Victor Wembanyama, Spurs Expected to Miss Big Piece vs Mavericks

The San Antonio Spurs will be missing one of their core players in the season opener against the Dallas Mavericks

Apr 13, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs (from left to right) forward Keldon Johnson (0), guard Devin Vassell (24), center Victor Wembanyama (1) and guard De'Aron Fox (4) watch the first half of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The NBA season has officially arrived, with opening night tipping off Tuesday evening with Rockets-Thunder. The San Antonio Spurs play their first game against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.

A star-studded matchup on both sides, the Mavericks will have Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, and the first overall pick in Cooper Flagg, making his NBA debut, while the Spurs will roll out Victor Wembanyama in his much-anticipated third season.

However, they will not have De'Aaron Fox starting at the point guard.

What Not Having Fox Will Mean

De'Aaron Fox (hamstring) ruled out for Wednesday.

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) October 21, 2025

De'Aaron Fox will not start the season on time as he works his way back from a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old averaged over 23 points, four rebounds, and six assists last season, as he was acquired by the Spurs midseason in a trade from the Sacramento Kings.

While they'll be without his high-level scoring and playmaking abilities, the Spurs have several options to take the reins in the meantime. Outside of Wembanyama taking another step, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle can more than handle the responsibilities, despite being far less experienced than Fox.

Neither team has confirmed their starting lineup, but one can speculate what the matchup could be like.

Starting lineup guesses for Spurs/Mavs:

D’Angelo Russell
Klay Thompson
Cooper Flagg
Anthony Davis
Dereck Lively II

Stephon Castle
Devin Vassell
Julian Champagnie
Harrison Barnes
Victor Wembanyama

— Mavs Film Room 🐴🎥 (@MavsFilmRoom) October 18, 2025

The Mavericks are also going to be without Kyrie Irving at the point guard position, so both teams will be without their All-Star ball handlers.

Castle is completely capable of running the point guard, as his chemistry with Wembanyama has been growing since the two started playing together. Coming off consecutive Rookie of the Year wins, San Antonio's future is bright and not close to hitting their potential.

Cooper Flagg on Victor Wembanyama ahead of Spurs-Mavs tomorrow:

“From what the guys have told me… He’s kind of something you’ve never seen before.” pic.twitter.com/zozYp4sfPS

— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) October 21, 2025

Battle of the Number One Picks

Even Flagg had something to say about the 7'4" big man. "I've seen tape and what not. I've never seen him play in-person, or even (just seen him in-person for that matter), but from what the guys tell me he's kind of something you've never seen before."

These are two teams that will be battling for a coveted playoff spot in the Western Conference. While it is only Game 1 of 82, both teams will want to get off to a good start, and that means getting the win in their first game.

Given Fox has been sidelined for all of the preseason, San Antonio has been operating without him for the last few games and shouldn't have much of an adjustment with him officially ruled out. And again, having a guy like Wembanyama protecting your paint, as well as dominating everyone else on the floor, chances are the team is in a solid position to win.