The Spurs kick off the season against the Mavericks. There's a chance the Silver and Black will be compromised without Dylan Harper available, pending how he recovers from his thumb surgery. But Dallas will definitely be down Kyrie Irving, and based on the latest report, there's a possibility they'll also be missing Anthony Davis, according to Marc Stein.
Anthony Davis has only played 9 games for the Mavs so far since being traded. 😫 pic.twitter.com/EupJPGeZgu
— theScore (@theScore) September 11, 2025
Davis hasn't had the best fortune since being traded to D-Town from the Lakers in a move that Mavs fans are still recovering from, when they sent Luka Doncic to play next to LeBron James. He was on a tear in his very first game in blue and white when he suffered an injury to his left adductor, causing him to miss the next month and a half. Now, he's dealing with this.
We never cheer injuries in any way, shape, or form. Surgeries are invasive, and it's probably frustrating for any player to have to go through them, as it hinders their ability to play the game they love, and we love watching them do it. But, unfortunately, they're also a part of the game, and the show must go on, so the Spurs must be ready to start the season on a good foot.
The Spurs have no excuses for losing if AD is out
This will be the third consecutive season that San Antonio will begin the season on the road in Dallas. They're 0-2, so far. There's no reason that they should leave North Texas 0-3 in openers if Davis doesn't suit up. It's no disrespect to the Mavericks, either. They have a deep roster and a good coach, but being down two stars should guarantee a Spurs victory.
Luka is no longer there to make unbelievable fourth-quarter plays and go on unbelievable runs, sometimes by himself, to win these games. San Antonio has been on the wrong side of this rivalry for the past few years, and it was already approaching a turning point with this team coming of age, and a not-so-secret weapon of our own in Victor Wembanyama reaching another level.
But, at least for this game, that point should start on October 22. If AD can't go, be prepared for them to put the ball in Cooper Flagg's hands a lot to kickstart his development. He's their future, but they're still going for big things this season. A roster full of veterans demands that. But the Spurs will have to contend with them for a long time, and that's a fight we look forward to.