2 min read • February 25, 2022
Posted in
A Western Conference matchup will headline the night slate with the second place Warriors pitted against the tenth place Trailblazers. Each team is going in opposite directions in terms of health, with the Blazers likely packing it in this season with the recent Josuf Nurkic injury news.
Trailblazers Health
The season has been a disaster in terms of health for the Blazers with injuries hitting every star player on the roster. Guards Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum (recently traded to New Orleans) have missed a combined 49 games this season and now star center Nurkic will miss time due to plantar fasciitis of the left foot.
Lillard has missed the majority of the season with abdominal tendinopathy which required core muscle surgery in January. His scoring has been sorely missed as the Trailblazers are ranked 20th in the NBA in scoring per game as opposed to 4th last season where Lillard missed just 5 games.
Depth point guard Eric Bledsoe will also miss the Thursday contest due to an Achilles issue meaning Anfernee Simons (FD $7,600) will continue his rise to stardom and see heavy usage/minutes.
The center position will also be a problem spot for the Blazers with Nurkic out but value can be had with either Trendon Watford (FD $3,500) and Drew Eubanks (FD $4,500) as both will be showcased and given an opportunity to produce.
Warriors Health
This Golden State squad has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season and will look to capitalize on a clear health advantage with center Draymond Green being the only significant injury concern heading into the matchup.
Green has missed the last 20 games due to a back injury leaving Kevin Looney (FD $4,800) to hold down the fort. Looney is an intriguing option for rebounds and may play over 28 minutes. James Wiseman remains out with a knee injury leaving the center position thin.
Sharpshooter Klay Thompson (FD $6,200) has returned admirably from two significant injuries in back to back seasons and will play in his 17th game this season. He has played well on the offensive end averaging over 17 point a game while his defense has improved steadily. Thompson has slowing inched towards 100% playing in his most minutes (31) last game.
Hardworking guard Gary Payton II is listed as probable as he deals with lower leg soreness. If a bigger issue, expect more minutes from Michigan alum Jordan Poole.
The Warriors head into Portland the healthier team opening the door for potential betting value:
Warriors -10
Klay Thompson O18.5 Points
Written by
