What happens when the best basketball player in the world is out?
Well, we will find out when the San Antonio Spurs (1-1) visit the Portland Trail Blazers (1-1) at the Moda Center for Game 3 of their first-round series in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
The Spurs’ star is “questionable” for Friday after entering concussion protocol when he fell on his face in the second quarter of Game 2. Based on how San Antonio has managed Wembanyama in his first three seasons, I’m literally betting that he won’t play in Game 3.
San Antonio Spurs big Victor Wembanyama is hurt after face-planting 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’d take Portland at anything less than +4. However, I’ll gladly BET TRAIL BLAZERS +2.5 (down to a pick ’em) under the assumption that the Spurs don’t rush Wemby back.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON OUTKICK.COM
Since Wembanyama became the NBA’s first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year this season, and he is the presumptive MVP betting favorite for the next 10+ years, this Spurs team should be a road underdog in the playoffs without him.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija gets to the rack vs. San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant in Game 2 of their first-round series in the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. (Scott Wachter-Imagn Images)
Per CleaningTheGlass.com, Wemby has a +15.3 on/off net rating, and his impact is greater on the defensive end. Trail Blazers C Donovan Clingan becomes the best big on the floor if Wemby is out, and Portland All-Star forward Deni Avdija can get to the rim at will.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
If I’m wrong and Wembanyama does play Friday, then 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 “flukey win”. They outplayed the Spurs.
Portland Trail Blazers combo guard Scoot Henderson erupted for a game-high 32 points Tuesday vs. the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Playoffs. (Scott Wachter-Imagn Images)
Also, the lower-seed is supposed to win Game 3 at home, and Portland’s defense is good enough to give it a puncher’s chance vs. any team. Especially against a San Antonio squad that doesn’t have postseason experience.
Between their veteran leadership from guys who have “been there before,” such as PG Jrue Holiday and C Robert Williams, a breakout star like Avdija, and the juice from a home crowd that has legitimate hope, the Trail Blazers are a live ‘dog in this series.
Prediction: Trail Blazers 108, Spurs 104
_____________________________
Follow me on X @Geoffery-Clark, and check out my OutKick Bets Podcast for more betting content and random rants.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Geoff Clark serves as OutKick’s sports betting guru.
