NBA Playoffs 2026

The San Antonio Spurs enter Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers with a 1-0 lead and a clear statistical edge, but the Blazers’ resilience in Game 1 suggests the series remains fluid despite the odds.

The Spurs, seeded second in the Western Conference with a 62-20 regular-season record, dominated Game 1 with a 111-98 victory at the Frost Bank Center, extending their winning streak to 15 wins in their last 17 games. Portland, the seventh seed at 42-40, saw its three-game winning streak snapped in the loss, though the Trail Blazers stayed competitive throughout, particularly through a strong performance from Deni Avdija, who scored 30 points by attacking the rim against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs’ defense.

Victor Wembanyama delivered a historic playoff debut in Game 1, scoring 35 points with efficient support from Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, and De’Aaron Fox, while Luke Kornet contributed 10 points and key defensive plays off the bench. The Spurs’ bench was otherwise quiet, but the team’s overall execution signaled a cohesive effort that overwhelmed Portland early and never relinquished control.

Despite the lopsided final score, the game was closer than it appeared. The Blazers cut the Spurs’ lead to a single point midway through the third quarter before San Antonio responded with a decisive run to restore a comfortable margin. Both teams started tentatively but quickly embraced the intensity of playoff basketball, setting the tone for a hard-fought contest that belied the final margin.

Key Context The Spurs have won 10 of their last 12 playoff matchups against the Trail Blazers, underscoring a long-term postseason dominance in this rivalry.

Looking ahead to Game 2, tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET at the Frost Bank Center, with the Spurs listed as 11.5-point favorites on the FanDuel Sportsbook spread. The over/under is set at 220.5 points, down from the opening line, reflecting a trend of low-scoring games in this series. The money line favors San Antonio heavily at -694, while Portland is a +497 underdog.

Analytical models reinforce the expectation of a defensive, under-paced game. The SportsLine Projection Model, which has simulated every NBA game 10,000 times and returned over $10,000 in profit for $100 bettors on its top-rated picks over the past eight-plus seasons, projects the under to hit in 55% of simulations for this matchup. The model entered the playoff week on a 24-9 run (73% accuracy) on spread picks, reinforcing its credibility among bettors.

Historical trends support this outlook: all four regular-season meetings between the Spurs and Blazers this year went under the total, each by at least 10 points, averaging just 216 combined points. Only four teams in the league hit the under more frequently than the Spurs during the regular season, and the Blazers have hit the under in 58% of their road games when combining regular and postseason play. Over their last five games, the combined record on the under is 10-6 for both teams.

From a roster perspective, the Blazers may look to adjust their approach in Game 2. Analysts suggest Portland could adopt a more physical style to disrupt the Spurs’ rhythm, potentially drawing fouls on San Antonio’s key players if officiated tightly. Meanwhile, the Spurs will need to maintain their defensive discipline and avoid complacency, especially after a strong first-game showing that may have revealed areas for improvement.

The Blazers also face an unusual logistical challenge: they must wear the same uniforms from Game 1 due to the team owner’s refusal to cover laundry costs, a detail that has drawn attention in fan circles and added a layer of adversity to their road challenge.

Streaming options for Game 2 include PeacockTV and NBC, with Fubo offering a free trial for viewers seeking alternative access. The game carries added significance as the Spurs seek to build momentum toward a potential second-round matchup, with the winner of the Minnesota Timberwolves-Denver Nuggets series likely awaiting the victor.

A win in Game 2 would put the Spurs up 2-0 in the series and give them a critical home-court advantage as they aim to advance with rest, and momentum. For the Blazers, avoiding a 0-2 deficit is essential to preserving any chance of extending the series beyond San Antonio.

What are the key betting trends for the Spurs vs. Blazers Game 2?

The SportsLine Projection Model favors the under on the total points (220.5), projecting it to hit in 55% of simulations based on historical trends, including all four regular-season meetings going under by at least 10 points. The Spurs are 11.5-point favorites, and the money line reflects a strong expectation of a San Antonio win at -694.

How did the Trail Blazers stay competitive in Game 1 despite the loss?

