Spurs bring seven-game streak to Portland's high-scoring offense

The San Antonio Spurs (7-2), winners of seven straight, visit the Portland Trail Blazers (6-2) on Saturday in a game that pits Portland's second-ranked offense against San Antonio's sixth-ranked defense.

Portland scores 118.8 points per 100 possessions, second in the NBA, and builds that output from deep and at the line. The Blazers take 51% of their shots from 3 and rank second in free throw rate.

San Antonio allows 106.2 points per 100 possessions, sixth in the league. Opponents reach the line less often against the Spurs than against all but two teams, so Portland's trips to the stripe meet a defense that rarely fouls.

Ball security favors San Antonio. The Spurs turn it over on 10.7% of their possessions, the lowest rate in the league, while Portland ranks 24th at 14.1%. Neither defense forces many mistakes, and the teams share a net rating of 8.8.

Victor Wembanyama drives San Antonio at both ends, averaging 29.1 points and 4.2 blocks, so Portland's shooters will find him waiting at the rim. De'Aaron Fox runs the offense with 5.9 assists a game.

Deni Avdija carries the Blazers with 23.3 points and seven assists a game. Donovan Clingan, who grabs 10.5 rebounds and blocks 2.3 shots, draws the job of keeping Wembanyama off the glass.

Portland is thin in the backcourt. Ja Morant, its leader in steals, is out and expected back Tuesday, December 1. Shaedon Sharpe, who plays 28.3 minutes a game, is out until Tuesday, March 2, and Vit Krejci is also out.

San Antonio is missing two forwards: Tobias Harris (27.8 minutes a game), who is out and expected back Monday, November 9, and Jayden Quaintance, who is also out.

One of the Spurs' seven wins was a 112-111 escape against Dallas. Portland won three straight on the road before a 124-118 loss to the Lakers.

Tip-off is at 10 p.m. ET. Sportsbooks give San Antonio a 66% chance to win; Keel's projection, built from the players available, has the Spurs at 59% and ahead by 2.8 points.