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Playoff Picture: Portland Trail Blazers

By Luke Duffy

Mar 30, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers huddle at half court and celebrate 109-86 win over Phoenix Suns at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers huddle at half court and celebrate 109-86 win over Phoenix Suns at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12), forward Nicolas Batum (88) and guard Damian Lillard (0) react after Lillard made a three point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12), forward Nicolas Batum (88) and guard Damian Lillard (0) react after Lillard made a three point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Why They’ll Win It All

Aldridge is a great player on both ends of the court (Player Efficiency Rating a career -high 22.7) and Lillard is an elite point guard. He’s unpredictable, causes defenses problems and has a constantly expanding arsenal with which to hurt you. His clutch gene doesn’t hurt his cause either. Nicolas Batum may have had better individual seasons, but he’s an important part of what his team does.

Portland have a top 10 offense and defense, sitting eighth in both categories. They’re strong on both ends of the court, and in Arron Afflalo have an underrated two-way player who can score and get stops. Chris Kaman has been around forever, but he’s a smart big man who contributes off the bench (8.7 points and an important 6.7 rebounds per contest).

Steve Blake leads the second unit well, and has a nice pick and roll understanding with Kaman. While anything this team can get from the often injured Robin Lopez would be a bonus. Don’t sleep on this team, they have quality right the way through their ranks. A true shooting percentage of 54.5 is also good enough to be top 10 in the league in this category as well.

Next: Injury Has Already Robbed This Team

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