The Spurs will face the winner of what, for many, is the best series of this round, between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. For now, that series is in favor of the Wolves 3-2, but the next game will be played in Denver.

The expected date for the Spurs’ next game could be as early as May 4, since May 2 and May 3 would host potential Game 7 matchups if necessary. The Timberwolves vs Nuggets Game 7 would be played on May 2, which gives the Spurs an advantage as they currently have about five days of rest.

The decisive game for the Spurs

The 2025-26 season officially ended for the Trail Blazers, as the Spurs moved on to the second round of the postseason for the first time since 2017 after securing a 4-1 gentleman’s sweep in the series.

The Spurs’ Game 5 victory reflected their identity, playing excellent team basketball with six different players scoring in double digits. As a result, they controlled the Trail Blazers from start to finish, leading by as many as 28 points.

Victor Wembanyama delivered another strong performance, finishing with 17 points on 5-7 shooting, along with 14 rebounds, three assists, and six blocks. De’Aaron Fox led the scoring with 21 points, Julian Champagnie added 19, and Dylan Harper provided a major boost off the bench with 17 points.

Wemby’s first postseason series

In his first postseason series, Wemby averaged 21.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game. His scoring peaked in Game 1, but he consistently impacted the series through his defense, which earned him the unanimous NBA DPOY.

That was also the case in Game 5, as the star center did not find full rhythm offensively but dominated the paint, finishing with six blocks. The concussion suffered in Game 2 was a setback, but it was a fluky situation and did not reflect any concern about the 22-year-old being ready for the demands of the postseason.

After the game, Wembanyama credited the Spurs’ medical staff for being the unsung heroes who helped nurse him back to full health. “The Spurs have done an amazing job. I’m very happy about the way the protocol has been handled by all the parties. But my staff has been amazing. I’ve been really healthy starting on day one after the injury. Injury was weird, though, it was funny,” Wembanyama told ESPN’s Malika Andrews in his postgame interview.

They were now in a commanding position after taking a 3-1 series lead, and to make matters even more promising for the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama was cleared to return from a concussion on Sunday.

The big game from the Spurs and Wemby

On Sunday in Game 4 of their NBA playoffs first-round matchup against the Blazers, they stormed back from a double-digit deficit early in the game to win by double digits once more, 114-93.

Wembanyama proved to be every bit the difference-maker he had always been, as he did not look like he was suffering from rust or anything of the sort, as evidenced by his 27-point, 11-rebound, four-steal, and seven-block night. And yes, you are reading that right, 7 blocks on the night, tremendous.

On the Blazers side, Deni Avdija scored 26 points and Jrue Holiday added 20, but they were the only Portland starters who scored in the second half. And it was not enough against the Spurs’ depth, even more so with Wemby healthy.

The importance of Wembanyama would be fundamental for the Spurs’ playoff run. We were talking about a generational young player, surely something never seen before in the NBA, already being Defensive Player of the Year and on the podium for MVP. Hopefully, he stayed healthy, and we could enjoy this young team alongside Stephen Castle, Dylan Harper, and even Devin Vassel.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Wembanyama has cleared concussion protocol and will return to action today after watching Game 3 from the sidelines. With a win, the Spurs would get a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.

Wembanyama suffered a huge blow to the head in Game 2 on Tuesday, so he’s had five days to recover and overcome the concussion protocol. Needless to say, the chances to win increase massively with Wembanyama on the floor.

Wembanyama is a difference-maker on both ends

Wembanyama averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steal, and 3.1 blocks per game. He already earned a unanimous Defensive Player of the Year this season. He is 7’3″ and has a 35% 3-pt FG percentage.

The Spurs are a dominant team, but even more with the second-year sensation. Wembanyama is such a brilliant and dominant player that he facilitates everything on the court.

Spurs are a top contender to win it all

San Antonio was the second-best record in the Western Conference just two games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Spurs are too complete and too well-coached. They don’t have much playoff experience, and that will be their biggest test, but they have the eyes on the prize for sure. Starting against a 42-win Blazers will give them plenty of leeway to get into playoff rhythm.

He suffered the setback after a hard fall during the second quarter, forcing him to exit early and immediately raising doubts about his availability for a pivotal road matchup against Tiago Splitter‘s team.

Despite the concern, there is still a narrow window of optimism around the star center, who has traveled with the team to Portland and has begun light on-court activity as part of the league’s concussion recovery process.

What exactly happened to Victor Wembanyama?

