Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

The Blazers’ primary defensive adjustment hinges on the tandem of second-year pro Donovan Clingan and defensive specialist Toumani Camara. Down the stretch, Clingan and Camara proved they could anchor the paint.

Donovan Clingan averaged 12.1 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game in the regular season. Clingan provides the sheer mass needed to keep Wembanyama away from easy put-backs.
Toumani Camara‘s versatility allows him to shadow Wembanyama on the perimeter, theoretically preventing him from getting comfortable beyond the arc.

Camara stays in front of drivers to allow Clingan to meet them in the paint. That will be important for the Blazers if they want to compete in the series.

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

In the regular season, the Blazers exploited a Wemby-less frontcourt by letting Deni Avdija attack downhill. Avdija is coming off a monster 41-point performance against the Suns to clinch the No. 7 seed and averaged 32 points against the Spurs this year.

The rotation adjustment here involves Jrue Holiday and Shaedon Sharpe. To prevent the Spurs’ elite rim protection from stunting Avdija’s drives, Splitter may need to cycle through more perimeter-heavy lineups to pull Wembanyama away from the basket, creating the opportunity where Scoot Henderson and the Blazers’ bench excels.

Key Series Matchups & Rotations

Player
Stats
Role

Deni Avdija
24.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6.7 APG
Primary shot creator

Shaedon Sharpe
20.8 PPG
Secondary scorer, floor spacer

Jrue Holiday
16.3 PPG
Veteran defensive anchor

Donovan Clingan
11.6 RPG
Wembanyama’s matchup

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

In their lone win against San Antonio on Jan. 3, the Blazers relied on 19 made 3-pointers to overcome the Spurs’ size. Expect a rotation that prioritizes Jerami Grant (shooting 44% on corner threes) to stretch the floor. If Portland can force Wembanyama to defend the corner, it opens the lane for Avdija and Sharpe to keep the Blazers in the series.

While the Spurs are massive favorites, the Blazers’ defensive grit and the mystery of how they match up with a healthy Wembanyama makes this an intriguing first-round series.