Deni Avdija Says Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs Lack “Playoff Experience” Ahead of Trail Blazers Series

The Portland Trail Blazers found a way. The Phoenix Suns launched off a 32-10 run and led by as much as 11 in the fourth. But Deni Advija and Co. never surrendered. Their resilience showed, turning things around with impeccable shot-making and physical defense. They secured a playoff spot even with Damian Lillard being in street clothes all season. All of a sudden, they are bathing in belief.

Avdija scored 41, missing just one shot in the final quarter to seal an impressive win for Portland. Now they prepare for the test against an alien. Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs await them. As much as their rivals are touted as clear favorites, Avdija believes the Trail Blazers have just as strong a chance.

“I mean they’re a great team. Very talented. You know they’re young too, so they don’t have a lot of playoff experience as well. It’s going to be a fight… We’re gonna bring everything we got, and I really believe in the guys. We can do everything we want,” said the Portland star about a first-round matchup with the Spurs.

Both teams are inexperienced, to be fair. Portland has Jrue Holiday with almost 100 playoff appearances. Similarly, the Spurs’ most seasoned postseason campaigner is Harrison Barnes. Most of their starting group will be playing their first playoff series. By that metric, it’s an open-ended draw. The team prepared to handle the spotlight could get through.

Mar 30, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kelly Olynyk (8), center Mason Plumlee (45), forward Victor Wembanyama (1), guard De’aaron Fox (4), and guard Devin Vassell (24) celebrate on the bench in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

In the regular season, the Trail Blazers lost the season series 1-2 to the Spurs. San Antonio didn’t have the overwhelming presence of Victor Wembanyama in a single game. In terms of the matchup, the Spurs are the two seed with far superior talent. That being said, Portland doesn’t quit. Deni Avdija’s output will largely influence the outcome of this series.

Furthermore, the most decisive matchup comes between Donovan Clingan and Wemby. These are two towering centers who can block shots and score in a multitude of ways. Clingan is also the closest defender who can trouble the Spurs cornerstone. If the Trail Blazers play with the same conviction as they did today, the series could be much closer than people think.

Deni Avdija and the Trail Blazers are dangerous

Don’t look at Portland as a team with 42 wins. That’s either way progress from last season. And it happened without a nine-time All-Star in Damian Lillard. Tonight showcased their perseverance. The team was tested, even counted out, after a terrific run from the Phoenix Suns. But the Trail Blazers didn’t lose their cool.

That might just be the most important aspect heading into a playoff series against a team stacked with talented players. Portland has all bases covered. Deni Avdija is having a breakout season, posting career-highs across multiple stats. Furthermore, they are defensively sound with players like Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant pressuring ball handlers.

The outlier is Victor Wembanyama, who has yet to have played a single game against this team.

But with health on their side, Avdija and Portland are capable of pushing the Spurs. They are the underdogs without a shadow of a doubt. However, in terms of personnel and matchups, they can match up well against the Spurs. I still think San Antonio’s pool of talent will subdue the Trail Blazers.

However, a lean team with consistently productive players could be a different beast. It’s amongst the more exciting first-round series out there. Portland ranks among the top teams in offensive rebounding, while the Spurs are among the best at securing the defensive glass. Both teams have creators and a few hidden gems who could turn this series around. How far can Donovan Clingan push his game against Wemby? What if Jerami Grant produces huge performances as he did tonight?

That’s how close the series could be if a motivated Trail Blazers team turns up. And Avdija’s words leave no space for doubt. “I feel like if we’re together, connected, and everybody’s healthy, and ready to play, I feel like we’re a dangerous team,” he said.

That was evident today. The Spurs wouldn’t make the mistake of underestimating Portland. If they do, even a slight edge could stretch this series longer than they would want it to be.

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