Spurs vs. Blazers – NBA Playoffs – Game 1 predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 19

The 2026 NBA Playoffs open in San Antonio with a fascinating contrast in styles as the No. 2 seed Spurs host the No. 7 seed Portland Trail Blazers on NBC and Peacock.

The matchup marks the postseason return of playoff basketball to Texas for the first time in seven years. The Spurs (62-20) have been one of the league's dominant forces since February, led by the incredible all-around play of third-year superstar Victor Wembanyama , who averaged 25 points and 3. 1 blocks this season.

Its been a beat as well for Portland (42-40) since they have seen the postseason. This is the Blazers’ first playoff appearance and in fact, first winning season since the 2020-21 campaign. The Trail Blazers secured the seventh seed with a 114-110 win at Phoenix in the Play-In Tournament on Tuesday.

Led by Deni Avdija (24. 2 ppg and 6. 7 apg) Portland is looking to become just the 4th team to win a playoff series after advancing through the Play-In Tournament since it was adopted in its current format in 2021.