Victor Wembanyama suffered a concussion after a hard fall in Game 2 of the San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers playoff series, forcing him to exit the game and enter the NBA’s concussion protocol.

The injury occurred late in the second quarter when he drove to the basket, absorbed contact from Jrue Holiday, and landed face-first on the court, immediately showing visible discomfort before being ruled out for the rest of the night.

The incident dramatically shifted the momentum of the game, as San Antonio lost a 14-point lead after his exit. Medical staff confirmed afterward that he had suffered a concussion, a condition that automatically activates strict NBA return-to-play protocols.

How long is Victor Wembanyama’s recovery time?

Victor Wembanyama does not have a fixed recovery timeline and remains day-to-day, as he must fully clear NBA concussion protocol before returning to play. Recovery is highly individualized, meaning clearance could come quickly.

Under NBA rules, players must pass multiple stages—including symptom-free rest, light cardio, non-contact drills and final neurological clearance—before being allowed back into games.

He has already begun light exertion work and traveled with the team, but he has not yet been officially cleared for Game 3. Reports from league insiders indicate he is “progressing” and has not experienced worsening symptoms, which keeps him officially questionable rather than ruled out.

How has Victor Wembanyama performed in the 2026 season?

Victor Wembanyama has averaged exactly 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game across 64 regular-season games in the 2025–26 NBA season so far. He has been the centerpiece of the franchise on both ends of the floor.

He is logging roughly 29.2 minutes per game while shooting above 51% from the field. His defensive dominance has been just as impactful as his scoring, finishing the season among the league leaders in blocks for a third straight year.

His impact has translated into team success, with the Spurs finishing the regular season with a 62–20 record and securing one of the top seeds in the Western Conference.

In the playoffs, he carried that momentum immediately, posting a 35-point performance in Game 1 of the series before his injury disrupted Game 2, reinforcing how central he is to San Antonio’s postseason hopes.

Victor Wembanyama’s achievements with the Spurs

NBA Rookie of the Year (2024 – unanimous): Wembanyama immediately transformed the Spurs after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game in his debut season.

NBA All-Defensive First Team (rookie season): He became the first rookie in NBA history to earn All-Defensive First Team honors, a recognition that underscored his instant impact as an elite rim protector.

NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2026 – unanimous): In his third season, Wembanyama made history as the youngest player ever to win DPOY and the first unanimous winner in league history, leading the NBA with 3.1 blocks per game and anchoring a top-tier Spurs defense.

League leader in blocks (multiple seasons): He has consistently led the NBA in blocks since entering the league, joining rare company in Spurs history alongside legends like David Robinson and Kawhi Leonard as an elite defensive anchor.

Franchise-defining playoff debut (35-point performance): In his first NBA playoff appearance, Wembanyama scored 35 points, immediately setting a new Spurs record for scoring in a postseason debut and signaling his ability to perform under pressure.

Breakout 2025–26 season dominance (regular season): He elevated his game further, averaging 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while leading the Spurs to one of the best records in the Western Conference.

Rapid rise into MVP-level conversations: By his third season, Wembanyama was already a legitimate MVP candidate while simultaneously winning Defensive Player of the Year, a rare dual-status for a player so early in his career.

Historic Spurs legacy trajectory: His awards place him alongside Spurs icons like Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and Kawhi Leonard, cementing him as the franchise’s new foundational superstar.

“Sources told ESPN that Splitter was given a raise from his assistant coaching salary and discussed a longer-term contract during the season. The salary presented to him to continue on as head coach was far below a standard NBA head coaching salary, and further discussion was tabled until after the season, sources said.”

The report came from Ramona Shelburne, who also detailed how Splitter has emphasized his focus on handling the role professionally. “Just trying to be a pro,” he said before the Trail Blazers picked up a win in a game where the San Antonio Spurs lost Victor Wembanyama to concussion protocol.

How much could Splitter earn?

Multiple sources, including Jake Fischer, indicate that owner Tom Dundon is unwilling to exceed $1.5 million annually for the position. The typical salary for an NBA head coach ranges from $4 million to $7 million, making that figure far below market value.

Splitter did receive a raise from his assistant salary to serve as interim head coach this season, but the long-term offer reportedly remains near that $1.5 million range. That could be seen as significantly undervaluing a coach who just led the team to its first playoff appearance since 2021.

At the moment, Splitter is coaching without a long-term deal, fueling speculation that the Trail Blazers could pivot toward a lower-cost, entry-level option. Offering around $1.5 million would effectively place the position at roughly 25 percent of the league’s average head coaching salary.

