Derek Page of HoopsWorld gives his opinion of the top five western conference teams to watch, and lists Portland as #2: "There’s no doubt that Portland has a wealth of young players that need seasoning heading into next season, but the talent already in place should curve that learning process and could generate postseason returns as early as 2013. Both Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews are primed for breakout seasons in the starting lineup and, combined with key rookies Meyers Leonard and Damian Lillard, could signal the Blazers’ return to prominence."