By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following a physical split in San Antonio, the Portland Trail Blazers returned to practice on Thursday with a clear focus on the pivotal Game 3 matchup opposite the Spurs in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google.
Israeli Deni Avdija expressed confidence in the squad’s collective focus as they prepare to defend home court. “I think we are in a good mental state. I feel like everybody’s ready, locked in,” he noted during his post-practice media session.
The series moves to the Moda Center on Friday with the best-of-seven set tied at 1-1, and the 25-year-old combo forward expects the atmosphere in Portland to provide a significant boost. “It’s going to be a lot of noise, a lot of support, and we love playing in front of them. I think it’s going to be good for us,” he mentioned.
His availability had been a point of concern after a grueling Game 2, but Avdija offered a reassuring update on his physical condition. “I got bruised up pretty bad last game. It was really hard for me to kind of step on my left leg, but sometimes you have to bite your lip and keep playing. It’s playoff games,” he said.
The Beit Zera native credited the medical staff with his recovery progress. “The doctors are doing a good job of helping me get better. I think I’m going to be way better for Game 3,” he added.
While the Blazers remain without Damian Lillard due to an Achilles injury, the Spurs face their own uncertainty. French starting center Victor Wembanyama, who entered concussion protocol following a fall in Game 2, has traveled with the team but remains listed as questionable.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 1-1 (101-112, 98-83)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-0 (126-113, 115-105)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-1 (113-102, 106-107)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 1-1 (123-91, 97-111)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 2-0 (119-84, 120-107)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 2-0 (107-98, 101-94)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-1 (126-115, 114-119)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 1-1 (111-98, 103-106)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions