For the first time since 2019, the San Antonio Spurs have made the postseason. Led by 22-year-old phenom Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs will face off against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers, led by all-star forward Deni Avdija, have not made the playoffs since 2021 and are hoping to make a statement in the first round. Here are five bold predictions for the first round matchup.
- Postseason Brutality for Wemby
Wembanyama, in only his third season, is taking the NBA by storm. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman has been a focal point for San Antonio on both sides of the court. Teams have struggled to contain Wemby during the regular season, but the playoffs present an entirely different style of basketball. In the playoffs, the game’s pace grinds to a halt, and officials tend to call fewer fouls on the floor. This means teams will be able to play more physical defense against Wemby, which has weakened his performance in the past. The extra contact will create a learning curve for Wemby that will result in at least a subpar game or two in this series.
- Stephon Castle Ascension
One of the biggest contributors to the Spurs’ success has been second-year guard Castle. The 2024-2025 Rookie of the Year has been one of the league’s best on-ball defenders, shutting down some of the NBA’s best ball handlers, while running one of the league’s best offenses. As Wemby struggles to adjust to playoff basketball, it will be up to Castle to weather the storm. While Castle is already playing at an elite level, this series will make him a household name.
- Deni Avdija Clamped
San Antonio finished the season with the second-best defense in the league, anchored by Wembanyama who is front runner for Defensive Player of the Year. With Wemby on the floor, the paint is essentially off limits to the opposing team. This removes an entire level of scoring for the Blazers. Avdija will most likely be guarded by Castle for most of the series. The Blazers forward has a slight size advantage, but Castle has proved himself a tough match up for any all star. It will be Castle’s assignment to make Avdija suffer in this series.
- Julian Champagnie X-Factor
One of the most crucial variables for the Spurs is Champagnie’s shooting. The undrafted forward has shot 38% from the three point line this season, which has helped elevate San Antonio to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. On the rare nights his shots don’t fall, the Spurs’ offense collapses. Champagnie is one of the Spurs’ most consistent three point shooters; their victory is directly tied to his accuracy.
- Spurs in Five
San Antonio enters this series heavily favored for a reason. The Spurs are too deep and too motivated to easily go down. While the Blazers can certainly steal a game or two, they do not have the depth or skill to beat Wemby and the Spurs. Portland has a bright future ahead of themselves, but San Antonio is the present.
Game one of the Spurs’ series against the Blazers takes place at 8 p.m. Sunday at Frost Bank Center.
