How the hiatus affects all 30 NBA teams

Portland Trail Blazers: Unleashing the Bosnian Beast

Like the Pelicans, the Portland Trail Blazers‘ playoff chances took a blow when the league suspended its season, since that gives the Grizzlies — current owners of the 8-seed by a 3.5-game margin — time to get healthy and recharge for the stretch run.

However, unlike the Pelicans, the Blazers have another secret weapon (or two, or three) they might be able to pull out by the time the action resumes. Jusuf Nurkic was already planning to return in March after being sidelined since March of 2019 with a compound fracture in his left tibia and fibula.

A fully healthy Nurkic demoting Hassan Whiteside to the second unit could help Rip City close the gap, depending on how many regular season games are preserved. If the hiatus lasts a few more months, Rodney Hood and even Zach Collins could be back in play too. Nobody should ever sleep on a team with Damian Lillard, but you especially shouldn’t sleep on these Blazers if the NBA gives them enough time to work with.