we are missing the best of this number, but there is still is some value on Portland in a six-point shift from the Game 3 spread. The Blazers received a ton of wagering support in their home series debut Saturday, only to blow a double-figure lead and put the Warriors on the brink of another NBA Finals appearance. Now there seems to be a lot of sentiment for the sweep and, although Portland has shown its limitations, it should find a way to at least extend the series back to Oakland in a natural letdown spot for the Warriors.

There's no question the Trail Blazers will give a supreme effort; this is an overachieving, gritty bunch. But with their All-Star backcourt struggling due to injuries and Golden State's shrewd defense, I have to back the champs to close it out. The Warriors haven't lost since Kevin Durant went down, and each win has come by at least three points. Lay it.

I thought Game Three would be when Portland made its futile attempt at making a stand, and delaying the inevitable outcome of this series by a game. It wasn't. Portland built a big lead, but it blew that lead for the second consecutive game. Then the news of Damian Lillard's rib injury leaked, and that's the type of thing that typically leaks after a series has ended. The fact it's out now makes me believe the Blazers aren't all that interested in fighting against fate.

Despite Kevin Durant (calf) being out, the Warriors are in a position to sweep the Blazers on Monday. They’ve won two of the three games in this series by at least 11 points with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green all playing well. Damian Lillard is currently battling a rib injury, which isn’t going to help the Blazers’ cause any. I’ll take the Warriors to close out this series and cover.