Tuesday evening on the NBA hardwood, we have a game 5 matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs to break down. The Trail Blazers surprised San Antonio in game two of this series, but the Spurs responded with a couple of double-digit wins in Portland to grab a 3-1 series lead. They won Game 4 by a score of 114-93. Will the Spurs be able to close out this series in easy fashion, or will the Blazers put up a major fight and stave off elimination?<\/p>\n
San Antonio -12; Over\/Under 215<\/strong><\/p>\n Portland enters Game 5 trying to extend the series. They dropped both home games<\/a> by double digits, including a 114\u201393 loss in Game 4. The Trail Blazers are averaging 101.3 points while shooting 41.7 percent. Their 32.4 percent mark from three has limited their ability to keep pace with San Antonio\u2019s efficiency. Deni Avdija<\/a> leads the team at 22.3 points, while Jrue Holiday<\/a> and Scoot Henderson<\/a> have provided secondary scoring. Portland\u2019s 20.8 assists per game show decent ball movement, but the 13.8 turnovers have been costly. Their lone win came in a tight Game 2, but the last two matchups have exposed defensive gaps.<\/p>\n Rebounding has been a challenge, with Portland averaging 41.3 boards while allowing San Antonio to control the interior. Their perimeter defense has also struggled, giving up 42.3 percent shooting from deep. Robert Williams<\/a> has been efficient inside. However, the team\u2019s rotations have not been sharp enough to contain San Antonio\u2019s balanced attack. Portland must tighten its closeouts and avoid the defensive lapses that fueled the Spurs\u2019 recent runs.<\/p>\n For the Blazers to push this series back to Portland, they need a more efficient offensive start and fewer empty possessions. Holiday must continue to create pressure. However, Portland also needs steadier contributions from someone like Henderson to avoid long scoring droughts<\/a>. They must push pace selectively, protect the ball, and force San Antonio into tougher mid\u2011range attempts. If they can control tempo and limit San Antonio\u2019s transition bursts, the Blazers can put real pressure on the Spurs in a pivotal Game 5.<\/p>\n San Antonio enters Game 5 with full momentum after back\u2011to\u2011back double\u2011digit wins in Portland. The Spurs are averaging 112.0 points while shooting 47.1 percent. Their 42.3 percent mark from three has been a major factor. De\u2019Aaron Fox<\/a> leads the team at 20.0 points. Stephon Castle<\/a> and Victor Wembanyama<\/a> have provided efficient scoring and strong interior play. Rookie Dylan Harper<\/a> has been giving the Spurs All-Star-level play<\/a>. San Antonio\u2019s 24 assists per game reflect improved ball movement. Their ability to generate clean looks has steadily increased. The Spurs have also won three of four in the series, giving them a clear edge.<\/p>\nPortland Trail Blazers<\/h3>\n
San Antonio Spurs<\/h3>\n