The Dallas Mavericks begin the 2025–26 NBA season on Wednesday night at American Airlines Center, hosting the San Antonio Spurs in one of the league’s most anticipated season openers. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN, with streaming available on the ESPN app and FuboTV.

The matchup brings together some of the NBA’s brightest young talent — Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, makes his official debut for Dallas, while Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick, takes the floor for San Antonio. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis begins his first full season with the Mavericks alongside Victor Wembanyama, who returns healthy for the Spurs.

How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs

Date: Wednesday, October 22

Time: 8:30 p.m. CT

Location: American Airlines Center — Dallas, TX

TV: ESPN (National)

Streaming: ESPN app, FuboTV, Sling TV

Radio: KEGL 97.1 FM The Eagle; 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish)

Live Stats: NBA.com

Tickets: Mavs.com

Pregame Event: Home Opener Tipoff Party presented by Chime (6–8 p.m., South Plaza)

Giveaway: Rowdy, Proud & Loud T-shirt (first 20,000 fans); Magnet Schedule (first 5,000 fans)

Dallas Mavericks Injury Report

Kyrie Irving: Out (Left Knee Surgery)

Danté Exum: Out (Right Knee Injury Management)

Daniel Gafford: Doubtful (Right Ankle Sprain)

San Antonio Spurs Injury Report

Anthony Davis Enters First Full Season in Dallas

After joining the Mavericks midway through last season, Anthony Davis now begins his first full campaign in Dallas following a complete training camp. His impact was evident in limited action last year — including a 26-point, 16-rebound, 7-assist showing — and the organization expects that form to become the norm.

“I feel good,” Davis said. “I played all four preseason games to kind of get that rhythm going into the regular season. The vibe is good. The energy is high. We’re working. I still got some things to clean up, but overall we feel really good about our team.”

Head coach Jason Kidd credited the continuity gained through a full offseason.

“It’s always nice to have someone for camp,” Kidd said. “When you get someone in a trade, trying to keep things simple is tough. Having him for a whole training camp makes things easier both on the defense and offensive end.”

P.J. Washington said the difference is already visible.

“Everybody’s more comfortable with AD’s game,” Washington said. “We know how to play with him and around him. He’s going to be really great for us this year.”

No. 1 vs. No. 2: Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper Begin Their Rivalry

The top two picks in the 2025 NBA Draft will share the floor for the first time as Cooper Flagg leads Dallas and Dylan Harper debuts for San Antonio.

Flagg averaged 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in the preseason, showing a rare mix of poise and versatility for an 18-year-old forward.

“Everything — the whole experience,” Flagg said. “Playing my first real game, starting a great season, and journey with this team. I think we have a really good chance of being successful, so I’m just excited for it.”

Kidd praised Flagg’s maturity beyond his years: “What you’ve seen in preseason — he competes, makes plays, and has fun out there,” Kidd said. “He has a really high basketball IQ for an 18-year-old, and that’ll only improve with more reps.”

D’Angelo Russell, embracing a sixth-man role for Dallas, said Flagg is ready for the spotlight.

“I think he’s ready,” Russell said. “His support system has kept him ready and mentally prepared for this opportunity. You’ve got guys like Kyrie and AD too who can put that bug in his ear, but he’s got a good team around him that’s going to keep him prepared for these opportunities and situations.”

For Harper, who averaged 17.5 points and 4.9 assists in his lone season at Rutgers, the moment is equally meaningful.

“I’m new to all this,” Harper said. “Obviously, the rivalry — they talk about it all the time. But it’s just one big game, one big rivalry. People are going to have bragging rights in the state.”

When asked about facing Flagg, Harper said, “It’s going to be a great matchup. But for me, we’ve just got to go out there and play our game.”

Key Matchup: Anthony Davis vs. Victor Wembanyama

Beyond the rookie duel, the frontcourt battle between Anthony Davis and Victor Wembanyama will command attention.

“When you talk about Victor — one of the best players in the world,” Kidd said. “He defends the whole court and can cover it offensively, too. Victor maybe needs half a dribble to get from half court to the rim. It’s always a challenge playing him.”

Wembanyama, healthy again after missing much of last season with a blood clot, is already being mentioned as an early MVP candidate. His size and mobility will test Dallas’ frontcourt, which will feature Davis alongside Dereck Lively II and P.J. Washington.

The Mavericks will unveil a supersized starting lineup featuring Davis, Lively, Washington, Klay Thompson, and Flagg — a group built to emphasize rim protection and unselfish playmaking.

For Dallas, it’s the start of a new era with Davis and Flagg leading the way. For San Antonio, it’s the beginning of what could become the NBA’s next great rivalry — a first glimpse at Flagg vs. Harper, two young stars beginning their journeys on the same night.

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