The Portland Trail Blazers are two games under .500 going into the second half of the season, but there’s reason to believe they can get over the hump in the final 26 games of the year.
If the team goes 14-12 the rest of the way, they will achieve their first 500 or better season since 2020-21. Bleacher Report writer Grant Hughes believes the Blazers have a chance to accomplish that goal.
“Deni Avdija fought through a back injury in January, but a few missed games wasn’t enough to derail a breakout season that is now officially All-Star worthy. He’ll benefit from the shooting help deadline acquisition Vít Krejčí should provide, and Scoot Hederson’s long-awaited return from a hamstring injury gives Avdija another ball-handler to lighten what’s been a very heavy offensive load,” Hughes wrote.
“If things break right, and if Portland takes advantage of the league’s easiest remaining schedule, a .500 record and a Play-In spot feel like safe bets.
“Perhaps more importantly, the Blazers shouldn’t exactly have to fight off challengers from beneath them in the standings. The Clippers, one spot back at No. 10 in the West, lost major talent at the deadline. Everyone below that is either actively tanking or too far behind to pose a threat.”