Spurs Prepare to Slow Down Blazers' Pace in Playoff Matchup

San Antonio's young star Victor Wembanyama ready to make playoff debut against Portland's high-octane offense

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of an NBA playoff basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers, with the players and court rendered in a geometric, abstract style using the teams' official color palettes.The Spurs and Blazers' first-round playoff clash promises an intense, high-octane battle as two of the NBA's most exciting young teams clash.San Antonio Today

The San Antonio Spurs are gearing up to face the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the NBA playoffs, with their star rookie Victor Wembanyama set to make his postseason debut. The Spurs know they'll need to slow down Portland's fast-paced offense, led by Deni Avdija, who has averaged over 30 points per game against San Antonio this season. Wembanyama's presence in the paint will be crucial, as the Spurs look to disrupt the Blazers' relentless pressure and physical style of play.

Why it matters

This first-round matchup between the Spurs and Blazers features two of the league's most exciting young teams, with Wembanyama and Avdija leading the charge. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the Spurs' playoff run, as they aim to fulfill Wembanyama's promise of bringing a championship to San Antonio.

The details

The Spurs have faced the Blazers three times this season, splitting the series 2-1. However, they'll be bolstered by the return of Wembanyama, who missed those previous matchups due to injury. The Blazers thrive on a fast-paced, high-pressure style of play, and the Spurs will need to find ways to slow them down, both offensively and defensively. Containing Avdija, who has been dominant against San Antonio, will be a top priority.

  • The Spurs and Blazers will face off in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
  • Wembanyama missed the first three regular-season meetings between the teams due to injuries, but is expected to play in the fourth game.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

The 22-year-old French phenom and Spurs' franchise cornerstone, who is making his playoff debut after missing the team's previous three games against Portland due to injury.

Deni Avdija

The Blazers' star forward, who has averaged 31.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.0 assists against the Spurs this season.

Mitch Johnson

The Spurs' head coach, who is tasked with game-planning to slow down the Blazers' high-octane offense.

Tiago Splitter

The Blazers' interim head coach, who is a former Spurs player and understands the challenges of facing Wembanyama.

Devin Vassell

The Spurs' starting guard, who will be responsible for helping to contain the Blazers' perimeter pressure.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The (Spurs) are a great team. Very talented ... it's going to be tough. It's going to be a fight. We're going to bring everything we've got.”

— Deni Avdija, Blazers forward

“He's a 7-foot-(4) guy that can handle, shoot, guard the rim and the perimeter. It's not a secret. He's a very good player.”

— Tiago Splitter, Blazers interim head coach

“Everybody is a little more locked in. Everybody is a little more involved.”

— Victor Wembanyama

What’s next

The Spurs and Blazers will tip off their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 20th in San Antonio. The winner of this series will advance to face the top-seeded Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals.

The takeaway

This first-round matchup between the young, up-and-coming Spurs and Blazers squads promises to be an exciting, high-intensity affair. The Spurs' ability to slow down the Blazers' fast-paced attack and contain Deni Avdija will be crucial, with Victor Wembanyama's presence in the paint providing a major defensive boost. The outcome of this series could set the tone for the Spurs' championship aspirations this postseason.