Bad Matchups
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves also received 22% of the vote, tied with the Spurs for second. Minnesota sits in the seventh spot in the West.
The two teams split the season series with whichever hosting coming out on top. This is good news considering the Blazers would carry home court advantage.
Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have been their normal dominant selves, leading a group of five Blazers averaging double figures against Minnesota. Minnesota has also been balanced on offense, with Jimmy Butler leading a group of six Timberwolves averaging over 10.5 points per game.
Butler has dominated this series, scoring 30.5 points per game is his two appearances against Portland (the two Minnesota victories). He’ll be healthy for the first round despite knee surgery, making the Timberwolves and unfavorable matchup.
Prediction: Minnesota, 4-3.
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio also received a large portion of the fan vote – 22% ties for second with Minnesota. The Spurs currently sit at the fifth seed in the West.
A roster missing Kawhi Leonard has battled with Portland in the two games this year. San Antonio bested Portland by a score of 93-91 back in December but dropped a 111-110 affair to split the season series. LaMarcus Aldridge has dominated his former team this season, averaging 26 points and 11 rebounds over the two matchups. Despite Aldridge’s dominance, only three Spurs average double digit points in the two matchups.
Oppositely, Portland’s stars have encountered issues against this San Antonio defense. No Blazer averages more than 19 points per contest. This trend is dangerous if it continues in a playoff series as Portland performs best when Lillard and CJ control the game.
But with the recent turmoil between the Spurs’ organization and Kawhi Leonard, as well as a disheartening loss to the Lakers, the Blazers can squeak by the perennial contenders. That being said, never underestimate what Gregg Popovich can achieve with an undermanned lineup.
Prediction: Portland, 4-3.
Utah Jazz
Utah finished last in the fan vote with only 14% of the vote.
Portland has had difficulties with the Jazz, losing the first two matchups by nine and 19 points respectively. In the third attempt, the Blazers defeated the Jazz by 19 in revenge.
Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have played well in the season series so far, averaging 32 and 21.3 points respectively. However, their supporting cast has failed to perform with only Jusuf Nurkic scoring in double figures (11.3).
Utah has been very balanced in their scoring attack – six players average at least 13 points per game versus Portland. Rookie guard Donovan Mitchell leads the way for the Jazz with 25.3 points per game.
Lack of support for Dame and CJ could carry over to playoffs and spell trouble, but the resurgence of bench production in the last month should be enough to get a first-round victory.
Prediction: Portland, 4-2.
Next: Blazers bench comes just short of miraculous comeback
Portland has set themselves up for success and will be expected to win its first round series. Of the likely first round opponents, the Thunder and Pelicans are the most favorable, while a series against Minnesota or San Antonio could spell trouble.