NBA Playoffs: Mims analyzes the Western Conference - Trail Blazers v Nuggets and Warriors v Rockets

The Blazers and Nuggets are tied at 1-1 with the next two games in Portland. The Blazers won last night despite a subpar scoring effort from Damian Lillard. The Portland bench scored approximately a third of the points and withstood the Nuggets 4th quarter comeback.

The Nuggets fell behind because of poor 3-point shooting. They shot 6-29 for a 20.7%. Jamal Murray suffered a leg injury that may be a concern for Game 3. Nikola Jokic played a poor first half and finished with a double double. I expect him to drop 26 or more in Game 3.

Lillard will play better at home. He was averaging 34.8 prior to last night. I see a return to 30 points and 7 assists. Portland will win Game Three. The 4 regular season games and the first game of this series were all high scoring games. Last night was an under on the total. Look for a revert to form in Game Three where the total is 215.

The Warriors are up 2-0 over the Rockets. Both games were close. The pressure is on Houston to hold serve and win the next two. Two significance injuries occurred in Game Two. Stephen Curry dislocated his finger and James Harden was scratched across the eye.

The key to a Rockets win lies with Clint Capela. He must win his match up with Draymond Green for them to have a chance to even the series. Harden will get more calls at home and drop over 30 against Golden State. Durant will score 25-30 so their points will offset each other. I don’t expect Curry to have a great game due to his hand injury.

Houston will win Game Three. The defense for both teams has been good and I expect that to continue. The total for Game Three is 220. The under has value.