Dallas, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The Dallas Mavericks are set to begin their season against the San Antonio Spurs with a significant roster overhaul. Key player Cooper Flagg, drafted first overall, will start at point guard. The team also acquired Anthony Davis, re-signed P.J. Washington and Danté Exum, and added D’Angelo Russell among other new talents. Kyrie Irving’s injury creates challenges, but the Mavericks aim to link on-court success with community goals, including improving public education in Texas.
Dallas — The Dallas Mavericks will open their 2025-26 season against the San Antonio Spurs. The team will play its season opener on ESPN at 8:30 PM local time, bringing a revamped roster and significant roster turnover into the new campaign.
Top-line roster changes and expectations
The Mavericks drafted Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg is expected to start at point guard in his NBA debut. The Mavericks signed D’Angelo Russell to fill the gap left by Irving and also re-signed P.J. Washington and Danté Exum. The team signed other key players including Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. Anthony Davis is now the centerpiece of the Mavericks after a trade involving Luka Dončić.
Injuries and health status
Kyrie Irving will be out for the season due to a torn ACL recovery. Health issues have plagued the team, with both Irving and Exum currently sidelined. The franchise has faced challenges, with Davis and Irving playing very few games together last season.
Team strengths and depth
The Mavericks’ roster is noted to be athletic and deep in the frontcourt, boasting significant talent like Klay Thompson and Davis. Frontcourt athleticism and depth are central to the team’s short-term planning, and the front office has emphasized building around that size while integrating younger pieces.
Recent performance and projections
Last season, the Mavericks finished with a 39-43 record, which led to their Play-In Tournament elimination. Dallas is described as an underdog with a 50% chance to make the playoffs according to ESPN. Odds for the Mavericks to win the championship range from +2,500 to +3,500, reflecting modest expectations.
Front office vision and community aims
The Mavericks’ front office has a vision to build a contender around younger talents, including Flagg. The team aims to improve public education in Texas, in line with community concerns. Team leaders present the combination of youth development and community engagement as parallel priorities for the franchise moving forward.
Broadcast and schedule note
The Mavericks are broadcasting their season-opening game on ESPN at 8:30 PM local time.
Context and implications
The roster overhaul and the decision to start a rookie at point guard represent both short-term risk and a long-term commitment to a new core. The loss of Irving for the season increases the importance of new additions and the health of re-signed players. Anthony Davis being the new centerpiece after a trade involving Luka Dončić alters the team’s identity and on-court strategy.
Expectations in betting markets and public projections are cautious, signaling that the Mavericks are viewed as a team in transition. The team’s stated aim to link on-court progress with off-court community goals, specifically to improve public education in Texas, positions the franchise to pursue broader civic engagement while trying to improve its competitive standing.
What to watch early in the season
- How Cooper Flagg adapts to starting at point guard in his NBA debut.
- Health recoveries for Kyrie Irving and Danté Exum and their timeline for return.
- The integration of Anthony Davis into a new role after the trade involving Luka Dončić.
- Contributions from D’Angelo Russell, P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford.
- Whether the Mavericks can improve on a 39-43 record and avoid another early postseason exit.
FAQ
When do the Mavericks open the 2025-26 season?
The Dallas Mavericks will open their 2025-26 season against the San Antonio Spurs.
Who did the Mavericks select with the No. 1 pick?
The Mavericks drafted Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Will Cooper Flagg start immediately?
Flagg is expected to start at point guard in his NBA debut.
What is Kyrie Irving’s status?
Kyrie Irving will be out for the season due to a torn ACL recovery.
Who is the new centerpiece of the team?
Anthony Davis is now the centerpiece of the Mavericks after a trade involving Luka Dončić.
Which players did the Mavericks sign or re-sign?
The Mavericks signed D’Angelo Russell to fill the gap left by Irving. The team also re-signed P.J. Washington and Danté Exum, and signed other key players including Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford.
How did the Mavericks finish last season?
Last season, the Mavericks finished with a 39-43 record, which led to their Play-In Tournament elimination.
What are the playoff and title odds?
Dallas is described as an underdog with a 50% chance to make the playoffs according to ESPN. Odds for the Mavericks to win the championship range from +2,500 to +3,500, reflecting modest expectations.
Does the team have community goals?
The team aims to improve public education in Texas, in line with community concerns.
Where can I watch the season opener?
The Mavericks are broadcasting their season-opening game on ESPN at 8:30 PM local time.
| Key Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Season opener | The Dallas Mavericks will open their 2025-26 season against the San Antonio Spurs. |
| No. 1 pick | The Mavericks drafted Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. |
| Starting point guard | Flagg is expected to start at point guard in his NBA debut. |
| Injury status | Kyrie Irving will be out for the season due to a torn ACL recovery. |
| Centerpiece | Anthony Davis is now the centerpiece of the Mavericks after a trade involving Luka Dončić. |
| Key signings | The Mavericks signed D’Angelo Russell to fill the gap left by Irving. The team also re-signed P.J. Washington and Danté Exum, and signed other key players including Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. |
| Last season | Last season, the Mavericks finished with a 39-43 record, which led to their Play-In Tournament elimination. |
| Playoff chance | Dallas is described as an underdog with a 50% chance to make the playoffs according to ESPN. |
| Championship odds | Odds for the Mavericks to win the championship range from +2,500 to +3,500, reflecting modest expectations. |
| Community aim | The team aims to improve public education in Texas, in line with community concerns. |
| Broadcast | The Mavericks are broadcasting their season-opening game on ESPN at 8:30 PM local time. |
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Additional Resources
- Dallas Observer
- Wikipedia: Dallas Mavericks
- Mavs Moneyball
- Google Search: Dallas Mavericks 2025 season preview
- Dallas News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas Mavericks
- KENS 5
- Google News: Dallas Mavericks
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