Could the Trail Blazers Be 2025 Playoff Contenders?

The Trail Blazers are quickly becoming one of the NBA's most surprising late-season storylines. What seemed unthinkable just months ago now appears increasingly possible - Portland could actually reach the play-in tournament.

Over their past 22 games, the Blazers have gone 15-7 while posting the NBA's second-best defensive rating during that stretch. Even Wednesday's narrow loss in Boston showcased their newfound competitiveness against the league's most elite team.

ESPN's Basketball Power Index currently projects Portland to finish with 37 wins — just two games behind the Mavericks. Let that sink in for a moment. The rebuilding Blazers, widely expected to compete for lottery positioning rather than playoff seeding, are now within striking distance of the play-in.

"They have their guys in the right roles now," one Eastern Conference scout told Tim Bontemps of ESPN. 

“...Shaedon Sharpe now that he's their scorer off the bench, but that's the best role for him right now with this current team… You go up and down the roster, and specifically with the young guys, that's helped them a lot."

Forward Toumani Camara has emerged as an elite perimeter defender, anchoring an improved defense that's fueling Portland's surge up the standings. Alongside Camara, players like Deni Avdija have elevated their games at the perfect time.

Credit must also go to coach Chauncey Billups, whose player development and tactical adjustments have transformed a rebuilding roster into a legitimate threat.