Dallas Mavericks vs San Antonio Spurs Picks and Predictions October 22nd 2025

San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks Betting Preview

The San Antonio Spurs visit the Dallas Mavericks to open the 2025-26 NBA season on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the American Airlines Center. Tip-off is set for 9:30 PM ET and will air nationally on ESPN. Fans can find updated odds and insights through ScoresAndStats.com.

Both teams enter with fresh narratives. The Spurs, undefeated in the preseason (5-0), are building around Victor Wembanyama, while Dallas begins the Cooper Flagg era with the league’s youngest player making his debut at just 18 years old.

San Antonio Spurs Outlook

San Antonio closed the preseason strong, showing cohesion and energy across its young roster. Wembanyama continues to anchor the Spurs’ offense and defense, averaging 17 points and 12 rebounds in their final tune-up against Indiana. Stephon Castle and Luke Kornet have provided stability in the backcourt and frontcourt rotations, respectively.

Coach Mitch Johnson emphasized ball movement and rebounding throughout camp, key factors behind their perfect preseason. Wembanyama’s progression in the post, combined with his ability to stretch the floor, has made him one of the league’s most unique players.

The Spurs enter this game as slight underdogs, but their recent success places them among early-season sleepers in the NBA Western Conference Odds & Predictions. If Wembanyama dominates the paint and the Spurs’ supporting cast limits turnovers, San Antonio could steal this opener on the road.

Dallas Mavericks Outlook

The Mavericks are ready to showcase their new identity behind rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. The top overall pick will debut in front of a home crowd eager to see how his size, versatility, and maturity translate to NBA play. With Kyrie Irving sidelined following ACL surgery, Jason Kidd will turn to D’Angelo Russell and Flagg to handle point duties.

Dallas finished its preseason 3-1, highlighted by a dominant 121-94 win over the Lakers. Anthony Davis led the frontcourt with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II provided strong two-way performances. The Mavericks’ focus on interior control and second-chance scoring will be vital against San Antonio’s tall lineup.

Flagg’s early composure has impressed both teammates and coaches. Averaging 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in the preseason, he enters as a central piece of the NBA Rookie of the Year Odds & Predictions-style conversations this season.

Line Movement and Odds

Current odds from ScoresAndStats NBA Picks:

• Spurs Spread: -2.5 (-110)
• Mavericks Spread: +2.5 (-110)
• Spurs Moneyline: +118
• Mavericks Moneyline: -139
• Total: 225.5 (Over/Under)

The line suggests a near-even matchup, with a slight lean toward Dallas at home due to the Mavericks’ offensive upside and Flagg’s much-anticipated debut.

Matchup Breakdown

San Antonio’s offense revolves around Wembanyama’s inside-out threat. His ability to stretch defenders and pass out of double teams makes the Spurs difficult to guard. The absence of Jeremy Sochan and De’Aaron Fox could limit San Antonio’s playmaking and defensive flexibility, forcing the bench to play heavier minutes.

Dallas will depend on Anthony Davis’ rim protection and leadership to stabilize its defense. If Flagg and Russell manage the pace efficiently, the Mavericks can control the tempo and create mismatches on the perimeter. Expect Kidd’s rotation to include small-ball looks with P.J. Washington and Lively spacing the floor.

Key Edge

Dallas holds the advantage in depth and home-court confidence, while San Antonio boasts superior defensive length. The deciding factor may be turnover margin — if Dallas can stay composed and feed off crowd momentum, its offense should outlast San Antonio’s size advantage.

Betting Trends

• San Antonio is 7-2 ATS in its last nine games vs Dallas.
• The Spurs are 5-0 straight-up in their last five preseason outings.
• Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games.
• The total has gone under in six of the last nine meetings between these teams.

The broader NBA Championship Odds & Predictions market lists Dallas as a mid-tier contender, while San Antonio continues its long-term rebuild with playoff aspirations.

Prediction and Best Bets

The energy surrounding Flagg’s debut should fuel the Mavericks early. While Wembanyama remains the more polished star, Dallas’ home-court edge and spacing advantages make them the safer pick to open their season with a win. Expect a defensive battle early before the game opens up in the second half.

Projected Score: Mavericks 112, Spurs 107
Best Bet: Mavericks -2.5
Secondary Lean: Under 225.5

Follow more NBA expert betting analysis throughout the season, including full team previews for the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks.