Dylan Harper will be back in uniform tonight (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs will try to get back on the winning track on Wednesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Spurs enter the affair with a record of 11-5, while the Blazers stand at 8-10.
After winning three straight games at home, San Antonio started a four-game road trip with a loss to the Phoenix Suns. Despite getting 26 points from De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs couldn’t keep up with the Suns in the second half (See the Final Grades).
The Blazers have lost five of their last seven games but they’re coming off of a 115-103 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Portland was led by Jerami Grant, who totaled 35 points, four rebounds and four assists in 31 minutes.
This is the first of only three meetings between the Spurs and Blazers this season. The final two contests between these two franchises will take place in San Antonio.
Dylan Harper Returns
Yesterday, the Spurs listed Dylan Harper as questionable to return against the Blazers. Today, Harper says he has been cleared and he’s ready to go. The second overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft hasn’t played since suffering a calf strain on Nov. 2 against the Suns.
Harper’s start to his NBA career has been extremely impressive. In 23.3 minutes per game, the 19-year-old is averaging 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists, while shooting 50.0% from the field, 35.7% from three-point range and 83.3% from the free throw line.
Unfortunately, while Harper is back, the Spurs will be without Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle in Portland. Wembanyama and Castle are expected to ramp up their efforts to return to the court but neither one is ready to go this evening.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
While Dylan Harper has been great so far as a rookie, he hasn’t started a game yet. Even though Stephon Castle is out, expect Harper to keep coming off the bench. Head coach Mitch Johnson will likely go with a starting five of De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Harrison Barnes and Luke Kornet.
In addition to Castle, expect to see Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan and Kelly Olynyk off the bench.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Blazers
The Blazers are favored by 1.5 points and the over/under is 240.5 points. Winning on the road without Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle is going to be difficult. For that reason, the smart money is on the Blazers winning tonight by two or more points.