The Golden State Warriors head into their 2024-25 season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers with confidence, fresh off an undefeated 6-0 preseason run. Armed with a full-strength roster and a potent three-point attack, the Warriors are primed to kick off their campaign with a win at the Moda Center. Facing a Portland team widely projected to struggle in the Western Conference, Golden State aims to make an early statement. However, the Trail Blazers’ size advantage could throw a wrench in those plans.
Despite Golden State’s favored status, the Trail Blazers won’t roll over, especially at home. Portland showed flashes of promise in their preseason campaign, highlighted by a dominant 20-point win over Sacramento. Their defense, which ranked first in the league during the preseason, coupled with a solid 3-1 record, shows they’re not to be overlooked. Though the Warriors might have the edge in experience and shooting, Portland’s combination of size and defensive prowess could prove problematic.
The game will hinge on which team can impose their style. The Warriors thrive on pace and perimeter shooting, boasting an eighth-place finish in preseason three-point attempts and leading the league in shooting percentage from beyond the arc. On the other hand, Portland struggles from long range, ranking near the bottom in both attempts and accuracy. Instead, they rely on their size advantage, with towering players like Deandre Ayton and rookie center Donovan Clingan patrolling the paint. Ayton’s ability to score and dominate the boards, combined with Clingan’s breakout performances, could test Golden State’s ability to defend inside.
Golden State’s tallest rotation player is just 6’9”, leaving them vulnerable to Portland’s big men. Even with Draymond Green’s defensive prowess, containing Ayton and Clingan will be a challenge. Ayton’s 25-point, 11-rebound showing in their last matchup and Clingan’s recent 20-rebound game suggest that size could tip the scales in Portland’s favor. With Robert Williams III sidelined for the opener, the pressure mounts on Jackson-Davis and Green to neutralize Portland’s interior threats.
If the Warriors can control the three-point line while keeping Portland’s big men in check, they’ll likely walk away with a win. But if the Trail Blazers can exploit their size advantage, Golden State might find themselves in a tighter battle than expected.
