Dallas, TX
Mavericks vs Spurs Preview: 3 questions as Dallas takes on San Antonio
The Dallas Mavericks face the San Antonio Spurs for the final time this season Tuesday night in San Antonio. Dallas is looking to go a perfect 4-0 against its divisional rival.
After beating the Spurs in a close game in the season opener, the last two matchups have been blowouts in the Mavericks favor. Dallas has taken care of business against below .500 teams, with a 21-5 record against losing teams this season. While the Spurs are still toiling at the bottom of the standings, rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama keeps getting better by the week, and will present a challenge for the new-look Mavericks front court.
Here are three questions to consider for the in-state matchup.
Will the Mavericks starting 5 come out looking like the team that just beat the defending champs?
An NBA starting lineup can be something like a jigsaw puzzle, resembling a discordant scene not dissimilar to a Bosch painting until the true image begins to work itself out through either the inherent skill of the dissectologist at the helm of the puzzle, or (more frequently) via the process of dumb luck. However it may be, it appears as if coach Jason Kidd has finally put together the Botticelli we’ve all been impatiently awaiting (yes, Luka gets to be Venus).
The combination of Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. has created a unique and effective blend of chemistry and rotational balance. And it makes sense, especially when one realizes that Luka and Kyrie can (almost) win games via their own offensive output alone, that the ideal frontcourt to round out the remaining three spots in the Mavs’ starting five would always need to be – primarily – defensive-minded, highly athletic journeymen. The reader should be reminded here that Gafford very nearly broke the record for consecutive field goals made. Yes, I know stats have kind of taken over the focal point of sports coverage, but that record ain’t no joke, especially for an organization that has lacked quality bigs for as long as I have been alive. As we all know, it’s a lot easier to win the ballgame when the ball is going in the bucket, but team identity is forged when you have a group that can set a tone on a nightly basis. Not all games are going to end with a W, but creating a reputation as touch matchup is increasingly vital as this pony attempts to make some noise out in the west.
Will the Mavs’ recent success at winning the rebounding game continue?
In case no one is looking, there’s a 7’4 Frenchman casually waiting for tipoff at the Frost Bank Center. Well, more likely he’s having his caricature drawn next to wherever he’s parked his yacht along the riverwalk. While Victor Wembanyama hasn’t yet reached his full potential, he’s still creating matchup nightmares for teams across the league, making his presence felt on the boards and blocking shots with the regularity of an elite missile-defense system. While beating a Nuggets team with a healthy Jokic at the helm is not a task for some slouch, then taking it to the Spurs in the paint and coming away with a W on the heels of that task is a challenge, indeed. Obviously, Wembanyama presents a different kind of matchup than Jokic does. His frame and physical movement are more similar to Dallas’ Dereck Lively II, who recently said in an interview that one of his own strong suits is stamina, rather than brawn (you’ll get there, Rook).
We’ll see if the Dallas frontcourt rotation can continue to be a big factor in a contest against another very talented big man. Don’t be surprised if a few close-range floaters get sent packing back up to north Texas.
Can Luka continue to put up historic numbers and lead the Mavs to close out the season strong?
I don’t think anyone needs a reminder of what Luka does on a nightly basis. But… he’s the NBA’s scoring leader (so far) this season, it has lately become something of a disappointment if he doesn’t reach a 30-point triple-double line, and he routinely does something that justifies the coinage of “Luka-magic”. And, yet… his name consistently trails that of a few others in the MVP race this year. This is something that continues to bring frustration and ire to many within the fan base. We should be clear about our priorities, though. I, for my part, think it’s pretty obvious that he’s playing at an MVP level this season, and should, thus, be recognized for it. However, that trophy is awarded not only on the merits of individual achievement, but also through the achievement of an objectively successful regular season team campaign that those individual merits have given momentum to. A lot of analysts have drawn attention lately to the fact that this Mavs team is prone to streakiness. Well, their skills are commensurate with their job titles. The Mavs have been streaky. This is the time of the season that grit is needed to build momentum. While luck can often decide the final score, greatness finds a way to position itself for a greater chance at success.
The Mavs have already started their final push towards the postseason. The lion’s share of their fate will be attributed to the success that Luka is able to will them to in the coming weeks. Fortunately, it seems as if his confidence in his teammates is becoming a strength for him, and it seems to be making him even better at what he does.
How to watch
Tipoff is Tuesday at 7 p.m. CT on Bally’s Sports Southwest or NBA League Pass.
Nextdoor, the social media platform that connects neighbors through shared recommendations and local updates, recently released its ranking of the friendliest places to live in Dallas. At the top of the list is South Winnetka Heights, an Oak Cliff neighborhood of about 95 homes, many of which date back to the 1920s and ’30s.
Lists like these are subjective, to put it mildly, but in a sprawling city like Dallas, friendliness can feel like a lost art. It’s heartening to see neighborhoods that value connection where the neighborly spirit is thriving.
Last year, the neighborhood just a few streets away from Bishop Arts became an approved conservation district. The ordinance protects the roughly four blocks of Craftsman and bungalow-style houses south of 12th Street, which divides South Winnetka Heights from the Winnetka Heights historic district.
In December, the historic district hosts a holiday home tour, when residents open the doors of their Craftsman homes to visitors. It’s clear that residents take pride in showing off their neighborhood and its Prairie-style and Craftsman houses.
