As it currently sits, Portland holds the 5th seed with a record of 51-28 with Houston in 4th with a record of 52-26. If Portland wins out we will end the season with a record of 54-28. That would mean Houston would need to finish with a record of 53-29, or go 1-3 the rest of the season, for us to bump them to 5th.
Portland's remaining schedule is as follows (current season records):
@ Utah Jazz (3-0)
vs Golden State Warriors (1-2)
vs Los Angeles Clippers (1-1)
Utah seems to be a solid win, with the GSW game looking like the most dangerous, although Freeland should be back for that game, which I'm hoping gives the entire team a boost. GSW is fighting for our 5th spot, so don't expect them to come in with anything but winning on their minds. The Clips are pretty much set for the 3rd seed, meaning they'll probably rest at least 1 starter for that final game. If I'm guessing realistically, I think we go 2-1 over these last 3 games, with a loss to GSW.
Houston's remaining schedule (current season records):
vs Minnesota Timberwolves (3-0)
vs New Orleans Pelicans (2-0)
@ San Antonio Spurs (3-0)
@ New Orleans Pelicans (2-0)
As you can see, Houston has been dominant against their last 3 opponents. If I was a betting man I'd put money on then going 3-1 the rest of the way.
So, in conclusion, barring any miracles, I'm guessing the end of the regular season has Portland at 53-29 and Houston at 55-27. Anyway you look at it, this is going to be a tough first round match up.
Whatever happens in the playoffs, I sure am proud of this team and what they've accomplished this year, and in the immortal words of Wheels, "It's a great day to be a Blazer!"