San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks

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In San Antonio, a new age is about to begin. The road will finally meet the rubber after all the excitement and fanfare. The San Antonio Spurs will see Victor Wembanyama as their first top pick since Tim Duncan in 1997. Wembanyama will have the chance to lead the Silver and Black into the future, much like Duncan did during a legendary period of Spurs basketball.

It seems appropriate that this adventure starts against one of the NBA's top emerging European players as well as an in-state rival. The Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic, will play the Spurs in the inaugural game at the newly christened Frost Bank Center. Last year, San Antonio's record versus the Mavs was 1-3

Observations for Wembanyama's NBA debut

The preseason of "The Alien" was extraordinary. In just 20.9 minutes per game, he averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks. Wembanyama's presence on defense altered opponents' offensive playstyle and gave the impression that he was at ease making his shot. On Wednesday, he will get the opportunity to extend that performance to a full 48-minute game.

In his NBA debut, Duncan finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Can Wembanyama achieve the same success? In this game, he'll probably see a combination of Derrick Jones Jr., Dereck Lively II, and Grant Williams. The trio of defenders offers a combination of physicality, strength, and agility.

The Mavericks, who were third in the NBA in deep ball attempts the previous season, aim to make a lot of three-pointers. Wembanyama has to keep controlling the paint against a Mavs team that relies more on drive and kick attack.

going after the Mavericks within

Dallas' terrible inside defense contributed to their poor defensive performance previous season, which saw them rank 24th in the NBA in defensive rating. In the event that the Mavericks don't make any significant summer acquisitions at the position, their front line will be equally weak. Lively II is an untested NBA player despite being a highly anticipated defensive prospect at Duke. In the paint, the Spurs will have a chance to assault the Mavs.

Zach Collins being well would be really beneficial. He is now dubious because of a sickness unrelated to COVID. With him in the starting lineup, the Spurs are able to effectively cut off his passes from the high post and feed him on the low block for simple baskets. Against Dallas, Collins in good health would be invaluable.

Starting with five, the new look
For the last two preseason games, the Spurs started their new starting lineup. With Collins and Wembanyama completing the front line, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson play the wings, while Jeremy Sochan has assumed the role of "point guard." In the brief preseason that this lineup has had, it has excelled. The lineup had a +52.4 net rating with 134.5 offensive rating and 82.1 defensive rating in 24 minutes, according to NBA.com's lineup stats.