The Golden State Warriors continue to make their late-season push toward the playoffs when they battle the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night inside the Moda Center in Portland, OR. They tip it off at 10:00 pm as the Warriors hope a late push gets them into the playoffs. Bookmaker has installed the Warriors as a heavy - 14.5-point favorite. 

The Warriors (44-35) have hung around this season, and even though they have had issues on and off the floor, they seem to have one last push toward the playoffs in them. This is a battle-tested team, and they feel this might be their last chance at making a run for another title. 

They do not have the talent they had in years past, but they still have heart. They still have veteran shooting guard Stephen Curry, who can still pump in 30+ points if needed and on any given night. The veteran averages 26.4 points per game and has tried to carry this team on his back. 

Golden State has had issues with playing defense, and they need to do a better job of closing games this season. If they are to make that last push, they need to 

The Trail Blazers (21-58) have endured a rough season and are clearly on the rebuild. They have had issues on both ends of the floor, and they know they need to figure out a way to stop Curry and the Warriors, but this is a tough spot for Portland.

Golden State is a desperate team, and they will likely play it that way. If Portland can create some early turnovers and get the Warriors out of rhythm, they could keep it close and scare Golden State. On offense, look for Portland to get shooting guard Anfernee Simons into the mix early and let him shoot all night. 

Portland connects on 43% from the floor, including 35% from beyond the arc. Look for them to drive to the lane and look for easy buckets in this one. If they knock down their jumpers, they can keep it close and cover this one. 

The Trail Blazers are 2-3 in their last five games and 4-1 in their previous five games against the spread, and they are a solid 21-19 in their road games against the number. The totals have gone over in one out of their last five games. The totals have gone over in 19 out of their last 39 games at home. The Warriors are 4-1 in their previous five games and 3-2 in their last five games against the spread. They are also 26-13 in their road games against the number, and the totals have gone over in three out of their last five games. The totals have also gone over in 23 out of their last 39 games at home.