The report came from Shams Charania on X: “Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has entered concussion protocol and is out for remainder of Game 2 vs. Portland.” The fall was significant, and replay showed him hitting the side of his head on the court after attempting to move the ball to avoid a turnover.

The Spurs do have depth chart options if Wembanyama is unable to return later in the series, though it remains early to determine the full extent of the situation. Available names include Luke Kornet, Mason Plumlee, Kelly Olynyk, who can also operate as a point forward, and Bismack Biyombo.

How long could Victor Wembanyama remain in concussion protocol?

It ultimately depends on the severity of the injury, but the protocol typically allows up to 10 days for recovery from a concussion. Some players return sooner than others, but the priority is ensuring Wembanyama is fully cleared. Given that timeline, there is a chance he could be available later in the series, potentially around April 28.

Kevin O’Connor noted on X: “Victor Wembanyama’s fall sure looked like a concussion. Knocked out cold after his chin hit the ground. The average NBA recovery time for a concussion is 7-10 days. 7 days would be Game 5. 10 days would be Game 7.”

Without Wembanyama, the Spurs would likely have to navigate Game 3 and Game 4 without their star if the diagnosis is confirmed. Fortunately for San Antonio, both games are scheduled at home, which could help offset the absence of their starting center, who made a major impact this season and scored 35 points in Game 1 of the series.

The Play-In format has turned late-season positioning into a high-pressure sprint, with teams seeded 7 through 10 in each conference battling for the final playoff spots. In this environment, every possession carries weight and momentum.

The outcome will determine whether the Suns continue their push toward a potential Western Conference playoff berth or begin an early offseason after one of the most decisive games of their 2025–26 campaign.

What happens if Phoenix Suns beat Portland Trail Blazers today?

If the Phoenix Suns beat the Portland Trail Blazers, they automatically clinch the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and advance directly to the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where they would face the No. 2 seed, the San Antonio Spurs, in the first round.

A win would also eliminate them from NBA Draft Lottery contention, meaning they would receive a later first-round pick based on their final playoff finish. If they lose, however, they would remain in the Play-In and still have a path.

According to the official NBA Play-In format, the 7 vs. 8 matchup is a “double-chance” game for the two highest seeds in the Play-In bracket. The winner secures immediate qualification to the playoffs as the No. 7 seed.

For Phoenix, that means a win ends all Play-In uncertainty in one night. They would also gain extra rest before the playoffs begin on April 18, 2026, giving them time to prepare for a best-of-seven first-round series.

What happens if Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers tie today?

There is no tie in the NBA Play-In Tournament, as games are decided through overtime until a winner is determined. NBA rules do not allow draws in any regular season or postseason game, and the Play-In format reinforces that.

If the Suns and Trail Blazers are level after four quarters, the game continues into overtime periods until one team wins. This guarantees that one team advances directly to the playoffs while the other is sent to the second-chance elimination round.

What happens if Phoenix Suns lose to Portland Trail Blazers today?

If the Phoenix Suns lose to the Portland Trail Blazers, they are not eliminated immediately but drop into a final elimination game to fight for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Under the NBA Play-In structure, the loser of the 7 vs. 8 matchup gets a second chance by facing the winner of the 9 vs. 10 game. That final matchup determines the No. 8 seed in the conference and the last available playoff berth.

For Phoenix, that means a loss does not end the season, but it significantly increases pressure. They would need to win one more win-or-go-home game to reach the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

In April 2025, while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, Lillard suffered a torn Achilles in Game 4 of a playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. The Bucks waived him in July, and he chose to return to the Trail Blazers for the 2025–26 season.

Although he has yet to appear in a game for Portland this year, Lillard represented the franchise in the All-Star Three-Point Contest. In remarkable fashion, he emerged victorious and added another milestone to his legacy.

Damian Lillard wins 2026 NBA All-Star Three-Point Contest, joins exclusive list

Lillard secured the title after scoring 29 points in the final round. He defeated Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel to capture his third championship in the past four years.

With the win, Lillard joined Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players in NBA history to win the Three-Point Contest three times since the event began in 1986, but that was not his only achievement.

Lillard became just the second player in league history to compete in the contest while recovering from an Achilles injury. Denver Nuggets guard Voshon Lenard previously participated in 2005 while recovering from the same injury after winning the contest in 2004.

Will Damian Lillard play in the 2025–26 NBA season?

