As the NBA season approaches the All-Star break, the Portland Trail Blazers have put themselves in a solid position with the playoffs creeping closer and closer. The team currently sits in fourth place in a crowded Western Conference, and is coming off of a 3-1 week that featured wins over the Jazz, Suns and Hawks. The hot stretch is reflected in this week’s Power Rankings round-up.
ESPN has the team ninth, up from 11th a week ago. Marc J. Spears thinks Damian Lillard has another All-Star appearance in his future:
Point guard Damian Lillard is hopeful to be named an All-Star for the fourth time and second year in a row on Thursday, when the reserves are named.