Trail Blazers See Promising Outlook On Upcoming Season As The Playoffs Are In Sight

The Portland Trail Blazers are heading into the 2026-27 NBA season with plenty to prove, but a recent prediction from The Athletic's John Hollinger suggests the team could remain in the postseason picture.

Hollinger's latest outlook has Portland at least reaching the play-in tournament, giving the franchise another opportunity to compete for a playoff spot after an encouraging campaign last season. While the Blazers still have questions to answer, the prediction reflects the potential of a roster that has undergone significant changes during the offseason.

Portland finished last season with a 42-40 record, earning a postseason appearance after missing the playoffs for four consecutive years. Deni Avdija emerged as the team's leading star, averaging 24.2 points and 6.7 assists per game while earning his first All-Star selection. Donovan Clingan also established himself as an important piece of the team's future, providing a strong presence on the boards and protecting the rim.

The challenge now is building on that progress in a competitive Western Conference.

The Blazers made one of the offseason's biggest moves by acquiring Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies. Morant brings an explosive offensive game and considerable experience, giving Portland another potential difference-maker alongside Avdija. Damian Lillard is also expected to return after missing the previous season, creating plenty of intrigue surrounding the team's backcourt.

There is undeniable upside with that group, although health and chemistry will play significant roles in determining how far Portland can go. Morant has dealt with availability issues in recent seasons, while Lillard faces the challenge of returning from a serious Achilles injury. Getting both guards comfortable within the same offense will also be a major task for new Head Coach Micah Nori.

Those uncertainties make a play-in appearance a reasonable benchmark for the upcoming season. The Western Conference features several established contenders, and Portland will have to prove it can consistently compete against teams with more continuity and postseason experience.

Still, the Blazers have reasons to be optimistic. Avdija is entering his prime, Clingan has room to develop further, and the additions of Morant and Lillard give the roster more offensive firepower than it had last season. The team also has experienced contributors such as Jrue Holiday who can help establish a winning standard.

Hollinger's prediction does not necessarily put Portland among the West's elite, but it offers a realistic target for a team trying to build on last year's breakthrough.

Simply reaching the play-in tournament would not guarantee another playoff appearance. However, it would give the Blazers a chance to continue their progress and show that last season was the beginning of a genuine turnaround rather than a one-year surprise.

With a new coach, a revamped backcourt and an emerging young core, Portland has an opportunity to take another step forward. Now, it has to turn that potential into wins.