Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs proved every bit of their 62-win regular season in Game 1, securing a 111-98 blowout win over the Trail Blazers.
The unanimous Defensive Player of the Year had a considerable impact on both ends of the floor, finishing with a franchise record 35 points, the most ever by a San Antonio player in their playoff debut.
Portland struggled to contain Wemby and now aims to even things up in this best-of-seven opening-round series on Tuesday night.
The Blazers enter heavy dogs on the spread, with the Spurs favored by 11.5 points for Game 2.
Trail Blazers vs. Spurs prediction, best bet
It’s challenging to devise a strategy to effectively contain Wembanyama and the Spurs’ offense for Blazers coach Tiago Splitter to consider.
Donovan Clingan tried his best but was overwhelmed by the 7-foot-4 frame of Wembanyama.
Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson played 13 players in Game 1, leveraging San Antonio’s depth to overpower the Blazers at different moments.
De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points and dished out a game-high eight assists in the victory, but his backcourt partner, former Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, also posted impressive stats.
The UConn product is also making his playoff debut in this series, and although he shot poorly (4-for-13) in Game 1, he still scored 17 points, tying Fox.
Castle also recorded seven rebounds and seven assists, becoming the first Spurs player to achieve at least 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists in their playoff debut since Stephon Jackson in 2003, according to ESPN research.
While all eyes will be on Wembanyama, I’m looking at Castle’s player prop of 30.5 points, rebounds, or assists in Game 2.
Betting on the NBA?
If the Blazers’ defense keys in on stopping Wemby, the lane will be open for easy drive-and-kick opportunities, and his high-flying ability to finish at the rim will be on display.
He is no stranger to dishing out the basketball, as his 7.4 assists per game were good enough for 6th-best in the NBA this season.
Expect him to leave his fingerprints on this contest.
The Play: Stephon Castle over 30.5 points + rebounds + assists (-120, bet365 Sportsbook)
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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
