Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Game #78
Bismack Biyombo will likely start again for the Spurs (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs begin their final road trip of the 2024-25 season tonight when they travel to take on the Portland Trail Blazers. The Spurs and Blazers are next to each other in the Western Conference standings. Portland is the 12th seed with a record of 34-44, while San Antonio is the 13th seed at 32-45. Both teams are still technically alive in the race for the play-in tournament in the West but both teams face long odds.
The Spurs are coming off one of their best games of the season, a 114-113 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. San Antonio trailed until the closing minutes and then almost pulled out a stunning victory. Harrison Barnes missed a potential game-winner from three feet away as the buzzer sounded.
The Blazers are returning home after a five-game road trip. Portland won two of their final three games on the trip.
With a win tonight, the Spurs could sweep the Blazers. San Antonio is 3-0 versus Portland this season. In their most recent battle, the Spurs won by 20 points and Victor Wembanyama led the way with 30 points back on Dec. 21.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
Back spasms will keep Jeremy Sochan on the sidelines for another game. He hasn’t been able to play since March 30th against the Golden State Warriors. On the season, Sochan has only been able to play in 54 games. His longest absence of the season was due to a broken thumb.
With Sochan unable to participate, expect interim head coach Mitch Johnson to continue starting Bismack Biyombo at center.
Portland Trail Blazers Injury Update
The Blazers will be missing a handful of their key players tonight against the Spurs. Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, Bryce McGowens, Robert Williams III and former Spurs draft pick Sidy Cissoko are all out. Additionally, Portland has three players listed as questionable: Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara and Duop Reath.
Of the seven players averaging double-digits in points per game, only one player on the Blazers isn’t on the injury report. Shaedon Sharpe is averaging 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 31.2 minutes per game.
Betting Guide: Spurs at Blazers
The Blazers are favored by four points and the over/under is 227 points. The smart money is on the Spurs. San Antonio is still trying to win games while the Blazers will have a ton of talent sitting on the sidelines.