{"id":178192,"date":"2026-02-19T09:00:57","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T14:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=178192"},"modified":"2026-02-18T23:59:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T04:59:10","slug":"diving-into-the-trail-blazers-postseason-chase","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/02\/19\/diving-into-the-trail-blazers-postseason-chase\/","title":{"rendered":"Diving Into the Trail Blazers’ Postseason Chase"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Diving Into the Trail Blazers’ Postseason Chase<\/h2>\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’ Postseason Hopes Are Promising<\/h3>\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

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

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