NBA Rookie Cooper Flagg Expected to Impact Mavericks Debut Against Spurs

The Dallas Mavericks are set to open their 2025-26 NBA season hosting the San Antonio Spurs, with much attention on Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick poised to make his debut. Flagg is expected to be a key secondary scorer and playmaker for the Mavericks, especially with Kyrie Irving sidelined, and his versatile skill set positions him well against the Spurs' guard-heavy lineup. Experts highlight Flagg's potential to impact scoring, rebounding, and defense in this matchup and favor him as a strong Rookie of the Year contender. The Mavericks boast considerable depth, with players like Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington providing strong rotations, and the team has focused on improving off-ball cutting to adapt to a more dynamic offense without a traditional point guard. Meanwhile, the Spurs, coming off a 34-win season and a strong preseason, aim to build on recent progress despite a continued playoff drought. The matchup presents a compelling season opener with Dallas leveraging its depth and Flagg's talents against a Spurs squad eager to continue its upward trajectory.