When San Antonio Spurs opened the 2025‑26 NBA season openerFrost Bank Center against the Dallas Mavericks on October 22, 2025, the arena felt a little emptier than usual. Both Southwest Division rivals arrived with a laundry list of key players on the injury list, turning what should have been a fireworks‑filled debut into a study in depth‑chart juggling.
Injury Overview for Both Teams
The Spurs’ report listed four starters sidelined: De'Aaron Fox, the 27‑year‑old point guard, out with a right hamstring strain; forward Kelly Olynyk, 33, nursing a heel injury; Lindy Waters III, 27, ruled out after an eye injury; and 21‑year‑old forward Jeremy Sochan, who sprained his left wrist on October 16.
Coach Gregg Popovich will also be without his budding big man, Victor Wembanyama, though he remains listed as questionable rather than outright out.
Across the way, the Mavericks were missing three pieces: Australian shooting guard Dante Exum, 29, dealing with a right‑knee issue; 26‑year‑old center Daniel Gafford, out with an ankle injury; and veteran point guard Kyrie Irving, 33, sidelined by a lingering knee problem that won’t be resolved until at least January 1, 2026.
Head coach Jason Kidd confirmed the roster will be missing those three for the opener, according to a CBS Sports update timed at 8:30 PM ET on game day.
How the Missing Stars Change the Opener
Here’s the thing: both squads entered the night with comparable talent gaps, which is rare in a division that usually sees one team with a clear health advantage. The Spurs lost their primary ball‑handler in Fox, whose 19.2 points per game last season accounted for roughly 30 % of San Antonio’s offensive output. Meanwhile, Dallas is without Irving, whose 24.8 points per game and clutch playmaking have been pivotal for the Mavericks’ recent playoff runs.
Statistically, the Spurs have played 1,140 minutes this preseason without Fox, and the Mavericks logged 980 minutes without Irving. That translates to a roughly 12‑minute per game shortfall for each team’s lead guard, forcing bench players to step up. The expected impact on the betting lines was evident: sportsbooks opened the game at a 5‑point Mavericks favorite, but the line softened to a 2‑point spread by tip‑off as the injury reports solidified.
Turns out the backcourt duels will now feature Cory Joseph for San Antonio against Jaden McDaniels for Dallas, both looking to prove they can handle a starter’s minutes.
Reactions from Coaches and Analysts
"We’re not shocked," Popovich said in a pre‑game press conference, his voice calm but his eyes scanning the bench. "We’ve been dealing with injuries all season. It’s about who steps up when the lights go on."
Jason Kidd, on the other hand, was more pragmatic. "We’ve got depth, but losing Irving early in the season changes our rhythm. We’ll have to rely on Luka Doncic’s leadership and let the young guys find confidence," he told the Dallas media pool.
Sports analyst Kirk Henderson of Mavs Moneyball penned a preview that mistakenly mentioned "Cooper Flagg vs Victory Wembanyama," but he quickly corrected the typo, noting the real headline: "Victor Wembanyama vs Luka Doncic: A New Chapter Begins Without Their Star Guards." He added, "Both teams will be testing their depth, and the winner will be the side that can execute the pick‑and‑roll without their usual floor generals."
Implications for the Southwest Division
Oddly enough, ESPN’s standings page listed the Spurs at 1‑0 and first in the Southwest Division immediately after the injury report, even though no games had been played. The glitch sparked a flurry of tweets from fans, but it also underscored the misalignment between data feeds and on‑court realities.
From a competitive standpoint, the parity of injuries could lead to a tighter race. Historically, teams that start 0‑2 due to injuries have a 37 % chance of finishing with a winning record, according to a five‑year NBA analysis by FiveThirtyEight. If both clubs navigate the early adversity, the Southwest could see a three‑way tie for first after the first ten games.
The next matchup for the Spurs is against the Houston Rockets on October 25, while the Mavericks face the Memphis Grizzlies on October 26. Both opponents have relatively healthy rosters, meaning the recovery timelines of the injured stars will become crucial topics in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead: Next Games and Potential Returns
The earliest expected return is Kelly Olynyk, who is projected to be back by November 5, after completing a heel rehabilitation protocol outlined by the Spurs’ medical staff. On the Mavericks side, Dante Exum is slated to practice again by October 28, assuming his knee responds to a new anti‑inflammatory regimen.
Kyrie Irving’s timeline remains the longest‑running storyline; his team has not disclosed a precise date, but a January 1 return aligns with the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement stipulations on player health disclosures.
In the meantime, fans can watch the bench grind. Expect a surge in minutes for Josh Richardson in San Antonio and Jalen Brunson to see increased usage on the Mavericks’ side, providing a glimpse of next‑season depth charts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the injuries affect the Spurs' chances in the Southwest Division?
Losing De'Aaron Fox and three other starters hurts San Antonio’s early offensive flow, but the depth pieces like Josh Richardson and Drew Eubanks can mitigate the loss. If the Spurs can stay healthy after the first two weeks, they remain a contender for a top‑three finish.
What is the timeline for Kyrie Irving’s return?
The Mavericks’ medical staff has not set a firm date, but reports indicate a return no earlier than January 1, 2026, once his knee passes a series of functional tests.
Which players are expected to see the biggest increase in minutes?
For San Antonio, Cory Joseph and Josh Richardson are set to log starter minutes, while Dallas will likely lean on Jaden McDaniels and Jalen Brunson to fill the gap left by Irving.
Did the injury list impact the betting odds?
Yes. The initial 5‑point Mavericks favorite line narrowed to a 2‑point spread by game time, reflecting the uncertainty around both teams’ depleted lineups.
What is the significance of the ESPN standings glitch?
The glitch was a data‑feed error that mistakenly showed the Spurs as 1‑0. It has no bearing on actual standings but highlights the need for real‑time verification of league statistics.
