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The Portland Trail Blazers’ season hangs in the balance before Thursday's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. The Memphis Grizzlies’ victory earlier in the day has clinched their spot in this weekend’s play-in games, but the outcome of Portland’s game will determine if the Grizzlies are the eighth or ninth seed. A Blazers win clinches the eighth seed for Portland and would require Memphis to beat them in both play-in games to make the playoffs, while the Blazers would only need one win to advance to the first round for a date with the Lakers.
Additionally, the Phoenix Suns earned a win on Thursday, meaning they are still in contention for the play-in games as well. Phoenix can earn the ninth seed and a play-in matchup with Memphis if the Blazers lose to the Nets.
Portland’s game against Brooklyn will tip off at 6 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Northwest and TNT. The 8 vs. 9 play-in games will be held on this coming Saturday and (if necessary) Sunday.