The San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers are set to clash in a rubber match, with the series currently tied at 1-1. The game holds significance for both teams, especially the Trail Blazers who are fighting for playoff positioning.
Injury Concerns for Both Sides
San Antonio could be without key players as Victor Wembanyama is listed as doubtful due to a rib injury scare. Stephon Castle also joins Wembanyama on the injury report with a doubtful designation. Harrison Ingram and Emanuel Miller are questionable, while David Jones-Garcia is out with an ankle injury.
Portland also has its share of injury concerns. Jerami Grant is out with a calf injury, and Vit Krejci and Shaedon Sharpe are doubtful. Damian Lillard is out with an achilles injury.
Portland’s Offensive Rebounding Prowess
The Trail Blazers are known for their offensive rebounding. Donovan Clingan leads the league in offensive rebounds with 4.5 a game. The Blazers are ranked 2nd in the NBA with 14.1 offensive rebounds per game.
Without Wembanyama, the Spurs will need a team effort to keep Clingan off the glass, with Luke Kornet expected to play a key role.
Spurs’ Small-Ball Lineup
The Spurs often utilise a small-ball second unit when Wembanyama is not playing. Carter Bryant has emerged as the team’s best third centre. While this can be a disadvantage against bigger teams, it could work in their favour against Portland.
Robert Williams III, while a strong defender, is not much of an offensive threat. The Spurs’ increased ball-handling and floor spacing could exploit a Portland defence that allows 116.1 points per game.
Harper’s Opportunity
With Castle potentially resting, Harper could get a chance in the starting unit. In two games as a starter, Harper averaged 17 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. He’s been playing excellent basketball lately, shooting effectively, scoring around the rim, and playing tough defence on the perimeter.
This game could impact who the Spurs play in the first round and could even be a preview of a potential playoff series.