.
5. Series MVP will be?
Sam Esfandiari
Steph. He’s been rolling the last month and tends to show up big v. Dame Lillard. GSW has figured out they are at their best when Steph is aggressive and considering Portland doesn’t have the defenders to slow him down I expect some big games.
Sheed Malek
Kevin Durant.
Andy Liu
Steph.
Alex Torres
Steph Curry. He needs to get off to a good start. Similar to Draymond, this team feeds off Curry’s energy. If he’s out there and his shot is falling, it’s going to be a very quick series.