Despite the fact that the Portland Trail Blazers have just over a quarter of their regular season games remaining, the All-Star break is generally recognized as the symbolic half-way point of an NBA season. Today we preview what to watch for in the remaining 24 games of the 2017-18 regular season. Heading into Friday’s match-up against the Utah Jazz, the Blazers have a record of 32-26, and are currently tied with the Denver Nuggets for the sixth best record in the Western Conference. A lot can happen in the next couple of months that could have a significant effect on the future of the franchise, here are a few story lines to watch:
The Playoff Race
The Western Conference playoff race is fully underway, and looks primed for a photo finish.