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.