PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 07: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Moda Center on May 07, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Portland Trail Blazers have their playoff fate in their hands. After an eight-seed finish in 2020, and struggles this year on the defensive end and with injuries, they are now just a few games away from claiming the fifth-seed outright, and a potential advantageous matchup with the Denver Nuggets.