Western Conference: Predicting the final standings

Jan 4, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) looks to pass defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) at the FedEx Forum. Portland defeated Memphis 86-84. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

3. Portland Trail Blazers

This may be one prediction that many would think that it’s over the top.  The Portland Trail Blazers are 36-17 entering the All-Star break and are tied with Houston for third place in the Western Conference.

Portland is one of those teams that flashes a championship caliber style of basketball at points during the season, and then at other times fall flat on their face.  With a healthy Robin Lopez back in the lineup, Portland is ready to roll en route to a Northwest Division title.

With the injuries to Oklahoma City before the 2014-2015 season, this left the door wide open for the Portland Trail Blazers to claim their first division crown since 1999.

The Blazers’ have three players participating in All-Star festivities this weekend.  Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge will participate in the All-Star game for the Western Conference, and Wesley Matthews will participate in the three point contest.

With an improved defense that now finds themselves within the top 10 in points allowed, and an under appreciated cast of stars, the team from Rip City will be looking to make some noise come late April.

Prediction: 55-27

Next three: @ Utah, vs. Memphis, vs. San Antonio