Programming note: Warriors-Blazers coverage starts tonight at 7 p.m. with Warriors Pregame Live on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, and streaming live right here.
After a perfect six-game homestand, the Warriors go back on the road to face four consecutive playoff opponents, beginning with the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night at Moda Center.
The Warriors (57-13) are streaking, having won six in a row and 11 of their last 12. They're healthy again, with Klay Thompson returning for Monday night's win over Washington. They might even be, dare we say, peaking.
As for the Trail Blazers, they're in the midst of their longest losing streak of the season – four in a row. Moreover, they could be without a significant portion of their roster. Already without guard Wesley Matthews, forwards LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum also could miss the game.
Portland (44-24) is slumping but remains one of the most imposing home teams in the league, with a 28-6 record at Moda Center. The Blazers have not lost five in a row since ending the 2012-13 season with a 13-game losing streak.
OPENING LINE
Warriors by 7.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Stephen Curry vs. Damian Lillard: Curry is in the MVP discussion, while Lillard has endured a slight regression – though earler this month he became the only player in NBA history to make more than 150 3-pointers in each of his first three seasons. Neither has a reputation for defense, but Curry has been superior this season.
Draymond Green vs. LaMarcus Aldridge: Aldridge may be the most complete power forward in the league, capable of scoring on the block, with the turnaround or from midrange. If he plays, he'll be a load. Green, of course, wouldn't have it any other way. He'll pester Aldridge on defense and outrun him on offense.
Harrison Barnes vs. Nicolas Batum: Batum has had a strange season, practically invisible for the first half, surging immediately after the break and now mired in mediocrity. Barnes' chart pattern is similar but slightly higher overall, with fewer assists and greater efficiency.
KEYS TO VICTORY
1) Clean the glass: The Blazers, particularly if Aldridge plays, are a terrific rebounding team that punishes opponents with second-chance buckets.
2) Bring the track shoes: The Warriors want to run because they do it so well. It's a sound formula under most circumstances, but especially if Portland is short-handed.
3) Park on the arc: The loss of Matthews punched a hole in Portland's defense, which doesn't close out as well on 3-point shooters. That has to make the Warriors smile.
LAST 10
Warriors 9-1, Blazers 5-5.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: Shaun Livingston is out (rest).
Blazers: F LaMarcus Aldridge (left index finger sprain), F Nicolas Batum (lower back pain), C Chris Kaman (strained right shoulder) are listed as doubtful. G Wesley Matthews (ruptured left Achilles tendon) is listed as out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors won the first meeting this season and have won six of the last eight. The Warriors have lost the season series only once in the last 12 years.
