Cooper Flagg’s first career NBA regular season game has finally been revealed. The rookie will make his Mavericks debut on October 22nd vs. the Spurs.
What to expect from Cooper Flagg vs. the Spurs
As far as opening week matchups go, they don’t get much better than this one. Flagg will face Victor Wembanyama in a battle between former number one overall picks. To make things more enticing, this game will take place in front of a national audience.
Right now, Dallas is a slight one-point favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is set at 226.5 points.
Prior to Thursday’s announcement, intrigue was already high for the Mavericks. Last season, the team orchestrated arguably the most shocking trade in NBA history, shipping Luka Doncic to the Lakers. In return, they acquired superstar big man Anthony Davis. While the deal was highly controversial, this club has a chance to be special. Lottery luck gave general manager Nico Harrison the number one overall pick, ensuring Flagg would head to Dallas. Kyrie Irving’s health remains uncertain, but there’s enough talent here to keep the Mavs competitive.
Drafted right behind Flagg was Dylan Harper, taken second overall by San Antonio. The guard will join Wembanyama and a Spurs roster itching for a postseason appearance. Fellow All-Star De’Aaron Fox received a massive extension this summer, locking in a young and talented core.
Both of these Texas clubs have a history of animosity going back over 20 years. Can Flagg vs. Wemby become the new Dirk vs. Duncan? That’s a stretch, but this rivalry is in good hands going forward. Hoops fans will need to mark their calendars before this one tips off in October.
