Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers, Game 4
Amid the uncertainty surrounding Victor Wembanyama’s return date, the Spurs headed to Portland for a crucial Game 3. A loss would considerably increase the pressure on a young San Antonio team that still doesn’t know when its superstar will get back. Fortunately, Silver and Black prevailed thanks to fantastic performances from their young guards and a courageous and physical team effort from both sides.
The urgency of getting a win now rests squarely on the shoulders of the Trail Blazers. Whether Wembanyama, listed as questionable, plays or not, he will have to win Sunday or face elimination in San Antonio in Game 5. Desperation can be a good thing, as the Spurs showed Friday with a strong second half, but it can also lead to disarray. It will be up to San Antonio to continue to play hard and try to convince the opponent to make mistakes and exploit them.
Announcement
A potential return to Wembanyama could completely change the dynamic of the match, making Spurs clear favourites. Even without him, Silver and Black have shown that they can pull off tough victories, so it should be a good match either way. Going to San Antonio with a tie wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world considering the circumstances, but this team clearly wants to continue to exceed expectations, even in the playoffs.
April 26, 2026 | 2.30pm CET
Watch: ESPN | Listen: WOAI (12:00)
Spurs injuries: Victor Wembanyama – Questionable (concussion), Jordan McLaughlin – Questionable (ankle)
Announcement
Trail Blazers Injuries: Damian Lillard – Out (Achilles)
What to pay attention to:
Can Carter Bryant bring back the energy?
While the production of Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper understandably drew the most attention in the win, there were several others who were essential in Game 3. One of them was Carter Bryant, the rookie tasked with playing center in small-ball lineups. Bryant had his best moments in the first half, but he really made his mark in the second, flying around the court on defense but also carrying the ball on offense to avoid the full-court pressure the Blazers were using on the guards and keeping the offense moving when he got the ball at half court.
Announcement
The challenge, if Wembanyama misses the match, will be to do it all again. The Blazers left Bryant speechless and, at times, he didn’t even look at the basket. Partly, he was just trying to get others involved with handoffs and changing the angle of attack, but if they continue to challenge him, he’ll have to fire at full speed. Bryant also defended Deni Avdija well when he had the chance, showing discipline against a difficult opponent to guard. Overall, his length and athleticism make him a good fit for this matchup against a Blazers team that has those traits in spades, so with or more likely without Wemby available, the Spurs could use another good game from Bryant.
The relaunch of the gangs will be fundamental
One of the biggest concerns at the start of the series was rebounding. The Trail Blazers have big offensive rebounding men and like to attack the paint, drawing help from the defense. The Spurs were the best defensive rebounding team in the league, but it was still something they should focus on to limit their opponents’ second chance opportunities. They did a good job in the first two games, but going into Game 3 without Wemby it looked like it was going to be a problem.
Fortunately, the team found another level of energy and physicality on the scoreboard, with the perimeter players, especially the young ones, helping Luke Kornet, who dutifully boxed when he was on the court. Ultimately, offensive rebounding became a strength for the Spurs instead of the Blazers, as the visitors finished with 22 second-chance points to 12 for the home team. The Silver and Black will need that level of effort to both clean the defensive glass and attack the offensive boards in Game 4, especially if Wembanyama is out.
Announcement
Can Keldon Johnson have an important game?
Keldon Johnson, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, is averaging five points on 28% shooting so far in this series. He was a big help on the scoreboard, averaging five per game, and guarded centers at times, but he struggled mightily to provide any kind of offensive punch for the Spurs, especially inside. In Game 3, he went 1-for-7 from the floor and his only make was a 3-pointer. He hasn’t scored in double figures yet. The Blazers’ length in advanced positions and their internal defense have given Keldon a run for his money so far.
Some of his misses, however, have been unusual, as he normally successfully uses his hook to get the shot past the rim protectors and has good body control on drives. Johnson will need to continue to be aggressive, especially when guarded by Deni Avdija, to ensure the Blazers star expends energy on the defensive end. If Johnson can also do a better job when he has to protect a perimeter marker, which he has struggled to do, that would help the Spurs tremendously. Portland isn’t a great matchup for Keldon, but he needs to find a way to contribute, and if the past is any indication, he will.
For the opponent’s perspective, visit the always wonderful Blazer’s Edge.
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