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[Celtics18]

I think they still got a pretty good at getting there. I don't think Portland can keep up this pace so I think that final seed is still fairly open. I think Utah may actually be more of a threat to LA for that 8th seed than Portland are.

I'm not as down on Portland as some people seem to be.  The main weakness for them is their bench, which is pathetic.

But that starting lineup is one of the better units in the NBA.  LaMarcus is an All-Star caliber big man, and Lillard is a prolific guard who already has the poise of a veteran.  Matthews, Batum, and Hickson are all quick, athletic, talented supporting players.

You add a decent bench to that team and they could legitimately win 50+ games. 

As it is, I wouldn't bet against them making the playoffs, though I do think they'll fall off their current pace a bit.  But they're a better team than the Lakers.

That's one of the most talented starting fives in the league.  Their bench is a problem, though.  If anyone goes down, they are in trouble.  Even if they manage to stay healthy, there's a good chance of them wearing themselves out.

They kind of have the same problem as the Lakers, albeit, they are younger and their main guys ought to be more durable. 

[Moranis]

Down to 31-13 to hit 48 wins, of course they are only 3 games behind the 7th seed.  I would be pretty shocked if they didn't catch at least 3 teams ahead of them.

[Who]

According to Zach Lowe's recent article on the Indiana Pacers, the Portland Trailblazers have had the easiest schedule in the Western Conference so far.

A sign that Portland may be due a slip in the standings.

Creating an opening (for LAL or Utah) in that playoff picture out West.

[slamtheking]

I still thing they will -- Stern won't tolerate a Lakerless playoff picture.  too much TV revenue lost without 2 of the league's glory boys, Kobe and DH.

although, they ARE loooonnnnnggggg overdue for a dose of negative karma as a franchise so a nice 20-year drought of playoffs/championships will hopefully commence this year

[Fafnir]

According to Zach Lowe's recent article on the Indiana Pacers, the Portland Trailblazers have had the easiest schedule in the Western Conference so far.

A sign that Portland may be due a slip in the standings.

Creating an opening (for LAL or Utah) in that playoff picture out West.

That, plus everyone keeps citing the 48 win landmark.

But someone online (can't recall whom) pointed out recently that Utah/Houston/Portland were on just a 43 win pace.

26-17 would be the record necessary to hit 43 wins. That just seems a lot easier then getting over 30 wins in the rest of the season.