After a narrow loss in Game 2, the San Antonio Spurs will look to take a 2-1 lead against the Portland Trail Blazers as the series shifts to the Moda Center. The Spurs have never lost a Game 3 against the Blazers in the postseason, holding a perfect 4-0 record.
The Spurs dominated large stretches of Game 2, but the Trail Blazers battled back from a 14-point deficit and took advantage of Victor Wembanyama’s early exit to tie their Western Conference first-round series at 1-1 with a 106-103 win.
Wembanyama left the game early in the second quarter and did not return. An awkward fall saw him hit the side of his face on the floor. He is expected to be questionable for Game 3, and the hope is that the issue is not a serious injury.
San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers Odds
Moneyline: Spurs (-142) vs Trail Blazers (+120)
Spread: Spurs -2.5 (-110-) vs Trail Blazers +2.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): Spurs o220.5 (-110) vs Trail Blazers u220.5 (-111)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers Preview
The Trail Blazers are coming off a crucial Game 2 win after losing Game 1, 111-98. Scoot Henderson, who had 18 points in the opener, stepped up on Tuesday with 31 points. Jrue Holiday and Donovan Clingan nearly recorded double-doubles, finishing with 16 points and nine assists, and nine points and 10 rebounds, respectively.
Deni Avdija has also been productive through the first two games of the series, scoring 14 points along with four rebounds and three assists.
As for the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama’s injury carried added weight in the game, but San Antonio still did enough to put up a solid fight. The Spurs were led by Stephon Castle with 18 points, while De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell added 17 and 16 points. If Wembanyama sits out Game 3, all three will need to step up if San Antonio is to regain home-court advantage in the series.
San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers Injury Reports
San Antonio Spurs Injury Report
Victor Wembanyama is listed as a game-time decision with a questionable tag, but he could suit up if the medical staff clears him before tipoff. If the Spurs star sits out, Luke Kornet is likely to replace him, and the hope is that he can handle the rigors of playoff basketball.
Portland Trail Blazers Injury Report
As for the Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard is the only absentee as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury.
San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers Starting Lineups
Spurs
PG: De’Aaron Fox | SG: Stephon Castle | SF: Devin Vassell | PF: Julian Champagnie | C: Luke Kornet
Trail Blazers
PG: Jrue Holiday | SG: Scoot Henderson | SF: Toumani Camara | PF: Jerami Grant | C: Donovan Clingan
San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction
The oddsmakers favor the Spurs to get a win on Friday and take a 2-1 series lead. Even though they are dealing with Wembanyama’s injury, their regular-season experience should come to the fore. This may not be a straightforward victory, with the team total expected to stay under 220.5 points. The Spurs are listed as 2-point favorites.
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