3 questions the Portland Trail Blazers must answer to save its season in Game 5

In between shaky officiating and the Lakers’ suffocating defense, the Portland Trail Blazers are a team of more questions than answers. Here are three things they must solve to save their season.

It’s funny how quickly life changes; one week ago, the Portland Trail Blazers had a series lead over the Los Angeles Lakers, and there was some sort of chatter — even if it were just Charles Barkley himself — discussing the idea of a Portland sweep.

Now, there’s a plausible chance that Wednesday night could be the final game of the 2019-20 season for the Blazers.

To get to this point was an accomplishment in itself, especially given all of the injuries Portland dealt with, and the slim window of opportunity experts gave them to even force a chance at a postseason series.

The Lakers defense has been dominant, forcing the Blazers into contested looks on essentially every possession. It also doesn’t help that the Blazers are again struggling with injuries. Along with CJ McCollum’s fractured back, Damian Lillard is set for an MRI on his knee. Even at full health, the Lakers presented a challenge. Now, it gets a bit more difficult.

Portland’s made the postseason in each of the last seven seasons, but unless they win tomorrow, it’ll be their fourth first round out over that span. With that in mind, here are a few questions the team has to answer in order to salvage its season.