PREVIEW: The second-seeded San Antonio Spurs host the seventh-seeded Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series , setting up a compelling matchup between a dominant regular season force and a scrappy underdog looking to prove their playoff credentials. Victor Wembanyama has been one of the league's most incredible all-around performers this season, averaging 25 points and 3.1 blocks , and San Antonio's defense ranks among the league's elite, allowing few shots attacking the rim and generating low-quality three-point attempts. Deni Avdija leads Portland's charge into the postseason with 24.2 points per game and 6.7 assists , bringing All-Star caliber production to a team fighting for respect. The Spurs return to the postseason for the first time since 2019 with a 62-20 record, while Portland clinched their first playoff appearance since 2021 by defeating Phoenix in a thrilling Play-In Tournament game. The series may well hinge on which team controls the boards, with the Trail Blazers ranking second in offensive rebounding while the Spurs led the league in defensive rebounds per game. Portland's offense shows notable weaknesses with low spacing on the court and inefficient transition opportunities , placing added pressure on their star players to manufacture offense in half-court situations. San Antonio won the regular season series 2-1 , though notably Wembanyama did not play in any of those three matchups, making this his first chance to face this Portland roster . With home-court advantage and the league's top-ranked defensive rebounder anchoring their defense, the Spurs enter as heavy favorites, yet the Blazers' momentum and championship experience from their playoff run could create unpredictable moments in what shapes up as a fascinating clash of styles.