Warriors-Blazers Game 1 watch guide: Lineups, injuries, player usage

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OAKLAND - After dispatching the Houston Rockets in six games in the second round of the NBA playoffs, the Warriors will continue their quest towards a third straight title Tuesday evening in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Portland Trail Blazers. 

Pregame coverage on NBC Sports Bay Area begins at 4:30 p.m. PT with Warriors Outsiders, followed by SNC: Warriors Playoff Central. Tipoff for the ESPN telecast is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT.

Golden State is 17-1 in Game 1 under Steve Kerr, including 11 straight wins to open a series. However, Tuesday evening could be a challenge for the Warriors, as they will be without DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Durant.

These two teams have split the season series 2-2, with each team taking a game on the other's home floor. With Oakland-native Damian Lillard playing his final playoff series Oracle Arena, best believe the Blazers will be giving the champs their best shot. 

Here's everything you need to know about Tuesday's matchup. 

PROJECTED LINEUPS

Warriors
F – Andre Iguodala
F – Draymond Green
C – Andrew Bogut
G – Klay Thompson
G – Stephen Curry

Blazers
F Al-Farouq Aminu
F Maurice Harkless
C Enes Kanter
G Damian Lillard
G CJ McCollum

INJURY REPORT

Warriors: C DeMarcus Cousins (L quadriceps tear), F Kevin Durant (R calf strain) and C Damian Jones (L pectoral surgery) are listed as out.

Blazers:  Rodney Hood (left knee) is questionable Jusuf Nurkic (left leg) is out

ROTATION OUTLOOK

Warriors: With Durant and Cousins out, Bogut should get the start in Game 1 to help combat Kanter's offensive exploits. Following his closeout game performance in Houston, Iguodala should be a vital contributor Tuesday night as Curry will surely be trapped out of the pick and roll, leaving the veteran wide open beyond the 3-point line. Green has grabbed at least 10 rebounds in his last five games. Curry has made at least one 3-pointer in his last 102 playoff games. In Friday's win over Houston, Curry and Thompson combined for 60 points and with Durant out, a repeat performance might be necessary.

[RELATED: Previewing Warriors-Blazers with NBC Sports Northwest]

Blazers: Rodney Hood, who had a breakout series against the Nuggets in the second round, is questionable. Lillard averaged 28.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.0 steal in four matchups against the Warriors this season, including  30.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists in eight playoff games. McCollum has scored at least 20 points in six of his nine playoff games against the Warriors. 

Officials: Marc Davis (#8), Tony Brothers (#25), Tony Brown (#6), Alternate: Rodney Mott (#71)

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