Polkadot (DOT) is approaching a critical moment as it tests a long-standing resistance level at $3.82, a price point that could determine its next major direction. After a brief yet strong recovery from a descending wedge pattern, DOT is now trading just beneath this crucial threshold. The altcoin recorded a 4.93% gain over the last 24 hours, reaching $3.66, as bullish momentum begins to build around what could be a significant breakout attempt.

The recent price rebound is accompanied by technical indicators that suggest a potential bullish reversal is underway. On the 4-hour chart, DOT flashed a TD Sequential buy signal, which often appears at the start of trend reversals. At the same time, the price is testing the upper boundary of a descending wedge—a pattern known to precede upward breakouts. If Polkadot can decisively flip the $3.82 resistance into support, it could open the doors to a larger rally, with upside potential toward the $4.78 zone. However, a rejection at this level may result in a pullback to $3.27, maintaining the current wedge structure and delaying any sustained bullish move.

From a technical standpoint, momentum is slowly swinging in favor of the bulls. The 9-day moving average has crossed above the 21-day moving average around $3.61, suggesting an early bullish crossover. Additionally, the Directional Movement Index (DMI) indicates a strengthening trend, with the Average Directional Index (ADX) reading at 31.98—signifying trend intensity. While the negative directional index (-DI) still holds above the positive (+DI), the narrowing gap implies that selling pressure is weakening and buyers are gradually gaining control.

Sentiment in the derivatives market mirrors this cautious optimism. The Long/Short Ratio currently sits at 1.0137, with just over 50% of traders holding long positions. This balance reflects mild confidence in a potential upward breakout but also shows that traders remain wary of a false signal. Still, if DOT manages to break above $3.82, this ratio could tip more heavily in favor of long positions, reinforcing upward momentum.

One of the strongest arguments for a breakout lies in the positioning of traders in the derivatives space. Data from Coinglass reveals a cluster of short liquidation levels between $3.70 and $3.83. Should DOT breach this range, it could trigger a cascade of short liquidations, forcing sellers to close their positions rapidly. This could result in a surge of buying pressure, accelerating the move toward higher targets like $4.78.

Supporting this bullish thesis is the activity on spot exchanges. On April 17, Polkadot outflows totaled $4.56 million, surpassing inflows of $4.42 million. This net outflow suggests that more DOT is being withdrawn from exchanges, which often points to accumulation rather than selling intent. When large quantities of a token move off exchanges, it typically reduces immediate sell pressure—another signal that investors may be preparing for a longer-term hold amid anticipated gains.

Putting all these data points together—technical crossovers, liquidation potential, and exchange flow dynamics—DOT appears to be building up for a major price move. Yet the resistance at $3.82 is proving to be the final boss for bulls. A successful breakout and confirmation above this level would likely fuel renewed investor interest and trigger automated trading algorithms that could send DOT sharply higher.

However, a failure to hold above this resistance could lead to disappointment, dragging the price back toward the $3.27 zone. This would preserve the descending wedge structure and suggest that more time is needed before a full reversal takes place. Such a rejection wouldn’t necessarily invalidate the bullish setup, but it would stall it—leaving traders waiting for a stronger signal.

In conclusion, Polkadot is at a pivotal juncture. With bullish technical signals aligning and market sentiment leaning cautiously positive, the conditions are ripe for a breakout. The key lies in breaking and sustaining momentum above $3.82. If DOT succeeds, the next major resistance at $4.78 could quickly come into view. Until then, traders are advised to keep a close eye on volume, liquidation zones, and broader crypto market sentiment as this high-stakes battle unfolds.