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The San Antonio Spurs now know exactly who they will be playing in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Portland Trail Blazers surprised the NBA world when they upset the Phoenix Suns in the play-in tournament.
That could give the Spurs a break considering they struggled against the Suns this season. On the other hand, San Antonio is 2-1 during the regular season against Portland.
In fact, they appear to have the perfect recipe to stop their best player. Deni Avdija ranks among the NBA's best slashers, but that is unlikely to work nearly as well against San Antonio.
Spurs have the perfect answer to Deni Avdija
The Spurs are incredibly stingy in that regard, giving up the seventh-fewest points in the paint this season. Victor Wembanyama is the obvious reason, with him serving as the ultimate rim deterrent given his length and size.
However, he isn't the only player that could cut off Avdija's drives to the basket. Stephon Castle will likely be tasked with guarding Portland's best player and has the tools to keep Avdija in front of him.
Castle's terrific at navigating screens, making it tougher for players to gain separation. If Portland's best player can't get free on the perimeter, then it makes it even harder for him to get into the paint.
San Antonio matches up perfectly against the Blazers
That gives San Antonio two layers of terrific defense. Even when Wembanyama is out of the game, Luke Kornet is a terrific rim protector in his own right. The Silver and Black don't rank third in defense for nothing.
They have a slew of good defenders on the perimeter to throw at Avdija and two centers who can put a lid on the rim. Considering that the Blazers were 21st in offensive rating this season, they may not be able to keep up scoring-wise if Avdija struggles.
To their credit, Portland ranks 12th in defensive rating. Therefore, they can muck things up, but likely not enough to stop San Antonio's elite offense. Spurs in five.
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