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NBA Playoff Power Rankings: Is A Cavs, Warriors Rubber Match Inevitable?

By Hans Themistode

Dec 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland defeats Golden State 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland defeats Golden State 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 30, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard Allen Crabbe (23) react after a basket against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard Allen Crabbe (23) react after a basket against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Portland Trail Blazers

Opponent: Golden State Warriors 

Looking to build on last year’s success, the Portland Trail Blazers were flat out terrible to begin the year. A midseason trade that netted them big man Jusuf Nurkic turned around their entire season and helped propel them into the playoffs.

Other than Steph Curry, there may not be another point guard in the NBA as capable of lighting up a scoreboard the way Damian Lillard can, which is exactly what the Blazers will need when they go up against the Golden State Warriors in the first round.

Unfortunately for the Blazers, Nurkic will either be unable to play or severely limited due to a broken leg. Whether they have the big man or not this team won’t be able to challenge the Warriors.

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