Despite participating in the 2026 NBA All-Star Three-Point Contest, Damian Lillard is not expected to play during the 2025–26 season for the Portland Trail Blazers. He is still recovering from his Achilles injury and, at 35 years old, wants to be cautious with his return.

When he agreed to rejoin Portland, Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the franchise that originally drafted him. However, the focus appears to be on long-term health rather than rushing back this season.

Avdija is officially ruled out for today’s matchup due to a low back strain. He suited up in Portland’s most recent loss in New York and remains a critical piece of the rotation. His availability could play a significant role as the Blazers attempt to bounce back after one of their most lopsided defeats of the season.

Portland’s injury report also includes Jrue Holiday, who is out for personal reasons, Robert Williams III, listed as questionable while managing a left knee issue, and Blake Wesley, who remains questionable with a right foot fracture. The Blazers will need depth and discipline if they hope to compete against one of the Eastern Conference’s most consistent teams.

Cavaliers dealing with key absences

Cleveland will also be shorthanded, as Evan Mobley and Darius Garland remain out of the lineup. Guard Craig Porter Jr. is listed as questionable with left knee soreness, leaving the Cavaliers thinner than usual in their backcourt rotation.

Despite those absences, Cleveland enters the matchup as a dangerous opponent. Teams often struggle in their first game back home after a lengthy road trip, and Portland will look to avoid that pitfall against a Cavaliers group that recently reshaped its roster.

Cleveland traded De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in a deal that brought Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder to the roster, with the Chicago Bulls also involved in the transaction.

The Cavaliers are coming off a loss to the Phoenix Suns and will be motivated to respond as they aim to remain among the top contenders in the NBA Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Portland continues to show flashes of growth and competitiveness, but sustaining that progress will depend heavily on keeping its core players healthy and available.

According to the official NBA injury report, Avdija is listed as available to play on Friday night. His availability could significantly influence Portland’s offensive rhythm and defensive versatility.

The Trail Blazers enter the contest holding a 23-25 record, placing them ninth in the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Knicks arrive with a 29-18 mark, sitting second in the Eastern Conference. Portland hopes to have Avdija active as they attempt to pull off an upset against one of the NBA East’s top teams, but his status remains unclear as game time approaches.

What happened to Avdija?

Avdija has been managing a lingering back issue that forced him to exit a 127-110 victory over the Miami Heat on Jan. 22 after just 18 minutes. He later returned following a two-game absence, logging 31 minutes in a 115-111 loss against the Washington Wizards. In that outing, he recorded 17 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and one block while shooting 42.9% from the field.

Despite having several days of rest since his return, Deni Avdija continues to carry a questionable tag, signaling that Portland remains cautious with his recovery.

His recent performances suggest he can still be productive, but the team prioritizes long-term health over short-term urgency given their position in the standings.

Historically, Avdija has appeared in 16 career games against the Knicks, averaging 14.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Since joining Portland, he has elevated his production considerably, posting averages of 28.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists across three outings, underscoring why his potential absence would be a notable factor for the Trail Blazers.

The two teams find themselves in divergent circumstances in the regular season; the Spurs boast an 11-5 record, while the Trail Blazers lag at 8-10. Despite this apparent disparity in performance, the NBA Cup often presents a different competitive intensity, given the significance of the tournament.

Currently, the Trail Blazers lead the standings in Group C with a 2-1 record, whereas the Spurs hold a 1-1 record. Their advancement into the next round hinges on the outcomes of this crucial NBA Cup fixture.

In light of these circumstances, Spurs fans are eagerly speculating on the potential outcomes of this pivotal game against the Trail Blazers. Both teams share a fervent desire to advance and contend for the title this season.

What happens if the Spurs lose against the Trail Blazers?

If the San Antonio Spurs fall to the Portland Trail Blazers, they must hope for either the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, or the Phoenix Suns to suffer a defeat in their matchups.

In the event of a loss to Portland, the Spurs face elimination under the following circumstances:

1. SAS loss + MIN win
2. SAS loss + PHX win
3. SAS loss + LAL win + MEM win

What happens if the Spurs win against the Trail Blazers?

Conversely, a victory against the Portland Trail Blazers keeps the Spurs’ hopes of advancing alive. Furthermore, they could eliminate Portland if one of the following scenarios unfolds:

1. POR loss + HOU win
2. POR loss + MIN win
3. POR loss + PHX win
4. POR loss + LAL win + MEM win