The San Antonio Spurs are just one win away from reaching the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2017. After dropping Game 2 at home, San Antonio bounced back in a big way, taking Games 3 and 4 on the road in dominant fashion.
The good news for the Spurs is that they have Victor Wembanyama back at full health, giving them a golden chance to close out the series against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday at the Frost Bank Center. To do that, they’ll need to clean up the momentum swings that have defined this series so far, especially after flipping a 15-point deficit into a 15-point win in Game 5.
The Spurs have historically been very strong in Game 5s, with a 19-10 record, while the Blazers have been below .500 at 12-15. The two teams have met twice in Game 5, with each winning one. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top on Tuesday.
Tip off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET and the game will be televised on ESPN.
Portland Trail Blazers vs San Antonio Spurs Odds
Moneyline: Trail Blazers(+500) vs Spurs (-700)
Spread: Trail Blazers+12.5 (-110) vs Spurs -12.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): Trail Blazers o215.5 (-107) vs Spurs u215.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Portland Trail Blazers vs San Antonio Spurs Preview
In his first game back from concussion protocol, Victor Wembanyama took the reins and led San Antonio to a decisive 114-93 Game 5 win. It wasn’t a perfect start, as they stared down a 15-point deficit at halftime, but they played well enough to walk away from the Moda Center with the victory.
Wembanyama recorded a double-double with 27 points and 12 rebounds, while De’Aaron Fox led the team with 28 points. Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell also chipped in with timely scoring when needed.
As for the Trail Blazers, they have made things harder on themselves. Portland had a golden opportunity to go up 3-1 but squandered two big second-half leads in both Game 3 and Game 4, losing by double digits. The odds were on their side but instead of capitalizing, they allowed the Spurs to crawl back. This is a trend that cannot continue in a do-or-die Game 5, or the Trail Blazers could be in serious danger of being sent home.
Portland Trail Blazers vs San Antonio Spurs Injury Reports
Portland Trail Blazers Injury Report
Damian Lillard, who many speculated would make a much-awaited return, has been ruled out as he is still recovering from an Achilles injury.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Report
As for the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama is off the injury report after clearing concussion protocol, which caused him to miss Game 3. However, David Jones remains out with a season-ending ankle injury.
Portland Trail Blazers vs San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineups
Trail Blazers
PG: Jrue Holiday | SG: Scoot Henderson | SF: Toumani Camara | PF: Jerami Grant | C: Donovan Clingan
Spurs
PG: De’Aaron Fox | SG: Stephon Castle | SF: Devin Vassell | PF: Julian Champagnie | C: Victor Wembanyama
Portland Trail Blazers vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction
San Antonio’ strong form, home-court advantage, and overall depth give them a clear edge heading into this contest. Portland possess attacking quality, particularly with Deni Avdija involved, but their struggles to control games suggest they could fall short against a confident home side. The oddsmakers also expect the Spurs to win by approximately 12 to 13 points, with the total set at around 215 points.
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