NBA: The long-term impact of the 2018 Western Conference playoff race

NBA: The potential long-term impact of the 2018 Western Conference playoff race

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 25: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during their game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on January 25, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – JANUARY 22: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers brings the ball down the court against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on January 22, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers

Record: 39-26 (3rd)

The Portland Trail Blazers have surged to the forefront of this race recently, with Damian Lillard leading the charge. They are currently on an eight-game win streak and it would be hard to imagine them missing out on the playoffs.

But with as close as things are, nothing can be taken for granted.

If Portland were to fall out of the top eight, the franchise would find itself in a disastrous position. Their books are still full with money given out in the summer of 2016 and they have no way to improve. Having a player as good as Lillard in his prime makes the playoffs a mandate and they surely have goals to win a first-round series.

Missing out would leave them with two options: try and blow it up or run it back again. Neither one of those would look very appealing after missing the playoffs.