Portland remained competitive through strong individual performances, notably Deni Avdija’s 30-point effort attacking the rim, and by cutting the Spurs’ lead to a single point in the third quarter before San Antonio responded with a decisive run to restore control.

Spurs-Blazers Reaction: Victor Wembanyama DOMINANT in playoff debut, San Antonio is dangerous

Jayson Tatum powered the Boston Celtics to a dominant 119-107 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA playoffs, delivering 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists while playing the entire first quarter despite returning from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

The Celtics seized control early, building a 33-18 lead after the first quarter as Philadelphia managed just two assists on six made field goals. Tatum’s all-around performance — scoring from every level, facilitating from the high post, and defending at an elite level — silenced concerns about his readiness following May’s surgery.

Joel Embiid’s absence loomed large for the 76ers, both defensively and offensively. Without the All-Star center, Boston exploited Philadelphia’s pick-and-roll coverage, repeatedly switching ball-handlers onto Tyrese Maxey and attacking Andre Drummond in the paint.

Adem Bona started in place of Embiid but picked up his second foul within the first 90 seconds after Neemias Queta drew a foul on a Tatum-led play. Though Bona provided rim protection in limited minutes, the Celtics shot 5.5% better than season averages on shots challenged at the rim when Embiid was off the floor — a stark contrast to his 7.1 contests per game last season.

Philadelphia never led after the opening minutes. Maxey, Paul George, and VJ Edgecombe struggled to create without Embiid’s gravity, combining for just 12 points on 4-of-15 shooting in the first half. Boston’s ball movement and defensive versatility overwhelmed the 76ers’ half-court sets.

The Celtics extended their lead throughout the second half, with Jaylen Brown adding 22 points and Derrick White contributing 18 off the bench. Boston shot 48% from three-point range, hitting 14 of 29 attempts, while Philadelphia managed only 31% from deep.

Turnovers proved costly for Philadelphia, which committed 18 giveaways that Boston turned into 24 points. Quentin Grimes’ late-game turnover and Andre Drummond’s technical foul for goaltending further disrupted Philadelphia’s rhythm.

Boston’s bench outscored Philadelphia’s 38-22, with Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser providing consistent shooting and Neemias Queta adding energy off the pine. The Celtics’ depth and defensive flexibility proved decisive in a game where Philadelphia failed to adjust to Boston’s switching schemes.

With Embiid recovering from an appendectomy on April 9 and questionable for a timely return, the 76ers face an uphill battle to adjust their offensive and defensive identities. Boston’s Game 1 performance signaled they are poised to exploit Philadelphia’s vulnerabilities throughout the series.

Key Stat Joel Embiid averaged 7.1 rim challenges per game last season, with opponents shooting 5.5% worse than their season averages when he contested shots.

How Jayson Tatum’s return impacted the Celtics’ offensive flow

Tatum operated as the primary initiator, using his passing to uncover shooters and big men in advantageous positions. His 10-7-4 first-quarter stat line set the tone, and he finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists while guarding multiple positions.

View this post on Instagram about Philadelphia, Boston

From Instagram — related to Philadelphia, Boston

Why Philadelphia’s pick-and-roll defense failed against Boston’s ball-handlers

The 76ers attempted to hide Tyrese Maxey on Sam Hauser, but Boston’s guards — including Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard — consistently switched onto Maxey and attacked Drummond in the roll, rendering Philadelphia’s scheme ineffective.

What Joel Embiid’s absence meant for both teams’ interior dynamics

Without Embiid, Boston attacked the rim more freely, while Philadelphia lost its primary offensive gravity and defensive anchor, forcing Adem Bona into extended minutes he was not prepared to handle early in the series.

Did Jayson Tatum play the entire first quarter?

Yes, Tatum played the full first quarter despite returning from an Achilles tear, logging 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in that period.

How many three-pointers did the Celtics make in the game?

Boston made 14 three-pointers on 29 attempts, shooting 48% from beyond the arc.

Spurs Extend Playoff Dominance Over Blazers with 1-0 Series Lead Ahead of Game 2