For the past four seasons, the Portland Trail Blazers have not played in any kind of postseason competition. However, the team’s 2024–25 campaign has sparked greater hope: a trip to the Western Conference Play-in Tournament is still possible.
Sacramento, in 10th place, is 4.5 games ahead of the Blazers (26-33) for the last play-in spot. They don’t appear to have much chance of making it to the play-in tournament. Portland, however, won 13 of their last 18 games, including a 10-game winning streak prior to the All-Star break. The Blazers won their third straight game on Wednesday.
The future appears more promising. Who are the top picks to qualify for the NBA Play-in Tournament, and what are Portland’s chances of making it? The schedule gets more difficult very soon.
NBA Western Conference Play-in Tournament odds
Note: To ensure you get the best odds, check lines closer to the end of the NBA regular season. Odds are based on the greatest value our analysts find as of publication.
odds as of 2/28/2025 via DraftKings Sportsbook
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Dallas Mavericks -1000
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Sacramento Kings -900
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Los Angeles Clippers -400
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Minnesota Timberwolves -135
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Golden State Warriors +110
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Los Angeles Lakers +400
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Phoenix Suns +500
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Houston Rockets +750
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Denver Nuggets +1400
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Memphis Grizzlies +2000
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Portland Trail Blazers +2500
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San Antonio Spurs +2800
Sacramento (30-28) is ranked 10th in the Western Conference, while the Mavericks (32-28) are tied for the eighth spot. Neither of those teams has any enticing wagering returns that would encourage betting on them. Although Anthony Davis’ return date is uncertain, the Mavs are still good enough to guarantee a play-in spot.
Sacramento may lose in the opening round of the subsequent playoffs, but they have enough talent to guarantee a play-in berth. Right now, the Clippers (32-26) are in sixth and last place in the Western Conference playoffs. They might make it into the play-in field, but the odds aren’t good enough to wager on.
Golden State (32-27) has won six of its last seven games and five in a row. The -525 odds show that the addition of Jimmy Butler will guarantee them at least a play-in berth and may even put them in the playoffs. A wager on the Warriors loses some appeal because they might push their way out of the play-in bracket.
I don’t think Minnesota (32-28) will finish ahead of Golden State, but they are a half-game behind the final playoff place. The Timberwolves have lost more clutch-time games than any other team, according to The Athletic. That could be their downfall in a close race, but it also makes them a good target for wagering in play-in tournaments.
The play-in field is 3.5 games ahead of Phoenix (27-32). The Suns might lose to the Blazers because they can’t compete with the clubs in the play-in group. To qualify as a play-in entry, the Lakers and every other club with lower NBA Tournament play-in odds would need to drastically falter or collapse.
The Blazers’ schedule may soon cause them to fall apart. They will play at Cleveland to start March, then travel to Boston and Oklahoma City following a game against the dismal 76ers. That includes first-round games against three of the top four clubs in the league. Next up for Portland are the New York Knicks, the Warriors, and the unexpected Pistons. They may be further adrift of the play-in race by the middle of March.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are the team with the best odds to stay in the play-in field in the Western Conference.
NBA Eastern Conference Play-in Tournament odds
odds as of 2/28/2025 via DraftKings Sportsbook
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Atlanta Hawks: -5000
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Orlando Magic: -1000
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Miami Heat: -800
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Chicago Bulls: +120
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Philadelphia 76ers: +155
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Toronto Raptors: +425
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Detroit Pistons: +550
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Milwaukee Bucks: +550
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Brooklyn Nets: +850
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Indiana Pacers: +1300
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New York Knicks: +20000
There is no solid return on investment when betting on the Hawks (27-32) even though their offense is good enough to keep them in the play-in group. Detroit, who now holds a very firm hold on the final playoff berth, is six games ahead of them.
The Heat won’t catch Detroit, and the odds don’t provide a desirable return, but Miami (27-30) has lost seven of its previous ten games and shouldn’t be in risk of losing a play-in place. The odds don’t favor betting on the Magic either, and Orlando (29–32) might have the best chance of catching the Pistons. If not, they’ll just stay in the play-in field.
Despite losing seven of eight games and being in tank mode, Chicago (23-36) is at plus money and leads by 1.5 games for the final play-in berth. Despite their nine-game losing streak, Philadelphia (20-38) may still be in the running for the playoffs thanks to Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Kelly Oubre Jr.
The Nets have occasionally displayed some vigor and are now one game ahead of the Sixers. One of these three teams will enter the play-in tournament after messing up the tanking. Brooklyn has the best odds (21-37).
The Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls, and Brooklyn Nets are the top picks for the Eastern Conference Play-In, in order of choice.
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