The San Antonio Spurs were the favorites to defend their crown this season. So far, they haven’t looked like a championship-caliber team. The Portland Trail Blazers are another of the West’s powerhouse teams, but have also suffered some speedbumps along the way.
It’s crucial for both the Spurs and the Blazers to stop their respective skids, which could make for quite an entertaining game. Read on for a complete break down of this Western Conference showdown.
The Utah Jazz, who have back-to-back wins against the Spurs and Blazers, are also set to take the court Wednesday night. Check out our preview of the Jazz vs. Lakers game for another Western clash.
[sc:NBAArticles ]San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview
Where: Moda Center, Portland
When: Wednesday, February 25, 10:30 PM ET
Line: San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers – view all NBA lines
Betting on the San Antonio Spurs
The headaches keep piling up for Greg Popovich. His 2014 NBA Championship-winning San Antonio Spurs dropped their third-straight game post All-Star break with a 90-81 loss at Utah and now sit just three games ahead of the Thunder for the seventh spot in the Western Conference. The Spurs were sloppy in the loss, committing 22 turnovers. The league average is 13.3 per game.
Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili each had four turnovers, and also struggled from the field. Parker went 2-for-9 for five points, while Ginobili missed all four of his three-point attempts.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Last season’s Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard, also put up paltry numbers, finishing with just eight points on 3-of-6 shooting. He also couldn’t take advantage of his chances from the charity stripe going 2-for-5. As a whole, the Spurs struggled on the free-throw line converting just 57 percent of foul shots.
The Spurs’ stars may continue to struggle with form considering their record on the road. San Antonio is 14-15 (13-16 ATS) away from home this season while scoring just 97 points per game.
The only starter to score in double-digits against Utah was Tim Duncan (14 points and 10 rebounds). He has quietly put up two double-double performances since the All-Star break. With the Blazers possibly shorthanded in the frontcourt, expect Duncan to give the Spurs an offensive push. He’s averaging 17.3 points since the All-Star break.
The Spurs are 1-5 ATS in their last six games.
Betting on the Portland Trail Blazers
Like their 2014 Western Conference Semifinal dance partners, the Portland Trail Blazers are also in a bind post All-Star break. They started the second half of the season with a 92-76 loss at Utah on Friday before a 98-92 stumble at home against Memphis on Sunday.
The Blazers will likely be without leading scorer LaMarcus Aldridge, who is day-to-day with a sprained right thumb. Even if Aldridge suits up for Portland, he may not be in prime condition to score a bucket-load of points. He’s also playing with a torn ligament in his left hand.
With Aldridge possibly hampered with both hands injured (or if he doesn’t play at all), the Blazers may struggle on the boards. He leads Portland with 10.3 rebounds per game this season. His replacement, Meyers Leonard, managed only one rebound against Memphis.
The Blazers have a couple of players capable of putting their fair share of points even without Aldridge. Damian Lillard is averaging 29.7 points and 5.7 assists against the Spurs this season. Nicolas Batum picked up a double-double against Memphis (17 points and 10 rebounds).
Lillard may have to work on overdrive in this game considering Batum’s struggles against San Antonio. Batum has scored a combined 12 points and four rebounds in two games he’s played against the Spurs this season, but he’s dished out eight assists. If Batum continues to struggle against the Spurs, then he may resort to finding open teammates for dimes. The Spurs have allowed 24 assists in their last three, 23rd in the league over that span.
The Blazers have won four of their last five at home, going 3-2 against the spread.
Writer’s Prediction
The Spurs have showed no signs of improvement. Take Portland to break its rut with a dominant win at home.
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