Dallas Mavericks vs San Antonio Spurs 25 October 2026 Prediction

Dallas and San Antonio both opened the regular season with losses. The Mavericks fell 128-110 at Houston, while the Spurs lost 116-104 at home to Oklahoma City. Both teams now face their first back-to-back of the season.

Dallas Faces a Difficult Back-to-Back

Playing on consecutive nights is a challenge for Dallas, given its limited rotation. The Mavericks trailed Houston by 20 at halftime in their 128-110 season-opening loss. They also have to visit Indiana the night before facing San Antonio.

That schedule could put further strain on Dallas at both ends of the court. Irving, who is returning from a torn ACL, remains on a minutes restriction, and manager Dusty May could sit him for this game. Lively is still recovering from a foot injury, leaving Gafford with little help against Wembanyama.

Dallas Predicted Lineup: Irving, Christie, Flagg, Washington, Gafford

Out: Lively (injury)

Manager: Dusty May

San Antonio Has the Deeper Roster

Wembanyama struggled in the 116-104 loss to Oklahoma City. He missed his first 12 field-goal attempts and finished 1-for-13, the worst shooting performance of his NBA career. Castle led the Spurs with 24 points, including five 3-pointers.

San Antonio showed last season that it could respond to a loss, and manager Mitch Johnson has enough depth to adjust during this back-to-back. The Spurs’ guards can push the pace, while Dallas’ shortage of big men should give Wembanyama more room in the paint than he had against the Thunder.

San Antonio Predicted Lineup: Fox, Harper, Castle, Vassell, Wembanyama

Out: Kentans (injury)

Manager: Mitch Johnson

San Antonio Won All Four Meetings Last Season

San Antonio won all four games against Dallas in the 2025-26 season by at least 12 points: 125-92, 135-123, 138-125 and 139-120.

Dallas vs San Antonio Prediction: San Antonio Handicap -6.5

Main pick: Both teams are playing the second game of a back-to-back, but San Antonio has the deeper roster. Dallas returns from a road game against Indiana with Irving on a minutes restriction and limited depth at center. The Spurs, meanwhile, travel less than 250 miles from Houston. The pick is San Antonio -6.5.

Team total pick: Fatigue could make it harder for Dallas to defend the paint and get back in transition. San Antonio scored at least 125 points in each of its four meetings with the Mavericks last season. The additional pick is San Antonio team total over 119.5 points.