Rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama will get his first glimpse of NBA action when his San Antonio Spurs host the Dallas Mavericks to begin the regular season on Oct. 25 (9:30 p.m. ET).
The visitor’s side includes Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, two of the most gifted scorers in the game today. Meanwhile, the Spurs will be looking to take a step forward and begin a new era after winning just 22 games in 2022-23.
Here are the latest odds and best bets for Mavericks vs Spurs.
Mavericks vs Spurs NBA Odds
NBA odds used for these best bets are current as of Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 9 a.m. ET and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Mavericks (-162) • Spurs (+136)
- Spread: Mavericks -3.5 (-112) • Spurs +3.5 (+108)
- Total Points: Over 229.5 (-110) • Under 229.5 (-110)
Mavericks vs Spurs Prediction
Mavericks 127, Spurs 120
Regardless of which team comes out on top, this should be a high-scoring game. The average total in four matchups between the Mavericks and Spurs this past season came in just over 257 points, with the highest being an overtime thriller that ended at 265.
San Antonio couldn’t play a lick of defense last year, ranking dead-last in points allowed per game and defensive rating. The Spurs also played at the league’s fastest pace, so maximizing their offensive possessions became something of a double-edged sword.
Dallas wasn’t much for defense either, especially following the trade for Irving. The roster looks slightly better in that regard entering the 2023-24 campaign, but even still, this is a team that will likely have to win on offense most nights.
I’m projecting a shootout between the Mavericks and Spurs with this 127-120 result, and although this is an important home game for a starved San Antonio fan base, I’m not sure that boost will be enough to get them over the hump.
Mavericks vs Spurs Best Bets
Mavericks -3.5 (-112)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Dallas went a measly 6-13 against the spread as road favorites last season, while San Antonio posted a 17-17 record. Those numbers suggest a bet on the Spurs, but I’m siding with the Mavericks here instead.
The Mavs fell apart after the All-Star break, playing with a largely incomplete roster. Now that Dončić and Irving have had more time to work together (and a more competent supporting cast around them), they should look refreshed — especially at the beginning of the year.
Dončić’s status is worth keeping an eye on, however. As of Wednesday morning, the superstar guard is considered questionable to play due to a calf injury.
I’m high on San Antonio, but Dallas has what it takes to cover. Back the Mavericks with your NBA bet of the day.
Over 229.5 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
I’m comfortable taking the Over up to 241 points. All four meetings between the Spurs and Mavericks in 2022-23 were extremely high-scoring, and I don’t anticipate that changing much ahead of this matchup.
- See where the Mavericks and Spurs stand in the latest NBA Western Conference odds.
San Antonio wants to play fast, but even with Wembanyama, it still lacks the personnel to back that up on the defensive end of the floor. Dončić and Irving will take full advantage of this defense while giving up more than a handful of their own.
