The Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs kick off their 2024-25 NBA seasons with a Texas showdown at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks enter the season with high expectations, aiming for another deep playoff run. Meanwhile, the Spurs continue their rebuilding efforts, led by Victor Wembanyama and new veteran additions.
Dallas dominated San Antonio last season, winning all four matchups on their way to the Western Conference title. This game will provide the first glimpse of both teams’ new-look rosters and set the tone for the Lone Star State rivalry.
Dallas Mavericks Overview
The Mavericks have reloaded this offseason by addressing their 3-point shooting issues, adding sharpshooter Klay Thompson to complement Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Dallas went 50-32 last season, showcasing one of the most efficient offenses in the NBA. They aim to build on that success with a healthy Doncic and improved depth.
Dallas coach Jason Kidd has kept his starting lineup under wraps, but the frontcourt will feature either Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II at center and P.J. Washington at power forward. Key reserves include guards Jaden Hardy and Spencer Dinwiddie, and forward Maxi Kleber. The Mavericks will be without guard Dante Exum, who is sidelined following wrist surgery.
Luka Doncic, who missed the preseason with a calf injury, will make his season debut. His chemistry with Irving and Thompson will be critical as the Mavericks look to start strong. Doncic is expected to lead Dallas in both scoring and playmaking throughout the season.
San Antonio Spurs Overview
The Spurs, still in rebuild mode, are counting on the continued development of Victor Wembanyama, the reigning Rookie of the Year. Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and a league-best 3.6 blocks per game last season. His progress will be pivotal in helping San Antonio become more competitive in a stacked Western Conference.
The Spurs bolstered their roster by adding veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. However, they will begin the season without Devin Vassell, who is recovering from a foot injury. Paul, Barnes, and Wembanyama will be the core of the starting lineup, alongside Julian Champagnie and Jeremy Sochan.
Keldon Johnson will lead the second unit, bringing scoring and energy off the bench. San Antonio is looking to end a five-season playoff drought under the leadership of Gregg Popovich, the winningest coach in NBA history.
Wembanyama will be the focal point of the Spurs’ offense, while Wembanyama will also anchor the defense with his shot-blocking prowess.
Pick and Prediction
While the Spurs have promising talent, Dallas has the edge in both experience and depth. The Mavericks’ offense, led by Doncic, Irving, and Thompson, will be difficult for San Antonio to contain. Wembanyama will make an impact, but the Mavericks’ firepower and home-court advantage should be the difference.
- Pick: Mavericks -7.5
- Prediction: Dallas 118, San Antonio 105
