The Western Conference play-in race tightens with roughly three weeks left in the 2024-25 season. The Portland Trail Blazers still have a puncher's chance after a three-game winning streak, which put them just two games behind Phoenix and Dallas for the tenth seed.
Sacramento is clinging to the ninth seed but will have to hold the fort down while Domantas Sabonis recovers from a right ankle sprain. Phoenix and Dallas are tied but will have to overcome their own adversities.
The Suns have the hardest remaining strength of schedule, and the Mavericks are dealing with several key injuries that keep piling up. Now, they must make a key decision about Anthony Davis' availability. Davis is progressing toward a potential return by participating in five-on-five play with the G League Texas Legends.
There have been several unfortunate injuries to opposing teams that have certainly helped the Blazers' chances. But credit Portland for putting themselves in a position to take advantage of these opportunities with their improved play.
Tom Haberstroh joined Kevin O'Connor on The Kevin O'Connor Show, where they covered 14 big questions currently surrounding the NBA. One of which was the Western Conference play-in race. Haberstroh notes that the Blazers have a 16 percent chance of getting the ten seed. It's not great, but it's also much better than where it was previously.
One significant reason they are turning a corner is the play of their offseason acquisition, Deni Avdija.
Deni Avdija's breakout confirms Blazers’ polarizing trade was the right call
Over the last five games, Avdija is averaging 25.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. He's finding various ways to efficiently score, shooting an absurd 56 percent from three and attempting 7.6 free throws a game during that stretch.
"He's putting up numbers lately that only LeBron, Jayson Tatum, Giannis, and Jokic are putting up," said Haberstroh. "He's leading the league in and-ones since the All-Star break. That's MVP-caliber play over the last few weeks from Deni Avdija. A guy that they gave up picks and Malcolm Brogdon to get. And he's 24 and playing at this level."
Portland's offseason trade for Avdija was both shocking and polarizing. The Blazers were a rebuilding team giving up future draft capital, typically a recipe for disaster. It also played an enormous role in Portland likely being out of the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes, as the deal made their floor too high to tank.
At the time, the deal still made sense for financial reasons. It allowed them to get under the luxury tax by moving Brogdon, while Avdija is one of the best contracts in the entire league. It was expected that the Blazers would make some move to get under the tax. But it's becoming increasingly apparent that GM Joe Cronin made the correct choice in identifying and pursuing the right talent as well.
Avdija has emerged as Portland's best player, filling several weaknesses for a team that previously lacked physicality, versatility, and two-way wings. He's been elevating their overall level of play with his well-rounded game throughout the season. And now, with his recent play, the Blazers may have also found their go-to option last summer.
Any doubts about Cronin's offseason decision should be laid to rest with Avdija's recent play.