5 Reasons Why Portland Trail Blazers Will Make 2016 NBA Playoffs

5. Other Playoff Contenders Are Struggling

The Houston Rockets haven’t been consistent all year, the New Orleans Pelicans are battling injuries, and the Sacramento Kings just can’t play to their potential. All of these teams are struggling, and the Trail Blazers can take advantage.

5. Other Playoff Contenders Are Struggling

The Houston Rockets haven’t been consistent all year, the New Orleans Pelicans are battling injuries, and the Sacramento Kings just can’t play to their potential. All of these teams are struggling, and the Trail Blazers can take advantage.

4. C.J. McCollum

The young guard has enjoyed a breakout season, and forms a dynamic backcourt partnership with Damian Lillard. He can score from all over the court, and gives the team a quality second option.

4. C.J. McCollum

The young guard has enjoyed a breakout season, and forms a dynamic backcourt partnership with Damian Lillard. He can score from all over the court, and gives the team a quality second option.

3. Effective Supporting Cast

The Trail Blazers have not been able to replace LaMarcus Aldridge, but they have formed a solid supporting cast around their two guards. They have athleticism, depth, and size to compete with a variety of opponents.

3. Effective Supporting Cast

The Trail Blazers have not been able to replace LaMarcus Aldridge, but they have formed a solid supporting cast around their two guards. They have athleticism, depth, and size to compete with a variety of opponents.

2. Coaching

Coach Terry Stotts has done an excellent job of coaching this season despite the fact that they lost an elite power forward in the offseason. He has gotten career years out of several players, and has them playing at a high level.

2. Coaching

Coach Terry Stotts has done an excellent job of coaching this season despite the fact that they lost an elite power forward in the offseason. He has gotten career years out of several players, and has them playing at a high level.

1. Damian Lillard

Even though he didn’t make the All-Star team, Lillard has been a star this season. He is an exciting player to watch who can single-handedly carry this team when he catches fire.

1. Damian Lillard

Even though he didn’t make the All-Star team, Lillard has been a star this season. He is an exciting player to watch who can single-handedly carry this team when he catches fire.