The Portland Trail Blazers will host the Sacramento Kings on Sunday afternoon at Moda Center in the final game of the regular season. Portland enters this matchup at 41-40 and is coming off a massive win over the LA Clippers, while Sacramento sits at 22-59 and has struggled for most of the year. With the Blazers now controlling their own destiny, this sets up as a high-stakes opportunity to lock in the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.

Everything comes down to this for the Trail Blazers. After Friday night’s win over the Clippers, Portland now has a clear path to securing the No. 8 seed, which would dramatically improve its position in the Play-In Tournament. The difference is significant, as the No. 8 seed only needs one win to advance and also gets a second chance, while the No. 9 seed faces a much tougher road.

On paper, this is a matchup the Blazers should win comfortably. Sacramento has struggled all season, particularly on offense, where it ranks among the least efficient teams in the league. The Kings do not shoot the ball well from three, turn it over at a high rate, and have had difficulty generating consistent scoring. Even so, they have won three of their last five games, which is a reminder that nothing can be taken for granted, especially in a one-game scenario with so much at stake.

From an injury standpoint, Portland could be close to full strength relative to where it has been. Shaedon Sharpe returned in Friday’s win, though his status is still uncertain today, while Vit Krejci is questionable after continuing to miss time. Getting contributions from both would be a boost, especially with Jerami Grant still sidelined. Ultimately, if Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan continue to produce at a high level and the Blazers take care of business on both ends, this is a game they should be able to control.

Following this contest, the Trail Blazers will turn their attention to the Play-In Tournament, with their exact seed and opponent to be determined based on Sunday’s result.