The buzz is building in Dallas as the Mavericks prepare to tip off their highly anticipated 2025-26 NBA season. With a retooled roster led by Anthony Davis and the much-hyped No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg, expectations are sky-high. Their opening challenge? A fierce showdown against the San Antonio Spurs, a franchise that’s not only a perennial rival, but also fresh off a flawless 5-0 preseason run powered by the electric Victor Wembanyama. Tip-off is set for Wednesday, October 22, at 8:30 p.m. inside the American Airlines Center, promising a night of drama, athleticism, and perhaps a glimpse of the NBA’s future superstars in action.
Fans eager to catch the action have plenty of options. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+, with local radio coverage on 97.1 FM and Spanish commentary on 99.1 FM. For those hoping to witness the season opener live, single-game tickets remain available through the Mavericks’ official website, as well as secondary markets like StubHub and Seat Geek. Prices start at $52 for upper bowl seats, while lower bowl tickets begin at $205—a testament to the excitement and demand swirling around this matchup.
But what makes this opener particularly compelling? The Mavericks are embarking on a new era, with Anthony Davis anchoring the squad both offensively and defensively. Davis, a proven All-Star and championship winner, brings a wealth of experience to a team hungry for postseason success after a string of inconsistent campaigns. Yet, the spotlight may shine even brighter on Cooper Flagg, the 18-year-old phenom whose dazzling play in preseason has already set tongues wagging. Will Flagg live up to the Rookie of the Year hype? That journey officially begins Wednesday night.
The Mavericks’ opponent, the San Antonio Spurs, are no strangers to high expectations. The Spurs enter the regular season riding the momentum of a perfect preseason, capped by a convincing 133-104 win over the Indiana Pacers. Victor Wembanyama, the reigning Rookie of the Year, stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks in the finale. According to NBA.com, "Castle climbed the ladder not once, but twice, with Wemby loving the alley-oop spike from Castle off the Devin Vassell lob. Wemby also unleashed his one-of-a-kind footwork and length for the finger roll finish." The Spurs’ depth was on full display, as all 14 players who suited up scored, with seven reaching double figures. Such balanced scoring and defensive prowess will pose a serious test for Dallas.
This matchup also marks the first NBA regular season action since the league introduced its new 'Tap to Watch' feature, officially launched on Friday, October 17. This technology allows fans to access live NBA games instantly across a multitude of platforms, from the NBA App and NBA.com to major partners like Google, Meta, and Roku. The NBA App now also delivers real-time scores synced directly to the action in arenas, making it easier than ever for fans to stay connected. As the league embraces digital innovation, the Mavericks-Spurs opener stands as a showcase for not only on-court talent but also the evolving fan experience.
While Dallas fans are eager to see how their new-look squad gels, the preseason offered a few hints. Anthony Davis commanded the paint, providing rim protection and a reliable scoring option, while Flagg’s energy and versatility injected a jolt of excitement. Veteran leadership, emerging youth, and a renewed sense of urgency—these are the ingredients Dallas hopes will spark a return to playoff form. The Mavericks’ faithful are also wondering: can Davis stay healthy for a full campaign, and will Flagg’s transition to the NBA be as seamless as advertised?
Meanwhile, the Spurs have plenty of reasons for optimism. Their undefeated preseason is more than just a statistical quirk; it’s a sign that coach Gregg Popovich’s system is humming, and the roster is deep. Wembanyama’s development continues to be a marvel, and the chemistry with fellow young standout Stephon Castle (who tallied 16 points and 9 assists in the finale) bodes well for San Antonio’s future. As noted in NBA.com’s roundup, "The last two Kia Rookie of the Year winners – Victor Wembanyama (17 pts, 12 reb, 4 blk) and Stephon Castle (16 pts, 9 ast) combined for 33 points as the Spurs completed a perfect 5-0 preseason."
The Mavericks and Spurs have a storied rivalry, dating back decades and punctuated by playoff battles, buzzer-beaters, and unforgettable moments. Historically, these games have been tightly contested, with both franchises enjoying periods of dominance in the Western Conference. The 2025-26 season opener feels like another chapter in this saga—a renewal of hostilities with fresh faces and new stakes. Will Dallas’ retooled roster hit the ground running, or will San Antonio’s cohesion and momentum carry the day?
Elsewhere around the league, the excitement for Opening Week is palpable. The NBA’s Amex Tip-Off will feature a doubleheader on NBC and Peacock on Tuesday, October 21, officially launching a season loaded with intrigue. NBA TV is set to broadcast 60 regular season games, beginning October 25 when the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Atlanta Hawks. The league’s new media strategies, including expanded digital streaming and innovative programming like "The Association," promise to bring fans closer to the game than ever before.
Preseason action offered plenty of storylines. The Thunder, Warriors, and Lakers all wrapped up their preseason slates on Friday, October 17, with notable performances from stars like Luka Dončić (31 points in his final tune-up) and Ousmane Dieng, who nailed a game-winning three for Oklahoma City. Joel Embiid made a triumphant return for the 76ers, nearly posting a triple-double in limited minutes, while the Raptors and Knicks each notched their fourth preseason wins, signaling potential shakeups in the Eastern Conference hierarchy.
Still, all eyes in Texas are squarely on the Mavericks and Spurs. For Dallas, the opener is more than just a game—it’s a chance to set the tone for a season defined by hope, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness. For San Antonio, it’s an opportunity to prove that their perfect preseason was no fluke and that Wembanyama’s star continues to rise. With tickets selling fast and anticipation reaching a fever pitch, Wednesday night’s clash promises to be a must-watch event.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, questions abound. Can Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg deliver on their promise and ignite a Mavericks revival? Will Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs extend their hot streak into the regular season? One thing’s for sure: the journey begins now, and the basketball world will be watching.
