The San Antonio Spurs look to put the Portland Trail Blazers on a 2-0 ditch. Can the underdogs fight back?

Catch the game tomorrow, 8:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Portland Trail Blazers (0-1)

  • Jrue Holiday
  • Shaedon Sharpe
  • Jerami Grant
  • Deni Avdija
  • Donovan Clingan

Portland competed early in Game 1, but the overall talent gap eventually showed in a 111-98 loss. Shooting struggles were a major issue, as the Blazers hit just 42.9% from the field and an inefficient 10-of-38 from beyond the arc. Against a team like San Antonio, that margin for error is simply too thin.

Still, there were bright spots. Deni Avdija delivered a sensational playoff debut with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, putting himself in rare company alongside LeBron James as the only players to post that stat line in their first postseason game. Scoot Henderson added 18 points in a solid outing, showing poise despite his injury-hit regular season.

The concern lies with the supporting cast. Jrue Holiday struggled to find his shot (4-of-15) despite dishing out 11 assists, while Shaedon Sharpe and Jerami Grant combined for just 15 points on inefficient shooting. Grant’s zero rebounds in 19 minutes stood out in the wrong way. For Portland to even the series, they’ll need far more production and efficiency across the board.

HOME: San Antonio Spurs (1-0)

Projected starting five:

  • De’Aaron Fox
  • Devin Vassell
  • Stephon Castle
  • Julian Champagnie
  • Victor Wembanyama

San Antonio fed off a raucous home crowd in Game 1, hosting its first playoff game in seven years, and the energy clearly translated on the court. The Spurs controlled the game with composure and star power, setting the tone early and never really letting go.

Victor Wembanyama was the centerpiece, delivering a dominant 35-point performance while continuing to showcase his all-around brilliance. Fresh off becoming the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year in league history, his confidence and impact are at an all-time high. Alongside him, De’Aaron Fox orchestrated the offense, while Stephon Castle had an off shooting night (4-of-13) but remains a key piece expected to bounce back.

Interestingly, San Antonio’s bench was relatively quiet, including Sixth Man of the Year candidate Keldon Johnson. That leaves room for even more upside. With their core firing and role players likely to improve, the Spurs head into Game 2 with momentum, and a chance to tighten their grip on the series.

PICKS

Spread: Blazers (+11.5)

Over/Under: Under (219)