The Golden State Warriors (13-13) travel to face the Portland Trail Blazers (9-16) on Sunday night at the Moda Center. Portland aims to extend its season series lead after winning both prior meetings, while Golden State seeks to rebound from a recent loss. Stephen Curry returns from injury, setting up a pivotal contest at 9 p.m. ET.
The Golden State Warriors head to Portland for a Sunday night showdown with the Trail Blazers, looking to improve their standing in the Western Conference. Golden State enters with a 13-13 record following a 127-120 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Stephen Curry led the way with 39 points in his return from a five-game quad injury absence, while Quinten Post added 16 points and Jimmy Butler contributed 15 points and eight rebounds. The Warriors were without Draymond Green, who missed three games for personal reasons but is expected back, and Al Horford due to a back issue.
Portland, sitting at 9-16, has struggled lately, dropping three straight games and six of their last seven. Their most recent defeat was a 143-120 road loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, where only 10 players were available. Shaedon Sharpe paced the team with 21 points, Sidy Cissoko scored 20, and Jerami Grant added 16. The Trail Blazers were missing Donovan Clingan (bruised lower left leg), Yang Hansen (bruised face), Robert Williams III (illness), and Jrue Holiday (strained right calf).
The teams have met twice this season, with Portland prevailing in both: 139-119 at home on Oct. 24 and 127-123 in San Francisco on Nov. 21. Key performers include Curry averaging 28.5 points for Golden State, Butler at 19.3 points, Jonathan Kuminga with 12.4 points and 6.3 rebounds, and Green averaging 5.5 assists. For Portland, Deni Avdija leads with 25.4 points, Sharpe at 21.1, Holiday with 16.7 points and 8.3 assists, and Clingan posting 10.0 points and 10.2 rebounds.
This matchup could hinge on Golden State's depth against Portland's injury challenges, with the Trail Blazers holding a 2-0 edge in the series.
