Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks – Game #1
Chris Paul will make his official debut with the Spurs tonight (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs begin the 2024-25 NBA regular season with a road game against the Dallas Mavericks. The game, which will be aired on national television, will feature Victor Wembanyama versus the defending Western Conference champions. The Mavericks, of course, ended up losing to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals.
Dallas is expected to be a contender once again. The Spurs, on the other hand, are considered to be a long shot to advance to the playoffs. San Antonio will try to change that narrative beginning tonight.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The news is good for San Antonio on the injury front. Entering the season, only Devin Vassell is sidelined. Vassell underwent foot surgery in the offseason and is expected to miss the rest of October. There is hope that he will be cleared to play at some point in early November.
Charles Bassey is coming off of a torn ACL suffered in December but he’s ready to play. Zach Collins is also ready to go after he suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder in San Antonio’s final regular season game of the 2023-24 campaign.
Dallas Mavericks Injury Update
The Mavericks are also relatively healthy. Their only injured player is Dante Exum, who had wrist surgery recently and will be out approximately three months.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Judging by head coach Gregg Popovich’s rotations in the preseason, we can safely assume he will start Chris Paul at shooting guard, Julian Champagnie at shooting guard, Harrison Barnes at small forward, Jeremy Sochan at power forward and Victor Wembanyama at center.
The first players off the bench for the Spurs will likely be Tre Jones, Keldon Johnson and Zach Collins. Rookie Stephon Castle is also likely to be in the rotation.
Dallas Mavericks to Debut New Big Three
Last season, the Mavericks relied heavily on superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. During the offseason, the Mavs acquired some help by signing Klay Thompson. Dallas hopes that the former Splash Brother will supercharge their offense with his legendary perimeter shooting.
Betting Guide: Spurs at Mavericks
The Mavericks are favored by nine points and the over/under is 228 points. The smart money is actually on the Spurs. San Antonio has hopes of taking a big step forward this season. To do that, they’ll need to show they can compete with teams like the Mavs. Expect the Spurs to give the Mavs their best shot.