Mavericks vs Spurs Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: All Eyes on Wembanyama Debut

The Victor Wembanyama era is upon us, and the spectacular No.1 pick gets his first taste of real NBA action tonight as the San Antonio Spurs host the Dallas Mavericks.

The NBA odds tabbed the Spurs as a home underdog in this season opener, but all eyes will be on Wemby’s debut for a San Antonio team that finished 22-60 last year.

Contrasting the hype and excitement around the Spurs’ can’t-miss rookie, the Mavericks are under pressure to make the Luka Doncic-Kyrie Irving pairing work after the embarrassment of missing the play-in last season. The superstar duo is always going to be in the mix for NBA props, but can they lead a top-tier contender?

Read on for our free Mavericks vs Spurs NBA picks and predictions ahead of this October 25 showdown. And if you can't get enough Wemby action for tonight, check out our Victor Wembanyama prop picks for the phenom's debut.

Mavericks vs Spurs odds

Mavericks vs Spurs predictions

It’s hard to overstate the kind of electric atmosphere that will greet Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs tonight. San Antonio has suffered through a few rough seasons, but all of that was forgotten the second the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery envelope handed the Spurs the first pick.

Things are clicking into place for Gregg Popovich and, while Wemby is going to be at the center of just about every San Antonio story in the opening weeks of the season, there’s some underrated offensive talent around the No.1 pick.

With Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and the do-it-all Jeremy Sochan, the Spurs have the kind of complementary pieces that can thrive alongside Wembanyama, and I’m picking the Over on the San Antonio points total of 113.5 here.

The Spurs went past that number in four of their five preseason games, and we haven’t yet seen what Wembanyama can do in 30+ minutes of action.

I feel good about the Dallas end of this pick too. The Mavericks make the short trip to San Antonio with Luka Doncic listed as questionable as he recovers from a calf injury, and they’re also sweating on the health of Dwight Powell and Jaden Hardy. 

Regardless of who’s available for the visitors, this feels like a golden opportunity for the Spurs to pounce on an opponent that was a bottom-third defensive team last season and looks short of wing-stoppers after giving up Dorian Finney-Smith in the trade to acquire Kyrie Irving.

In front of a raucous home crowd, I see San Antonio tipping off the Wembanyama era in style.

My best bet: Spurs team total Over 113.5 (-115 at bet365)

Mavericks vs Spurs same-game parlay

Spurs TT Over 113.5

Wembanyama Over 17.5 points

Spurs +2.5 points

50% boost available

+325 +487 at bet365

Wemby is a big reason for liking the Spurs to attack a vulnerable Mavericks defense tonight, so I’ve got to follow through on that and pick up a Wembanyama prop too.

I see the rookie getting the ball early and often on the way to 15+ field goal attempts — and I like the chances of that cashing in the Over on his points prop.

Even if Doncic plays, there’s a good chance that he’ll be short of his best as he eases into the season. In that scenario, Dallas is depending on Kyrie to elevate his team-mates, and that makes me nervous. Grabbing a few points with a San Antonio ATS pick seems like a safer play.   

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Mavericks vs Spurs and Over/Under analysis

Both of these teams will have a different look this year, with Wembanyama’s arrival in San Antonio and some reshuffling in the Dallas rotation. The Mavericks are pegged as road favorites tonight, which is at least a little surprising given that Doncic has been banged up.

I’m essentially throwing out the Spurs’ numbers from last year, but some of the visitors’ trends carry more weight, including a dismal 15-26 road record.

There are plenty of questions swirling around Dallas — starting with whether the Doncic-Irving duo can win consistently (they were 5-11 last year when both played), and extending to whether rookie Derek Lively II is ready for a starting role and how much of an X-factor newcomer Grant Williams can be.

I’ve already picked the Spurs to cover a small spread, and I see the energy at Frost Bank Center propelling the hosts in Wemby’s debut.

The Over/Under is set around 230 at most sportsbooks, and I’m leaning towards the Over, with the Mavericks more than capable of turning this game into a shootout. Dallas’ 119.2 offensive rating in 16 games with Doncic and Irving sharing the floor tells its own story.

The Spurs averaged 113 points last season and now they have an entirely different offensive ceiling with a 7’3” phenom dominating the paint at both ends.

The only wildcard is the possibility that Doncic sits out, which could make the Under a more attractive pick. 

Mavericks vs Spurs betting trend to know

With a talented offense unable to paper over defensive cracks, the Mavericks were 30-49-3 ATS last season. Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Spurs.

Mavericks vs Spurs game info

Celtics vs Knicks latest injuries

Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

Pages related to this topic