San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Spurs are looking to extend their winning streak to three games in a row.
• The Portland Trail Blazers continue their four-game home stand after losing Damian Lillard to injury.
• The all-time series between the Spurs and the Trail Blazers is tied 88-88!

Spurs vs Trail Blazers Odds

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San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers Predictions and Picks

With their star man out, the Portland Trail Blazers suddenly look a lot less threatening. While still owning scoring threat through CJ McCollum, the pass-happy Spurs could take advantage of Portland’s mediocre defence.

Pick:

San Antonio Spurs def. Portland Trail Blazers (+135)

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Injury Report

How Can the Spurs Beat the Trail Blazers?

The San Antonio Spurs aren’t exactly the most potent offensive team in the NBA. But when they face the Trail Blazers, they may have some offensive freedom due to Portland’s unfortunate defence.

The Trail Blazers rank 28th in field goal percentage allowed, 29th in three-point field goal percentage allowed, and 24th overall in points allowed per game. Defence isn’t their focus, and with Norman Powell out in recent matches they may be without one of their better perimeter defenders.

The Spurs are efficient on offence, despite the fact that they are 17th overall in points per game. If the Spurs can get their offence going early, they can take one from the Trail Blazers. If one thing is for sure, the Spurs’ defence won’t lack effort.

Spurs Key Player: (G) Dejounte Murray

29 PTS, 11 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL ?@DejounteMurray does it all and ties his career-best in scoring as the @spurs pick up the win! pic.twitter.com/JmJW0SNOlc

— NBA (@NBA) November 27, 2021

He’s not taken over the headlines since returning from a major injury just a couple of years ago, but Dejounte Murray is growing into one of the league’s most impressive point guards.

In his last game, a win over the Wizards, Murray posted 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists while committing just a single turnover on the evening.

Murray’s two-way play is something to marvel at, and he’s fantastic when he decides to be selfish. While his shooting leaves Spurs fans wanting, his defensive chops more than make up the difference. Against CJ McCollum and the Trail Blazers, Murray’s defence will be crucial.

How Can the Trail Blazers Beat the Spurs?

The Portland Trail Blazers are not one of the more reputable defensive teams in the NBA, but they have their night on occasion. To beat the Spurs, Portland will need to limit San Antonio’s opportunities in the paint.

Packing the paint should be priority number one for the Blazers. The Spurs are ranked dead last in three-pointers made and attempted per game. They’re decent at converting from three though, at 34.2% per game.

Without Lillard available, Portland needs to lean on their defence a bit more than usual. Not their strongest suit, but a concentrated team presence is more valuable than a miracle shot-blocking night.

Trail Blazers Key Player: (G) CJ McCollum

CJ McCollum gets SURGICAL slicing up the Jazz defense ?pic.twitter.com/1hSfNXuR7H

— Blazers Nation (@BlazersNationCP) November 30, 2021

With Damian Lillard out and Norman Powell playing a limited role if any, there is no secret as to who the Trail Blazers will turn to going into this game. CJ McCollum is a scoring ace, but his playmaking will also need to be at a high level.

In his last game, a win over the Pistons, McCollum posted 28 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds on 11 of 26 shooting from the field. Unsurprisingly, he was a team-high plus-16 on the evening.

McCollum’s scoring ability is invaluable, as the lack of Lillard and Powell in the lineup makes Portland seem decidedly thin. Keep an eye on his two-man play with Nurkic, as McCollum could create for others as much as he does for himself.

How to Watch San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers