Spurs Key Dates: 5 Must-See Matchups for Victor Wembanyama This Season
Playing 82 games a season isn't a light commitment for any NBA team or player.
Getting to the arena, suiting up, warming up, starting the game and giving 100 percent on the court just to go home and do it again almost every other day from October to April is certainly difficult to imagine, let alone actually do.
But like all other teams, the San Antonio Spurs will have a roster of 17 players willing to put in the necessary effort as they look to return to the top of the league behind coach Gregg Popovich. Whether that is accomplished during Victor Wembanyama's first season or not is a different story, but San Antonio is certainly going to try.
Luckily, every game brings a different set of expectations, competition and entertainment — and not just for the fans. Having prime-time games or facing off against a rival squad makes the season seem a little less daunting for both players and coaches, though it does provide extra entertainment for spectators.
The only questions is which games mean the most for San Antonio this season?
Let's find out. Ahead of the Spurs' lengthy season, here are 10 must-see matchups throughout the year to keep an eye on:
1. Wednesday, Oct. 25 vs. Dallas Mavericks - Opening Night
Playing at home for the first game of the season is exciting enough on its own, but welcoming one of the West's top teams in Luka Doncic's Mavs adds a whole other level of anticipation.
Last season, San Antonio finished 1-3 against Dallas — the last game coming at the very end of the season following the Mavs' tanking scheme — which makes sense, given Popovich's development-focused approach last year.
Adding Victor Wembanyama to the fold does give the Spurs an intriguing boost on both ends of the floor, not to mention seeing the 7-4 rookie suit up for the first time in the full Spurs uniform will take over social media.
It won't guarantee a win for San Antonio by any means, but watching the stars collide in San Antonio isn't a sight that's been seen as of late. Opening night will set the tone for the Spurs' season — and who better to do it against than a popular West rival.
2. Friday, Oct. 27 vs. Houston Rockets - 1st Test vs. Rival Rockets
Normally, a matchup between two bottom-dwelling teams record-wise wouldn't draw much attention. That was the case last season, at least.
Now, the Rockets have a new-look roster featuring former Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet and the league's newest villain, Dillon Brooks. They also have a young core that added two lottery-caliber players in Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore to go up against the Spurs' primary Rookie of the Year candidate.
Taking place just two days after San Antonio's first game of the season also adds to the intensity of the game, which is also at home for the Spurs. Depending on how their game against the Mavs goes, the NBA world could be high on the Spurs and Wembanyama, crafting a completely different narrative for the Spurs-Rockets rivalry.
3. Tuesday, Oct. 31 @ Phoenix Suns - Wemby vs. KD
A prime-time Halloween matchup between "The Extraterrestrial" and "The Slim Reaper" seems fitting for an otherwise dull Tuesday night.
Facing off against the Suns is a daunting sight on any schedule, but now that former Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal is joining forces with Phoenix's big-three, even more eyes will be on new coach Frank Vogel and company.
The first meeting between Wembanyama and Kevin Durant will also draw a lot of attention, especially considering the rookie's high-praise comparisons to NBA legends, including Durant and his unique talent.
The Spurs may not have the same star power as the Suns, but a close matchup certainly gives hope to a San Antonio team still in "rebuilding" mode, regardless of the game's final outcome.
4. Wednesday, Nov. 8 @ New York Knicks - Wemby's MSG Debut
In the arena where villains are made, Wembanyama could be primed for making an entire fanbase mad.
His on-court talent will absolutely make him one of Madison Square Garden's most hated players of the game, but whether or not he embraces a role as a villain will be up to him. Getting a chance to travel a stadium as electric as the Knicks' will definitely be a test for the rookie, but should he and the Spurs emerge victorious, the pressure he feels from other teams across the league will certainly feel lesser-than.
Last season, the Spurs split their series with New York in the latter half of December and into January, giving the young team a chance to earn a win against a playoff team almost right away.
5. Friday, Nov. 24 @ Golden State Warriors - NBA Cup Finale
In a new addition to the NBA's regular-season schedule, teams were divided into groups to compete for a spot in the in-season tournament playoff.
On top of facing a new-look Golden State team — now with Chris Paul and without Jordan Poole — the Spurs will get a shot at the 2022 defending champs on the road.
Since Wembanyama will be in town for the first time of the season, the rookie can expect a packed house, as there also could be tournament implications on the line, depending on how the season up to that point shakes out.
Wembanyama will be put to the test against a ever-dangerous Steph Curry, where he could solidify himself among the league's top stars, making the matchup even more exciting.
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