Spurs at Mavs GAMEDAY Preview: Battling History vs. Texas Rival

The San Antonio Spurs face the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night at the American Airlines Center. Losers of 14 consecutive games, the Spurs look to use history to beat history against the Mavericks.

Historically, the San Antonio Spurs rank as the best basketball team in Texas. However, since Kawhi Leonard's controversial departure from San Antonio, the Dallas Mavericks two-stepped over the five-time NBA champions as the most relevant basketball franchise in the Lonestar State. On Thursday night, San Antonio fights for history to land on its side as it looks to end a franchise-low skid while battling in-state rival Dallas at American Airlines Center.

No one thought the Spurs would make the 2023 postseason even after the 5-5 start to the year. However, envisioning any Gregg Popovich-led team to fall 14 consecutive games seems like an Olympic stretch. Nonetheless, such a fall from grace is upon the proud San Antonio basketball franchise. Now, amid the race for undisputed No.1 pick Victor Wembanyama, could the Spurs salvage a bit of dignity by stopping the historic skid from diving further to the pits of basketball lousiness?

Dallas hasn't lost to San Antonio since Apr. 11, 2021, running away from the choke-hold the Spurs once held on the Mavs in the historic rivalry. However, the Mavericks are also on a losing streak, albeit a less-than-miserable three-game losing streak.  

At this point, defeating the Mavs isn't a world-beating affair, as even during the Spurs' losing streak against the Luka Doncic-led team, all the losses came within five points. Again, history is a double-edged sword for the Spurs as they look to fight fire with fire on Thursday evening. 

Spurs vs. Mavs Injury Report

San Antonio Spurs

• Khem Birch (OUT - knee)
  
• Langford Romeo (OUT- left adductor)
• Isaiah Roby (OUT - ankle)
• Devin Vasell (OUT - knee)
• Jeremy Sochan (Questionable - Quad)
• Tre Jones (Doubtful - foot)

Dallas Mavericks

• Maxi Kleber (OUT - hamstring)

• Davis Bertans (OUT - calf)

FUN FACT: The Spurs enjoyed their historic head coach Popovich getting named a finalist for the 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame. Among the 11 finalists, former Spurs point guard Tony Parker was also announced. 

RECORDS: San Antonio Spurs (14-45), Dallas Mavericks (31-29)

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 - 7:30 CT

WHERE: American Airlines Center, (Dallas, TX)

TV: Bally Sports Southwest, League Pass

RADIO: Spurs Radio WOAI 1200 AM

ODDS: The Spurs are a 14-point underdog to the Mavs.

NEXT UP: The Utah Jazz host the Spurs at the Vivint Arena on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m. CT. 

FINAL WORD: At this point in the season, winning isn't the top priority for the franchise. However, competing should always happen, no matter the opponent. Against an in-state rival, for a fanbase that travels decently, the least the Spurs can do is make for a compelling game.

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