The Dallas Mavericks start off their 2025-26 NBA season at home on Wednesday night in a Western Conference showdown against the San Antonio Spurs.
Of course, the Mavericks have high expectations entering the new season with their core led by Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving, who will miss the beginning of the season as he continues to recover from a torn ACL.
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Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32)Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Wednesday’s game also marks the highly anticipated NBA debut for Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, who is set to start at point guard for Dallas against the Spurs.
On the other side, the Spurs also have high expectations entering the new season as they try to end their playoff drought behind their core led by Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) and guard Stephon Castle (5)© Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
San Antonio also made some key additions to their roster this offseason after selecting Dylan Harper second overall in the 2025 draft and signing Luke Kornet in free agency.
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With both teams looking to make a run at a top seed in the West this season, Wednesday’s game is a crucial one as both teams try to start the season out with a victory, though they will both be without some key players.
Spurs Injury Report, Will De’Aaron Fox, Kelly Olynyk Play?
San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4)© Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
For the Spurs, they have ruled out four players for Wednesday’s game with the biggest being Fox, who is out with a right hamstring strain.
San Antonio has also ruled out Kelly Olynyk due to recovery from left heel surgery, Jeremy Sochan due to a left wrist sprain and Lindy Waters III due to recovery from an eye procedure.
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San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2)© Candice Ward-Imagn Images
With these players out, the Spurs will need others to step up in their absence, especially for Fox, as it is likely that Castle and Harper will man the backcourt on Wednesday night.
Mavericks Injury Report, Will Daniel Gafford, Dante Exum Play?
For the Mavericks, they will also be without some of their key players on Wednesday night as they have ruled out two players.
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Of course, Dallas has ruled out Irving as he continues to recover from a torn ACL and Dante Exum will also be sidelined due to knee injury management.
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The Mavericks are also expected to be without center Daniel Gafford in Wednesday’s contest as they have listed him as doubtful with an ankle sprain.
If Gafford is unable to play against the Spurs, Dereck Lively II could be in line for a larger role while Davis and P.J. Washington will likely man the frontcourt.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21)© Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Fans can catch Wednesday’s matchup between the Spurs and Mavericks from Dallas at 9:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.