SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs (3-5) will host the Portland Trail Blazers (3-5) Thursday for their season's first meeting.
GAME REWIND
The Spurs are coming off a 127-100 loss against the Rockets.
Victor Wembanyama had 15 points and six rebounds to lead the team. Julian Champagnie had 13 points and three rebounds, Harrison Barnes finished with two, Keldon Johnson had 10, and Chris Paul had 10 points and four assists. Malaki Branham added 10.
Due to injury, San Antonio was without Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan and Tre Jones. Head Coach Gregg Popovich was also out due to illness. Assistant Coach Mitch Johnson assumed head coaching duties for the game.
“Inconsistent, but at times really good. I think that team (Houston Rockets) is so physical and connected defensively. As much as you can play them not set in the halfcourt helps. So that was the pace," said coach Mitch Johnson. "The spacing is part of the speed thing. Doesn’t mean we necessarily have to shoot fast, but we want to get to the spots, we need to get to the corners and try to stretch the defenses out, which will help us operate."
THE UNIFORMS
The Spurs will be in their Association Edition jerseys today.
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FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
1. Portland's Deandre Ayton has recorded a double-double in seven out of eight games to start the 2024-25 season and currently leads the NBA in total double-doubles.
2. Portland ranks in the top 10 in the NBA in both offensive rebounds per game (13.1) and second-chance points per game (18.3).
3. The Blazers have recorded fewer assists in five straight games.
4. The Spurs have won two straight games at home versus Portland.
5. The Spurs are 2-0 at home when leading after the third period.
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