Kings surprise, with a big, unexpected win against the Bulls. Blazers tied in the win column with the Spurs, and only 1 win behind the Kings.
#6 gives them around a 40% higher chance of getting into the Top-4 than being #8, and a 50% higher chance of getting #1.
The issue is the schedule. There are some VERY winnable games coming up that the Blazers need to find a way to come away with losses. Some of these teams are tanking as much as Portland.
@ Knicks
@ Nets
@ Pacers
@ Pistons
SPURS
ROCKETS
ROCKETS
THUNDER
PELICANS
@ Spurs
@ Spurs
@ Thunder
@ Pelicans
@ Mavericks
JAZZ
12 of the remaining 15 games are against Lottery teams, and 9 of those games are against teams currently with a worse record. This is typically where the Blazers go on a massive winning streak to give false hope going into the Playoffs. The Blazers are only 1.5 games out of the last Play-In spot.
Joe needs to make an executive decision to somehow do what it takes to ensure there are no unnecessary, useless wins. Losing sucks, but the bigger picture is at play here.