{"id":611736,"date":"2026-02-19T14:10:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T14:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/611736\/"},"modified":"2026-02-19T14:10:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T14:10:18","slug":"diving-into-the-trail-blazers-postseason-chase","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/611736\/","title":{"rendered":"Diving Into the Trail Blazers’ Postseason Chase"},"content":{"rendered":"

The expectations are high for the Portland Trail Blazers\u2019 postseason pursuit. They are ready to chase a spot in the playoffs with Tiago Splitter\u2019s system. This should include an uptick in minutes for certain players and clarity with Deni Avdija<\/a>\u2018s role.<\/p>\n

Diving Into the Trail Blazers\u2019 Postseason Chase<\/p>\n

After the All-Star break, the Portland Trail Blazers hold the ninth seed in the Western Conference. They have a record of 27-29, which is quite decent due to the competitive field in the West. With their distance from the 11th seed, the Blazers seem primed to be in the Play-In Tournament.<\/p>\n

While that is a big improvement to their postseason drought since 2021, they want a better shot. They are 2.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors, who sit at the eighth seed. Considering they lost Jimmy Butler<\/a> to a major injury, the Blazers could capitalize and catch them in the standings.<\/p>\n

A higher seed in the Play-In Tournament could make the Blazers fare better. The seventh-seeded Phoenix Suns have a significant 5.5-game lead. Portland might struggle to catch them, so the eighth seed might be the best they can do. The Blazers are promising, but they have problems<\/a> with their squad.<\/p>\n

The Blazers\u2019 Postseason Hopes Are Promising<\/p>\n

At the start of the 2025-26 season, the Trail Blazers were a surprising bunch. They were playing a uniquely aggressive style, especially with their full-court pressure. Toumani Camara<\/a> and Blake Wesley<\/a> led the way for their defensive play style, but that has changed over time.<\/p>\n

The Blazers are not as aggressive as before, but they are still a tough team to play against. With Donovan Clingan<\/a> manning the paint, they always have a reliable rim protector and rebounder. Across the board, the Blazers have good players, spearheaded by Deni Avdija.<\/p>\n

FIRST TIME ALL-STAR, DENI AVDIJA \ud83c\udf1f pic.twitter.com\/V401iUif3Q<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 15, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

With the abundance of talent on the roster, it is difficult to go against the Blazers. Avdija\u2019s role is to be the star player, but the rest of the team is doing well, too. Shaedon Sharpe<\/a>, in particular, is having a breakout year<\/a> of his own, averaging 21.4 points per game.<\/p>\n

The playoffs are a possibility now more than ever because they are healthy. Portland struggled with injuries throughout the season, losing several key contributors at various points. However, Scoot Henderson<\/a> and Jrue Holiday<\/a> are back, and they are ready to spearhead the offense.<\/p>\n

Splitter\u2019s System Needs Improvements To Be Successful<\/p>\n

Of course, it\u2019s not all sunshine and rainbows for the Trail Blazers. Acting head coach Tiago Splitter has done relatively well this season. He took over from Chauncey Billups one game in, and he has helped the Blazers succeed.<\/p>\n

It is not a game-changing appointment because the Blazers are still barely in the postseason seeds. That is due to Splitter\u2019s system lacking some dynamism, especially on offense. Most of the time, Splitter\u2019s offense centers on having Avdija or Sharpe play isolation basketball.<\/p>\n

Proud is an understatement \u2764\ufe0f<\/p>\n

Tiago Splitter shares excitement with the team in the locker room. pic.twitter.com\/As7DJP1ofa<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) November 6, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

The Blazers would be much better if they had a more dynamic offense. Now that Henderson and Holiday are back<\/a>, he could run more sets with true point guards. They also have a knack for making the best passes, so Avdija and Sharpe can play more off the ball.<\/p>\n

Defensively, playing drop coverage with Clingan is good. However, it does have some drawbacks. Splitter can improve upon the defense by diversifying his rotation, as Camara, Wesley, and Sidy Cissoko<\/a> all provide lockdown defense.<\/p>\n

As long as they can be more cohesive, the Blazers under Splitter could be a playoff team. It will be challenging, but they have the talent to do so.<\/p>\n

Avdija\u2019s Role Will Be Important For The Playoff Push
\n\"\"Feb 9, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) reacts towards teammate forward Jerami Grant (9) after scoring as Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) watches during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

As a first-time All-Star, Avdija now has expectations to live up to. Most teams were still adjusting to him, but now he has the spotlight on him. Before the All-Star break, some teams figured out how to defend him, so he had to adjust.<\/p>\n

Splitter, Avdija, and his teammates must do better to maximize their star\u2019s impact. Deferring to Sharpe or Jerami Grant<\/a> is good, but everyone knows that Avdija is the go-to guy now.<\/p>\n

He and Splitter must come up with solutions to resolve the issues. If they can do that, the Blazers could reach the postseason<\/a> for the first time since 2021.<\/p>\n

\u00a9 Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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