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Both teams in tonight’s game played on the road last night, the Trail Blazers defeating the Pelicans 122-109 and the Spurs taking care of the Pacers 123-113 with their trio of star guards scoring 65. The Blazers game started an hour later that the Spurs tip-off and the Spurs are playing at home, so maybe that counts as a micro-rest advantage, but both teams are bound to be tired.
The injury report for the Spurs came out and confirmed what most fans guessed already, which is that Victor Wembanyama will be held out for knee soreness after hyperextending his knee on New Year’s Eve against the Knicks. My guess would be that the next time you will see Victor playing won’t be until January 7 against the Lakers, which is the second night of a road/home back to back which gives Victor an extra recovery day in San Antonio for treatment. But knowing how the Spurs handle injuries, it easily could be longer.
The lineup that won the game in Indiana should have sufficient talent to handle the Blazers, even though Portland has been improving lately. If the Spurs can find their shooting touch tonight, the game won’t be as close as last night’s rim clanging exhibition, where the Spurs shot 13-46. Carter Bryant did his part, shooting 0-4, but he needs to keep shooting when he’s open, because some day, probably not anytime soon, those shots are going to start going through the hoop instead of sailing past it. It’s gonna happen, I know it.
The Trail Blazers with Tiago Splitter at the helm know the Spurs system, and they will be a tough out for the home team. If they maintain focus the Spurs should keep winning. Let’s watch and see if Mitch’s plan comes together, because we all like it when a plan comes together.
Stephon Castle will drive to the bucket and get gang tackled by all five Trail Blazers players. It will not be called a foul.
San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers
January 3, 2026 | 7:00 PM CT
Streaming: NBA League Pass
TV: FanDuel Sports Southwest
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