Game 4 Preview: Spurs Adjust Without Wembanyama in Portland
The San Antonio Spurs are facing their first major test of the 2026 postseason. After a dominant start to the series, the Spurs will be without superstar Victor Wembanyama for tonight’s Game 4 at the Moda Center. Wembanyama entered the league's concussion protocol following a collision in Game 2, leaving a massive void in the San Antonio lineup.
Despite the injury, the Spurs hold a 2-1 series lead over the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Rise of Stephon Castle
With the "Alien" on the sidelines, the keys to the offense have been handed to sophomore sensation Stephon Castle. Castle has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his young career, but tonight requires a veteran-level performance. He'll need to use his size and playmaking to keep the Blazers' defense honest.
"We play for each other," Castle said. "Vic is a huge part of what we do, but we have enough talent in this locker room to win games. We have to defend at a high level."
Portland's Golden Opportunity
The Trail Blazers are sensing blood in the water. Deni Avdija has been a revelation for Portland this season, providing elite two-way play. With Wembanyama out, Avdija and rookie center Donovan Clingan will have much more room to operate in the paint. If Portland can dominate the glass, they have a legitimate chance to even this series before heading back to San Antonio.
Top Game 4 Prop Angles
Our AI "Heat Maps" are highlighting the volume shifts in San Antonio:
- Stephon Castle Over 6.5 Assists: Castle's usage rate is projected to jump by 12% with Wemby out.
- Deni Avdija Over 18.5 Points: Avdija should see more single-coverage looks tonight.
- Donovan Clingan Over 10.5 Rebounds: No Wemby means more boards available for the Blazers' big man.
- Jeremy Sochan Over 1.5 Steals: Sochan will be tasked with locking down Portland’s primary scorers.
View Spurs vs Blazers Prop Data →
Prediction
Portland has the momentum and the health advantage. Without Wembanyama's rim protection, the Spurs will struggle to contain the Blazers' interior attack.
Final Score Prediction: Trail Blazers 112, Spurs 102 (Series tied 2-2)
