After a wild Opening Night on Wednesday, the NBA moves on to the second day of the season, with a barrage of games ready to make basketball fans do nothing but stare at the screen for half a day. Among the games on top this Thursday is the showdown between the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks, which will feature a head-to-head matchup of two recent No. 1 picks.
Catch this game live on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 9:30 AM, Manila time
Away: San Antonio Spurs (0-0/0-0 Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- Stephon Castle
- Julian Champagnie
- Devin Vassell
- Harrison Barnes
- Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama is now in his third season in the NBA, with many expecting to see him make another leap – especially after playing in just 46 games in the 2024-25 campaign. Wemby’s sophomore season in the league was cut short by a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, but he’s now healthy – and probably even taller.
He averaged 24.3 points while posting a 55.9 eFG% last season, and he might have to do most of the work again this season. Wemby’s load against the Mavericks would have been lighter if De’Aaron Fox were healthy, but the star point guard is out with a hamstring issue. Also not expected to suit up this Thursday is Jeremy Sochan due to a wrist issue. Still, a Spurs squad with a healthy Wembanyama is a threat to the Mavericks, who, this time around, don’t have Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving for different reasons that are too painful for Dallas fans to discuss.
The Spurs enter the new season with a 5-5 record against the spread in their last 10 games away from San Antonio.
Home: Dallas Mavericks (0-0/0-0 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- D’Angelo Russell
- Klay Thompson
- Cooper Flagg
- Anthony Davis
- Dereck Lively II
It’s Day 1 of the official Cooper Flagg experience for the Mavericks, as they will parade the former Duke Blue Devils star for his regular-season debut in the NBA. Selected first overall at the 2025 NBA Draft by the Mavs, Flagg is expected to be the face of the Dallas franchise. His excellent combination of size, length, defensive acumen, scoring and playmaking can help the Mavericks improve on a number of areas.
During his lone season in Durham, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks while shooting 38.5 percent from deep through 37 games. He also had solid showings in the NBA Summer League and preseason games, proving he’s indeed ready for the big show. As for proven assets, Anthony Davis is healthy and ready to go. He’ll be a nice body for Dallas to throw at Wembanyama. The Mavs also have a new starting point guard amid Irving’s absence in D’Angelo Russell, a volatile backcourt weapon that should enjoy considerable usage in Dallas.
The Mavericks are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 meetings with San Antonio, dating back to 2023.
Picks
Spread: San Antonio Spurs (+2.5)
Over/Under: Over (226)
