In their first game after trading Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to roll over against their in-state rival, the San Antonio Spurs.
The Dallas Mavericks will play their first game in the post-Anthony Davis era on Thursday night, hosting the San Antonio Spurs.
The two in-state rivals entered the season with playoff hopes, and early predictions pointed to the Mavericks possibly having a better season than the Spurs. However, in their season opener, Dallas fell to San Antonio in a 125-92 blowout, led by Victor Wembanyama's 40 points.
At the time, Cooper Flagg was just getting his feet wet and was brimming with potential, but had no real NBA experience. Now, the Spurs are clearly the better team, but fans can hope that Flagg can ball out against Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, the league's last two Rookie of the Year winners.
Before tipoff, we have you covered with everything you need to know, from betting odds, TV info, and injury reports for both squads.
How to Watch Mavericks vs. Spurs
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas TX
- When: 7:30 PM CST
- TV Channel: ABC
- Streaming: NBA League Pass
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report
- PJ Washington, concussion (OUT)
- Brandon Williams, leg (QUESTIONABLE)
- Daniel Gafford, ankle (QUESTIONABLE)
- Kyrie Irving, ACL (OUT)
- Dereck Lively II, foot (OUT)
San Antonio Spurs Injury Report
- Jeremy Sochan, quad (OUT)
- Lindy Waters III, knee (OUT)
- Kelly Olynyk, foot (QUESTIONABLE)
- Dylan Harper, ankle (QUESTIONABLE)
Mavericks vs. Spurs Betting Lines
- Point spread: Spurs -6.5/Mavericks +6.5
- Money line: Spurs (-255)/Mavericks (+205)
- Over/under: 229
Former Spurs guard Malaki Branham, as well as Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, and Marvin Bagley II, all came over from the Wizards in the trade for Davis. While none of them are listed as injured, they will not suit up after being traded for 24 hours before tipoff.
Dallas is a heavy underdog, and for good reason. While Flagg and Naji Marshall are pillars moving forward, neither is a true superstar like Wembanyama, and the French center has a better supporting cast.
Of course, fans can hope that Flagg will eventually be on the same level as Wemby, but even the most diehard MFFLers will admit that Flagg is nowhere close, at least not yet.
After this game, the Mavericks will travel to San Antonio for another showdown with the Spurs on Saturday, marking their first trip down I-35 this season.