The San Antonio Spurs return to the NBA playoffs on Sunday for the first time in six seasons when they open a first-round Western Conference series against the Portland Trail Blazers. San Antonio enters the postseason as the No. 2 seed after a major turnaround season led by Victor Wembanyama.
The Spurs finished with 62 wins and re-established themselves as contenders behind the rapid rise of their 22-year-old star. Wembanyama also received major recognition before tipoff after being named one of the three finalists for the NBA MVP award.
That individual news was followed by San Antonio’s first key playoff decision. The Spurs officially announced the starting lineup for Game 1 against Portland, with Wembanyama leading a young, versatile group.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup Against Portland Trail Blazers
San Antonio confirmed it will start De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Victor Wembanyama on Sunday.
The lineup blends speed in the backcourt, perimeter scoring on the wings, and elite size inside, with Wembanyama anchoring both ends of the floor.
Fox gives San Antonio an experienced lead guard and downhill creator. His pace and rim pressure add another layer to the Spurs’ offense entering the playoffs.
Castle continues to earn trust in a major role after strong development during the season. Vassell provides shot creation and perimeter spacing, while Champagnie stays in the opening unit after holding that role late in the year.
Wembanyama remains the centerpiece of everything San Antonio does.
The star forward-center averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game during the regular season.
He is also entering the postseason after being named a finalist for the NBA MVP award alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.
Ahead of his playoff debut, Wembanyama said he understands the moment.
“I’m as ready as you can be,” Wembanyama said.
“This moment, it’s really what you work on all year, but also your whole career.”
He added, “We’re dreaming of the playoffs as kids before coming here.”
The lineup announcement confirms the Spurs will place that responsibility directly on Wembanyama from the opening tip.
Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio Spurs Enter Playoffs With New Expectations
GettySan Antonio Spurs guard Victor Wembanyama
San Antonio’s return to the postseason marks a major shift for a franchise that had missed the playoffs for six straight years.
What began as a rebuilding process quickly accelerated with Wembanyama’s emergence as one of the league’s top young stars.
According to previous reporting, Hall of Famers Manu Ginobili and Gregg Popovich were present at the Spurs’ final full practice before the playoffs. Former stars Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, and David Robinson have also remained visible around the organization.
That history adds context to what this new Spurs group is trying to build.
Wembanyama acknowledged the importance of staying focused despite the attention around his first playoff run.
“I can’t really help but dream about it, of course,” he said. “But we have to stay grounded, stay in the moment.”
San Antonio’s supporting cast will be important against Portland.
Fox gives the Spurs another proven scorer next to Wembanyama. Vassell can stretch defenses, Castle adds perimeter athleticism, and Champagnie supplies complementary shooting and energy.
Defensively, Wembanyama’s rim protection changes the floor. His presence allows San Antonio to pressure the perimeter more aggressively and recover mistakes inside.
The Trail Blazers now face the challenge of dealing with one of the NBA’s most disruptive defenders and a Spurs team carrying momentum into the postseason.
Sunday’s lineup decision signals continuity for San Antonio.
The Spurs are trusting the same formula that produced a breakthrough regular season: surround Wembanyama with pace, spacing, and length, then let their young star drive the ceiling.
For the first time in years, playoff basketball is back in San Antonio.
Spurs Announce Starting Lineup Decision Vs Trail Blazers After Victor Wembanyama News