Michael “Patty” Evans has called South Winnetka Heights home for over 20 years and was among the residents who pushed for its conservation district status. He explained that the rules are looser than those of their northern neighbors in the Winnetka Heights historic district — protecting the character of the homes without stricter material or design regulations.
Nextdoor determines neighborhood scores based on factors like posts with positive or negative tones, fulfilled neighbor requests and posts expressing neighborhood pride or dissatisfaction. But that community feel isn’t limited to online.
Evans described the streets around him as a “tight neighborhood.” He said neighbors take the time to introduce themselves to new residents, and that this creates a network of people who know one another and keep tabs on what goes on in the neighborhood.
As much as Chicago or New York are cities of neighborhoods, Dallas is also a city of neighborhoods, and we should try to preserve this sense of community where we can.
As new developments and luxury apartment complexes come to Bishop Arts and more residents and businesses gravitate toward areas like Uptown, finding ways to stay connected to the local community feels increasingly important.
Evans said that sitting on his porch in South Winnetka Heights, especially when the leaves begin to fall, he can see downtown Dallas.
The city is a lot smaller than it can feel, especially when neighbors take the time to talk to each other, and not just online, but also by waving from their porches.
The Dallas Mavericks are in a tough spot. Through the early stages of the 2025-26 campaign, the Mavericks are a mere 4-12 and have one of the worst records in the NBA.
An unbalanced roster and plenty of injuries are making it more and more likely that the Mavericks won’t be able to dig out of this hole, even if Kyrie Irving is able to return from an ACL injury.
At this point, focusing on the future should be Dallas’s primary objective. The franchise only controls one of its own first-round picks through 2030, and that selection will fall this summer.
READ MORE: Mavericks deliver tough season-ending update on failed Nico Harrison signing
If there’s a path to regaining assets, the Mavericks must explore possibilities, including major moves that would break up the current team.
Trade Rumors Heating Up Around Mavericks’ Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson
It’s no real secret that the Mavericks would part with just about any player on their roster for the right price, including Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson.
According to Dallas Hoops Journal’s Ashish Mathur, Davis and Thompson are aware there’s reportedly “a high chance” the franchise trades them. Both players have been quite disappointing since being acquired by the Mavericks.
Davis was obviously the “crown jewel” in the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s only played in 14 regular-season games since the deal due to a variety of injuries.
So far this year, Davis has appeared in five games, averaging 20.8 points, – tied for the second-lowest mark of his career – 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks. He’s missed the last 11 outings due to bilateral Achilles tendinosis and a calf strain.
Davis is signed through the 2027-28 season and is making north of $54 million this season. The 32-year-old is a 10x NBA All-Star and won a championship with the Lakers in 2020.
Thompson is in the second season of a three-year/$50 million contract, joining the Mavericks via sign-and-trade from the Golden State Warriors in 2024.
The veteran sharpshooter has fallen off a cliff this season. Thompson was removed from the starting lineup earlier this season. He’s averaging a career-low 9.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Thompson is only shooting 34.7% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range.
Thompson is a 5x NBA All-Star and he won four titles with the Warriors.
Parting ways with a handful of veterans would give the Mavericks an opportunity to fully focus on building around Cooper Flagg.
READ MORE: NBA expert believes Mavericks’ situation is most ‘dire’ it’s ever been
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More Dallas Mavericks News
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- Mavericks already pushing for former executive to be Nico Harrison replacement
- 3 Anthony Davis NBA trade ideas now that Mavericks have fired Nico Harrison
Major League Soccer today announced FC Dallas’ 34-match schedule for the 2026 MLS regular season. FC Dallas opens its 31st season at Toyota Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 21, against Toronto FC.
Beginning in 2026, all FC Dallas MLS matches will be available to stream for Apple TV subscribers at no additional cost.
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Key items of the schedule
Long road stretch: Dallas will play nine consecutive road matches during Toyota Stadium renovations, the longest stretch in club history. This will kick off before the league’s pause for the 2026 World Cup in May and wrap up at the end of August.
FIFA World Cup break: The league will pause its schedule for the World Cup from May 25 through July 16.
No interrupted playoff schedule: Following Decision Day 2026 on November 7, the league will observe the November FIFA window before beginning one month of uninterrupted 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs action, culminating in 2026 MLS Cup. The complete postseason schedule will be announced at a later date.
First time against Charlotte: While the two clubs met in the 2023 Leagues Cup, FC Dallas will get its first match against Charlotte FC in league play when they visit the Queen City in early October.
Against the East: Including Charlotte and the opener against Toronto, Dallas will also face Nashville SC, D.C. United, the New York Red Bulls, and the Columbus Crew. Dallas last faced Toronto, D.C. United and the Red Bulls in the 2024 regular season and last faced Nashville and Columbus in 2023. Dallas will visit Charlotte FC for the first time.
Copa Tejas: There will be a pretty long stretch between games against the Houston Dynamo in 2026, with the first coming in March and the follow up in Houston in October. On the other hand, Dallas will see Austin twice within a month’s time.
Halloween game: Yes, Dallas will play a game on Halloween night. I believe this could be the first league game for Dallas on Halloween, but don’t hold me to that.
Wednesday night soccer: There will be seven mid-week games in the regular season for FC Dallas in 2026.
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