The Frost Bank Center in San Antonio was buzzing with anticipation on January 3, 2026, as the San Antonio Spurs (25-9) welcomed the Portland Trail Blazers (15-20) for a much-anticipated NBA clash. Both teams entered the matchup riding the momentum of impressive road victories the previous night, and despite a slew of injuries on both sides, fans were eager to see how the Western Conference contenders would stack up.
The Trail Blazers came into the game fresh off a commanding 122-109 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Deni Avdija continued his stellar season, torching the Pelicans for 34 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, while center Donovan Clingan contributed a double-double with 11 points and 15 boards. Caleb Love’s sharpshooting off the bench—22 points, including 6-of-11 from beyond the arc—helped Portland secure its third win in four games. The Blazers’ recent form was all the more impressive considering their depleted lineup. Key contributors Jerami Grant (Achilles), Scoot Henderson (hamstring), Jrue Holiday (calf), Matisse Thybulle (knee), Blake Wesley (foot), Damian Lillard (Achilles), and Robert Williams III (knee) were all sidelined due to injuries.
On the other side, the Spurs were also battling adversity. San Antonio notched a 123-113 victory over the Indiana Pacers the night before, doing so without their franchise cornerstone, Victor Wembanyama, who was out with knee soreness after hyperextending it earlier in the week. Devin Vassell (adductor) was also unavailable, forcing head coach Gregg Popovich to rely on the depth and resilience of his roster. De’Aaron Fox rose to the occasion with 24 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Dylan Harper provided a spark off the bench with 22 points. Stephon Castle nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Spurs’ victory marked their tenth in the last thirteen games, solidifying their place near the top of the Western Conference standings, just 4.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.
As tip-off approached, the odds reflected San Antonio’s home-court advantage and recent form. The Spurs were favored by 7.5 points, with moneyline odds of -295, while the Blazers were listed at +230. The over/under was set at 236.5 points, a nod to both teams’ offensive capabilities and the defensive gaps created by missing stars. Despite the odds, analysts noted that Portland had covered the spread in three of their last four games and had scored at least 122 points in two of their last three outings. The consensus prediction leaned toward a Spurs victory, with a projected score of 116-109, but experts suggested that the Blazers could keep it close, especially given their recent underdog performances.
Injury reports dominated the pregame conversation. For the Trail Blazers, the absence of so many key players meant that Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Clingan would shoulder much of the offensive and defensive burden. Avdija, averaging 25.6 points and 7.0 assists per game, has emerged as a centerpiece for Portland, while Sharpe (21.8 points per game) and Clingan (10.8 points, 10.5 rebounds per game) have provided consistent support. Caleb Love’s recent hot streak—averaging 17.5 points and shooting 45.3% from three-point range over his last six games—gave the Blazers hope for another offensive explosion.
For San Antonio, the absence of Wembanyama (24.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists per game) and Vassell (a reliable scoring option) forced the team to adapt. De’Aaron Fox, who averages 21.8 points per contest, and Stephon Castle (18.0 points, 7.0 assists) were expected to lead the charge. The Spurs’ depth, highlighted by Harper’s recent performances, would be tested once again as they sought to maintain their winning ways.
Historically, the Spurs had the upper hand in this matchup. San Antonio won the first meeting of the season in Portland on November 26, 2025, by a score of 115-102—an outcome that also dashed the Blazers’ hopes of qualifying for the NBA Cup. Heading into this rematch, the Spurs were averaging 120.0 points per game, nearly matching the 119.9 points per game the Blazers surrendered defensively. Conversely, Portland was scoring 116.3 points per game, just above the 114.1 points the Spurs allowed on average. These numbers hinted at a potentially high-scoring affair, though recent trends suggested the under might be in play—Portland had hit the under in six of their last eight games, and San Antonio had done so in three of their last five.
The game was broadcast regionally on KUNP and FDSSW, with streaming available via Fubo and BlazerVision for fans in Oregon and Washington. Radio coverage was provided by Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM), ensuring that Blazers fans could follow every play, even with so many stars sidelined.
As the teams took the floor, the atmosphere was electric. The Spurs, determined to protect their home court and continue their climb up the standings, relied on the leadership of Fox and Castle. The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, embraced their underdog status, hoping that Avdija’s all-around brilliance and Love’s perimeter shooting could spark an upset. Both teams were playing the second game of a back-to-back, testing the depth of their benches and the endurance of their starters.
With the action underway, fans were treated to a fast-paced, physical contest. Portland’s makeshift lineup showed remarkable grit, attacking the paint and moving the ball to create open looks for Love and Sharpe. Clingan battled on the boards against the Spurs’ frontcourt, while Avdija orchestrated the offense with poise. On the other end, Fox’s quickness and Castle’s versatility kept the Blazers’ defense on its heels, and Harper’s energy off the bench provided a crucial spark for San Antonio.
As the game progressed, both teams traded runs, with the Spurs’ experience and home-court advantage keeping them just ahead. However, the Blazers refused to back down, repeatedly closing the gap and threatening to pull off a surprise. The absence of Wembanyama and Vassell was felt, but the Spurs’ collective effort kept them in control. The Blazers, despite their depleted roster, showed heart and resilience, keeping the outcome in doubt deep into the second half.
With the contest still ongoing, fans and analysts alike were left wondering—could the Blazers’ patchwork lineup pull off a shocker, or would the Spurs’ depth and discipline prevail? One thing was certain: both teams delivered a spirited performance, showcasing the depth and unpredictability of the NBA season. The Trail Blazers will look to carry this fighting spirit into their next matchup against the Utah Jazz, while the Spurs aim to keep their momentum rolling as they chase the top spot in the Western Conference.
