Trail Blazers' Playoff Push: Can They Reach 40 Wins?

0:00This is Corey with NBA News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. Subscribe for daily updates on your team. The Portland Trail Blazers have 19 games left in their season, and reaching 500 for the first time in 5 years means winning at least. 11 of them. They currently sit 10th in the Western Conference with the league's easiest remaining schedule, facing 10 opponents outside the playoff picture. Recent struggles include a key player's 4-game absence due to a back injury and some blowout losses, like a 34-point defeat to Atlanta. Earlier this month, still, their offense has room to improve against weaker teams. Analyst Grant Hughes from Bleacher Report sees a pass to 40 wins, but predicts they'll end at 39 and 43 overall. He notes the Blazers can secure a play in spot without pushing too hard, thanks to the Grizzlies tanking badly below them. Winning all 10 games against non-contenders would get them to 40 victories, needing just one more against stronger foes to hit the mark. That would position them well for the play internament.

1:02Right now, Portland trails the ninth seed by one game and the eighth by two, so climbing higher boosts their postseason odds as they focus on peak, performance down the stretch. This episode is supported by our sponsor. Some chase peace. I put my head in it.