Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

It hasn’t been the easiest start of the season for the Spurs. They opened with a loss against the Thunder and faced the Rockets in their second matchup in Austin, where the atmosphere wasn’t the same as a typical home game against a Texas-based rival. Houston was ahead for most of the night, but it came down to the wire, with Amen Thompson meeting Victor Wembanyama at the rim and erasing the layup that would have sent the game to overtime.

The Silver and Black are now 0-2, but fortunately, the schedule gets a little easier for them over the next few days. On Saturday, they are slated to face a solid but shorthanded Mavericks team that destroyed the Pacers on Friday but will likely be without Cooper Flagg, who suffered a shoulder injury. Coach Dusty May said Flagg would be evaluated “in the next couple of days,” so it’s safe to assume that he will not be able to suit up for the second game of a back-to-back.

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Even if Flagg had not gotten hurt, the Spurs would have been considered the favorites, despite their slow start. The losses have not been pretty, for different reasons, but the quality of the opponents has to be taken into account. While Dallas could absolutely make the playoffs in the crowded West if things go right, they are not a contender and have some weak points that San Antonio could take advantage of, with the right game plan.

The Spurs need the win and should come out looking to put the Mavs away quickly on their second game in as many nights. If the urgency and the execution are there, they should get the first W of the year.

San Antonio Spurs (0-2) at Dallas Mavericks (1-1)

October 24, 2026 | 8 p.m. CT
Watch: DAZN | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

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Spurs Injuries: (subject to change because of the back-to-back) Tobias Harris, calf (OUT), Jayden Quaintance, (OUT).

Mavericks Injuries: (subject to change because of the back-to-back) Santi Aldama (knee) OUT, Tarik Biberović (foot) OUT, Dereck Lively II (foot) OUT, Caleb Martin (thumb), Cooper Flagg (shoulder) OUT.

What to watch for

Stop Kyrie Irving and the win should be in the bag. With Flagg almost certainly out, the Mavericks will have to…

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Publish date : 2026-10-24 07:48:00

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