Spurs vs. Mavericks: How to Watch, Game Information, Storylines

The San Antonio Spurs are set to go for opening night against the Dallas Mavericks.

Mathey Gibson, Matt Guzman | Oct 24, 2024

Mar 19, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots over Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) and guard Luka Doncic (77) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images / Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

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San Antonio Spurs

The NBA is back, folks.

The San Antonio Spurs are set to tip off their 2024-2025 season against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday in what promises to be an interesting matchup, to say the least.

The Spurs, featuring No. 4 overall pick Stephon Castle and superstar center Victor Wembanyama, enter the season with a blend of young talent and veteran leadership, including newly acquired Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes.

READ MORE: Can Spurs Contain Mavericks Star Luka Dončić?

Though San Antonio is expected to face growing pains, they aim to make a strong start against a tough Mavericks team, headlined by All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić.

Mar 19, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles past San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images / Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

General Info, How to Watch

Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. Central
Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
TV Broadcast: TNT
Streaming: FUBO, NBA League Pass
Betting Odds via FanDuel
Spread: Spurs +8.5
TOTAL: 229
Money Line: Spurs +310, Mavericks -390

Spurs vs. Mavericks Injury Report

Dallas Mavericks

G Danté Exum - OUT (wrist)
F Kessler Edwards - OUT (two-way)
G Brandon Williams - OUT (two-way)

San Antonio Spurs

SG Devin Vassell - OUT (foot)

Biggest Storyline(s) to Watch

With still some questions regarding the Spurs' new-look squad, facing a bona fide Western Conference opponent in Game 1 will be telling.

Adding veterans over the offseason and welcoming in an impact rookie will certainly help San Antonio along its development-heavy path to contention. It might not apparent right away, but there is a foundation to go off of between last year's season opener and this one.

Last season, Wembanyama fouled out and though he looked promising, he also looked lost. He got into foul trouble early on and had to play cautiously, which ultimately made a difference in the narrow loss despite Devin Vassell's strong outing.

No Vassell to begin the season means that San Antonio will be without one of its top weapons Thursday evening, but with a comfortable Wembanyama — now surrounded by more experience — there is a greater chance of that being offset.

If the Spurs notch an upset, they'll already be off to a stronger start, and while it won't be a tell-all performance, it would speak to the development that's taken place since last year.

If they fall short on the road? It'll be more about the small things that can be taken away.

San Antonio Spurs On Sports Illustrated

Wembanyama Adds 25 Pounds Ahead of 2nd NBA Season with Spurs

Wembanyama is 'Funnier' as Spurs Prepare for New Season

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Published Oct 23, 2024|Modified Oct 24, 2024

MATHEY GIBSON

MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.