The NBA’s 2025-26 season is set to open with a marquee matchup between the league’s top two draft picks, as the Dallas Mavericks are slated to host the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 22, according to Marc Stein.
The game will mark the regular-season debuts of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and No. 2 pick Dylan Harper, setting the stage for an early showcase of two of the league’s most anticipated rookies. Dallas selected Flagg out of Duke after winning the draft lottery, while San Antonio drafted Harper following his standout freshman year at Rutgers.
The Mavericks are looking to rebound after a 39-43 season that ended in the play-in tournament. Injuries to Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, derailed Dallas’ playoff hopes. Now, Flagg joins a veteran core that also features Davis, Irving, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and D’Angelo Russell.
San Antonio, led by 2023 No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama, went 34-48 last season after Wembanyama’s year was cut short by deep vein thrombosis. The Spurs now boast a deep backcourt featuring Harper, reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and former All-Star De’Aaron Fox.
The pairing of Flagg and Harper has already drawn intrigue after their first on-court meeting in July’s NBA Summer League. While the Spurs earned a 76–69 win, Flagg turned heads with a 31-point performance on 10-of-21 shooting, including 3-of-9 from three-point range, with four rebounds and just one turnover in 33 minutes. He repeatedly attacked the rim, created shots off the dribble, and handled extended ball-handling duties against full-court pressure.
“I definitely felt a little more comfortable,” Flagg said after that game. “They were still picking up 94 [feet]… but I was trusting all the work.”
Harper impressed in his Summer League debut as well, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, and two steals. David Jones-Garcia led the Spurs with 21 points, while Carter Bryant’s defensive effort forced Flagg to work for his scoring opportunities.
The regular-season opener will mark the first official test for both rookies against each other in a meaningful game. With both Dallas and San Antonio expected to push for playoff spots in the Western Conference, the early meeting could set the tone for two of the league’s most closely watched young teams.
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