The Golden State Warriors are hoping they take a commanding 2-0 lead over the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday night.

The problem? It seems less and less likely that Kevin Durant will suit up for their second playoff outing after being listed as questionable with a strained calf. That's quite a blow for the Dubs this early in their postseason run, but it's something this team is built to survive.

That's why everyone should be watching for Stephen Curry to take control of the series. Curry let Durant lead the way in the scoring department, but if KD sits this one out, Steph should slide right back into being the top dog for the Warriors. 

Curry wasn't a slouch by any means in Game 1 - he scored 29 points to Durant's 32 - but it wasn't the kind of experience you expect from the Chef with the sweet shot. That he only dished out four appetizing dimes is further proof that Game 2 should be much larger from Steph. 

The Warriors are going to need all of the production they can get, too. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum lit up Golden State for a combined 75 points, a fact that Curry pointed out to the media during practice Tuesday. 

Curry noted the need for them to lock in defensively, and if Durant does sit, they'll need to do a much better job of slowing down the Blazers' blazing backcourt. Perhaps that's another reason to expect a big night from Steph. 

There's no way that Curry lets both Lillard and McCollum stake their claim as being better guards than him in the series going forward. Steph isn't outwardly prideful, but every competitor at his level has an internal reservoir of self respect. 

There's no doubt that Steph will take a sip of his own Kool-Aid before looking for a statement victory, which is what this would be for Golden State. Sure, they still have talent across the board with Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala, but this is an important opportunity. 

It's a chance to let the league and the Trail Blazers know, "hey, even when we're not at our best, we're going to beat whatever team is in front of us without any trouble." Doing so on the back of Curry is the exact kind of win that can galvanize this group going forward. 

Steph is a magician and safe money is on him giving NBA fans some wizardry to enjoy in Game 2. Selfless as he is, he also knows what he means to this team and why it's going to be important for him to be the "next man up."

That's the sentiment he had when reporters asked about the Warriors' adjustments if Durant is unable to play Game 2. Curry noted they're all prepared, and was quick to mention that they just went through a month without Durant to end the season.

They also rattled off a 13-game winning streak during that span without KD. There's plenty of reason to believe the Warriors will be just fine if Durant has to sit a single game. If anything, being up 1-0 in the first round of the playoffs makes this ideal timing for Golden State.

Should Durant sit, he'd be able to rest his ailing calf for an entire six days. He last played on Sunday and Game 3 isn't until Saturday. That's a good chunk of time to spend nursing a strained muscle, and might be even more reason for the Warriors to remain cautious. 

Golden State swept the Trail Blazers 4-0 in their regular season series, which gives even more incentive for them to lean on Curry and make sure Durant's injury doesn't become an ongoing issue. 

Even with Durant coming to town there's never been much doubt that Steph is the team's leader. It's still his squad, and he still has the talent to drop points in bunches in the blink of an eye. Lillard and McCollum aren't known for being defensive stoppers, either. 

It's the perfect opportunity for Curry to remind the NBA that the Warriors are not only his team, but that the Dubs are the team to beat. How many teams can say they'll be just fine without someone as talented as Durant playing? Only Golden State has that luxury. 

And that's great for fans. Forcing a bit more of the action to come from Curry's hand is a good thing. He's marvelous to watch and is a household name because of it. When Steph is rolling, the world stops and gazes in awe. 

Game 2 might start out being about Durant being out with injury, but it's going to be on Curry to make it about the Warriors rolling without him. It should be an incredibly fun, fast-paced game to cap off a night of playoff basketball.