No Wemby? No chance. Take the Portland Trail Blazers +2.5 in Game 3
What happens if the best basketball player in the world is eliminated?
We’ll find out when the San Antonio Spurs (1-1) visit the Portland Trail Blazers (1-1) at Moda Center in Game 3 of their 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series.
The Spurs star is “questionable” for Friday after falling face down in the second quarter of Game 2 after entering concussion protocol. Judging by how San Antonio has managed Wembanyama in his first three seasons, I’m literally betting he won’t play in Game 3.
San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama was injured after a facial transplant in Game 2 of the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center in Texas. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)
Otherwise, there is no way I can take Portland below +4. But I would gladly do it. BET TRAIL BLAZERS +2.5 (to one choose them) Assuming Spurs won’t rush Wemby.
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This Spurs team looks set to be an underdog in the playoffs without him, as Wembanyama was unanimously named the NBA’s first-ever Defensive Player of the Year this season and is thought to be the MVP betting favorite for the next 10+ years.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija takes the court against San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs first round series at Frost Bank Center. (Scott Wachter-Imagn Images)
According to CleaningTheGlass.com, Wemby’s net on/off rating is +15.3 and his impact is greater on the defensive end. Trail Blazers C Donovan Clingan will be the best big man on the floor if Wemby is out, and Portland All-Star forward Deni Avdija can get to the basket at will.
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If I’m wrong and Wembanyama plays on Friday, so be it. Granted, they only won 106-103, but the Trail Blazers won three of the “four factors” in Game 2, so it wasn’t a “fluke win.” They outplayed Spurs.
Portland Trail Blazers combo guard Scoot Henderson scored a game-high 32 points against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday in the 2026 NBA Playoffs. (Scott Wachter-Imagn Images)
Also, the bottom seed is expected to win Game 3 at home, and Portland’s defense is good enough for that. luck of the puncher against any team. Especially against a San Antonio team with no postseason experience.
Between veteran leadership from players who have “been there before” like C Robert Williams, a breakout star like PG Jrue Holiday and Avdija, and the strength of a home crowd with legitimate hopes, the Trail Blazers are live ‘dog in this series.
Prediction: Trail Blazers 108, Spurs 104
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