NBA: Western Conference Contenders And Pretenders

Mar 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) attempts to drive the ball past Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game at Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Rockets 102-100. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

6 of 9

Mar 27, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) celebrates with guard Damian Lillard (0) after making a basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at US Airways Center. The Trail Blazers won the game 87-81. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Portland Trail Blazers – Pretender

Since losing Wesley Matthews to that devastating season-ending Achilles injury, the Blazers are 7-6. Arron Afflalo‘s shooting numbers over the last month are reminiscent of Rookie Austin Rivers, LaMarcus Aldridge is playing with half a thumb and Damian Lillard is going to either carry Portland or sink them with his shooting on a nightly basis.

That’s not the greatest recipe for playoff success I’ve ever heard, especially since winning the Northwest Division only guarantees them a top-four seed, not home-court advantage.

The good news for Portland is that aside from Matthews, the roster is relatively healthy again. Chris Kaman and Robin Lopez are both back on the court and contributing, Aldridge has been mostly automatic and the Blazers are one Lillard heat check away from being as tough to beat as anyone in the NBA.

But even facing a team that’s been unlucky in the postseason like the Clippers doesn’t bode well for the Blazers, especially since Los Angeles could wind up with home-court advantage. Losing Matthews was a crippling two-way blow to this team’s bench, since Afflalo now has to start in his place. This team could’ve contended with a healthy Wes. Without him, it just doesn’t seem likely.

Next: No. 3