In the last four seasons, the Portland Trail Blazers have not participated in any type of postseason NBA play at all. But the 2024-25 edition of the team has generated more optimism: An appearance in the Western Conference Play-in Tournament is not out of reach right now.

Entering play on Feb. 27, the Blazers are 4.5 games behind 10th-place Sacramento for the final play-in berth. They are seven games under .500 at 26-33. On the surface, it would seem they have little chance of qualifying for the play-in tourney.

But recently, Portland won 13 of 18 games, including a 10-1 stretch before the All-Star break. On Wednesday night, the Blazers won a third consecutive game.

The future is looking brighter. The schedule gets tougher very soon, though, so who are the best bets to make the NBA Play-in Tournament fields, and what are Portland’s realistic chances?

NBA Western Conference Play-in Tournament odds

Note : Odds are based on the best value our experts find as of publication; check lines closer to the end of the NBA regular season to ensure you get the best odds.

As of Feb. 27, The Mavericks (31-28) occupy the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference, and Sacramento (30-28) is 10th. There aren’t any inviting wagering returns on either one of those teams to recommend betting on them. There is no firm return date for the return of Anthony Davis, but the Mavs still are respectable enough to lock down a play-in berth.

Sacramento certainly has enough talent to secure a play-in berth even though they might be done in the first round of the ensuing playoffs. The Clippers (32-26) currently hold the sixth and final playoff spot in the West. They could slip into the play-in field, but the odds are not appealing enough to bet on that outcome.

Golden State (31-27) has won four consecutive games and five of its past six. The acquisition of Jimmy Butler will clinch at least a play-in spot, and could launch them into the playoff field, as evidenced by the -525 odds. The Warriors may work their way out of the play-in bracket, which makes a wager on them lose some luster.

Minnesota (32-27) is a half-game behind the final playoff spot, but I don’t foresee it finishing ahead of Golden State. As noted by The Athletic, no team has lost more clutch-time games than the Timberwolves. That could be their undoing in a tight race yet also makes them a viable play-in tournament wagering target.

Phoenix (27-31) is three games behind the play-in field and just won’t compete with the teams currently in the play-in grouping and may get surpassed by the Blazers. All of the other teams with longer odds, including the Lakers, would have to significantly falter or collapse to end up as a play-in entry.

The Blazers’ schedule might unravel them, and soon. To open the month of March, they will play at Cleveland, and after a date with the disappointing 76ers, will go to Boston and Oklahoma City. That is matchups against three of the league’s best four teams to start out. Then, Portland also faces the surprising Pistons, the Warriors and the New York Knicks. By mid-March, they might be further out of the play-in race.

Western Conference Play-in Best Bet: Minnesota Timberwolves - They are the team with the best odds to remain in the play-in field.

NBA Eastern Conference Play-in Tournament odds

The Hawks, who are 27-32 as of Feb. 27, are good enough on offense to stay in the play-in grouping, but there’s no quality return on wagering on them. They are six games behind Detroit, which has a rather comfortable grip on the final playoff berth right now.

Miami (27-30) has lost seven of its last 10 games yet should not be in danger of losing a play-in spot but the Heat won’t catch Detroit and the odds don’t offer a desirable return. Orlando (29-31) may have the best chance to catch the Pistons and will just remain in the play-in field if it does not, and the odds don’t suggest betting on the Magic, either.

Chicago (23-36) is at plus money and has a 1.5 game lead for the final play-in berth, but has lost seven of eight games and is among the teams in tank mode. Philadelphia (20-38) is on a nine-game losing streak, yet having Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. could keep them in the play-in picture.

The Nets are one game ahead of the Sixers and have shown some spark at times. One of these three teams will mess up the tanking and get into the play-in tournament. Brooklyn (21-37) offers the best odds.

Eastern Conference Play-In Best Bets (in order of preference): Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers.