The Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs cross swords in Game 1 of the first-round series at the Frost Bank Center on Sunday, with tipoff at 9:30 p.m. ET. The Blazers defeated the Phoenix Suns in a play-in game to advance to the playoffs after finishing the regular season ranked seventh in the West.
Meanwhile, the Spurs secured a second-place finish in the West with a 62-20 record. The two teams met three times in the regular season, and the Spurs won the season series 2-1.
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Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs Game 1 Preview: Starting Lineups Tonight, Betting Tips and Game Prediction
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Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs Betting Tips and Odds
Moneyline: Blazers (+375), Spurs (-500)
Spread: Blazers +10.5 (-110), Spurs -10.5 (-110)
Total over/under o/u: Blazers o222.5 (-110), Spurs u222.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: Odds might change closer to tipoff.
Betting Tips
- Victor Wembanyama is expected to record over 4.5 blocks.
- Deni Avdija is expected to score over 23.5 points.
- De’Aaron Fox is expected to record over 7.5 assists.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs Preview
Deni Avdija has emerged as one of the league’s standout performers this season, and Portland will need him to carry that form into the playoffs. He must lead the offense with his scoring and playmaking, while also creating opportunities for his teammates by pulling Victor Wembanyama away from the paint and opening up cutting lanes.
The Blazers will also need to take care of the ball, as limiting turnovers is crucial to preventing San Antonio from capitalizing in transition. Jrue Holiday’s championship experience will be vital in high-pressure moments, while Jerami Grant must provide steady veteran leadership. In the paint, Donovan Clingan will need to bring physicality in his matchup against Wembanyama.
On the other side, the Spurs will rely heavily on Wembanyama to set the tone on both ends of the floor. As a matchup nightmare, he must assert his dominance early and energize the home crowd.
San Antonio also boasts a strong backcourt duo in Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox. Both guards need to play with freedom while maintaining discipline and avoiding lapses in focus. The Spurs’ depth will be equally important, with players like Dylan Harper, Luke Kornet, and Keldon Johnson expected to step up and make meaningful contributions.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineups Tonight
Portland Trail Blazers starting lineup
PG: Jrue Holiday, SG: Shaedon Sharpe, SF: Deni Avdija, PF: Toumani Camara, C: Donovan Clingan
San Antonio Spurs starting lineup
PG: Stephon Castle, SG: De’Aaron Fox, SF: Julian Champagnie, PF: Devin Vassell, C: Victor Wembanyama.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs Prediction
We expect the Spurs to land the first punch, as they are a better overall team with more depth and home-court advantage. The Blazers are likely to compete hard in the first half, but we expect the Spurs to pull away in the second half.
Final score prediction: Spurs win 120-104.
Edited by Atishay Jain
