The stage is set for a classic David vs. Goliath battle in the West, as the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs prepare to host the seventh-seeded Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs. It's the first postseason meeting between these teams since 2014, a series the Spurs won handily. But this time, the narrative has a fascinating twist: Portland's interim head coach, Tiago Splitter, was the starting big man alongside Tim Duncan for San Antonio in that very series. Talk about a full-circle moment.
For the Trail Blazers, the central question is as daunting as it is simple: are they ready for Victor Wembanyama? The 22-year-old phenom has fully ascended, leading the Spurs to a scorching 30-4 record since February and establishing them as the league's most balanced team, ranking in the top five on both offense and defense. After a health scare sidelined him late last season, Wembanyama has returned with a vengeance, and Portland's frontcourt will face its ultimate test.
Here’s the full schedule for the series. All times are Eastern.
• Game 1: Portland at San Antonio, Sunday, April 19, 9 p.m. (NBC)
• Game 2: Portland at San Antonio, Tuesday, April 21, 8 p.m. (NBC)
• Game 3: San Antonio at Portland, Friday, April 24, 10:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
• Game 4: San Antonio at Portland, Sunday, April 26, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
• *Game 5: Portland at San Antonio, Tuesday, April 28 (TBD)
• *Game 6: San Antonio at Portland, Thursday, April 30 (TBD)
• *Game 7: Portland at San Antonio, Saturday, May 2 (TBD)
*If necessary
Portland’s path to an upset is narrow but not impossible. It will require a Herculean defensive effort to contain Wemby's rim protection and offensive versatility, coupled with red-hot three-point shooting to stretch the Spurs' formidable defense. Can Coach Splitter's insider knowledge of the Spurs' culture and system provide a strategic edge? The Blazers will need every advantage they can get against this juggernaut.
While the Spurs enter as heavy favorites, the playoffs are where legends are born and underdog stories are written. This series promises high-stakes drama, a clash of eras, and a firsthand look at whether any team has found an answer for the unstoppable force that is Victor Wembanyama. Buckle up.