The wait is over, Rip City. For the first time in five years, the Portland Trail Blazers are back in the NBA Playoffs, and they've earned a thrilling first-round showdown with the San Antonio Spurs and their generational star, Victor Wembanyama.
Portland punched its ticket in dramatic fashion, with Deni Avdija erupting for 40 points to fuel a comeback Play-In victory over the Phoenix Suns. That clutch performance sets the stage for a fascinating matchup against the West's second-seeded Spurs.
This series is a blast from the past, marking the first postseason meeting between these teams since 2014. While the Spurs took the regular-season series 2-1, a crucial caveat exists: Wembanyama did not play in any of those games. Conversely, Avdija dominated San Antonio, averaging a staggering 31.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8 assists on elite shooting splits.
The stylistic battle will be intense. Both teams play fast and crash the boards hard, promising a high-energy, physical series. While San Antonio boasts savvy veterans, much of their young core is stepping onto the playoff stage for the first time, adding a compelling layer of uncertainty.
Mark your calendars and get ready for a must-watch series. Here is the full first-round schedule (all times Eastern):
Game 1: April 19, 9:00 P.M. – Spurs at Frost Bank Center (NBC/Peacock)
Game 2: April 21, 8:00 P.M. – Spurs at Frost Bank Center (NBC)
Game 3: April 24, 10:30 P.M. – Blazers at Moda Center (Prime Video)