After seven years, the NBA Playoffs are back in San Antonio as the Spurs take on the Portland Trail Blazers.
The San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trailblazers had contrasting journeys to the playoffs. San Antonio’s season exceeded expectations with a 62-20 record, built around a young core and Victor Wembanyama. Portland faced challenges, including a head coaching change early in the season.
Splitter’s Impact on the Trail Blazers
Chauncey Billups was suspended by the NBA following his arrest in a federal gambling investigation. Tiago Splitter, former Spur and 2014 NBA champion, replaced Billups. Splitter, who joined Billups’ staff in June, led Portland to a six-game improvement and their first playoff berth since 2021.
That playoff trip was sealed with a clutch victory on the road in Phoenix in the Western Conference 7/8 seed game.
Wembanyama’s Playoff Debut
The Spurs and Trail Blazers face off in San Antonio in the final game of the 2026 Playoff’s first weekend. San Antonio won the season series 2-1 and are heavy favourites, but there are unknowns.
- Victor Wembanyama missed all 3 regular season meetings between the two squads.
- San Antonio won both games at the Frost Bank Center.
With Wembanyama playing for the first time against Portland, the Blazers face a challenge in Game 1.
Game Details
San Antonio Spurs (0-0) vs Portland Trailblazers (0-0) takes place on April 19 2026 at 8:00 PM CT. The game will be broadcast on NBC and WOAI (1200 AM). San Antonio are the -10.5 point favourites.
Portland’s playoff berth was sealed with a clutch victory on the road in Phoenix.