PORTLAND -- The Warriors on Friday embark on their final extended road trip of the season and the first opponent happens to be one of the hottest teams in the NBA.
The Trail Blazers, who have won eight of their last nine games, will play host to the defending champions Friday night before a sellout crowd at Moda Center.
The Warriors, however, have been sizzling at a rate beyond all others. They’ve won 11 in a row and their 48-4 record is the best in NBA history through 52 games. They’re 24-4 on the road, where rapidly growing “Dub Nation” has become a visible, audible force in opposing arenas.
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Yet Portland (27-27), with its own rabid fan base, is exceeding expectations after losing four of five starters last summer. The lone holdover, guard Damian Lillard, an Oakland native, is the undisputed team leader and having another fabulous season.
BETTING LINE
Warriors by 9.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry vs. Damian Lillard. It’s a battle between the highest-scoring point guards in the NBA. These two, both leaders of their respective teams, love to compete against each other. Curry has had the edge is recent games, but Lillard is capable of reversing that. If Lillard’s production can’t neutralize that of Curry, the Blazers will have an extremely hard time keeping up with the Warriors.
LAST 10
Warriors: 10-0. Blazers: 8-2.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: F James Michael McAdoo (L foot toe sprain) is listed as out. C Festus Ezeli (L knee surgery) is not with the team.
[RELATED: Warriors C Ezeli 'little bit ahead of schedule' with rehab]
Blazers: To be determined.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors have won the last four meetings (including a 128-108 victory on Jan. 8 in Portland) and nine of the last 11. They have won five of the last six in Portland.
QUOTABLE
“He’s explosive, he’s gotten better every year and he’s a gamer. He loves the big moments and big games. He’s one of those guys you could have a great defensive game against him, force him into tough shots and he could play right into your hands or he could go for 40.” – Curry on Lillard
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