When the NBA’s latest schedule dropped, all attention shot straight to the Mavericks-Spurs opening night matchup on October 22, 2025: a clash that will witness the league’s top two rookies, Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper. This isn’t just another Texas rivalry: it’s a collision of draft royalty and generational promise. 

The Mavericks landed their new cornerstone after winning the lottery with slim odds, selecting Duke’s dynamic forward Cooper Flagg first overall. Standing 6-foot-8 and already decorated as a consensus All-American and college player of the year, Flagg is revered for his two-way game, maturity, and competitive fire.

Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison sees in Flagg both a “generational talent” and a culture-setter—crucial in a post-Luka Doncic era for Dallas. 

On the other side, the Spurs used the second pick to fortify their youth movement, snaring Rutgers guard Dylan Harper. Harper, celebrated as one of the most polished guard prospects in recent memory, complements franchise centerpiece Victor Wembanyama and 2025 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, bringing scoring, vision, and positional flexibility to a roster that’s betting big on young talent and a positionless style.

What To Expect On Opening Night

This opener offers far more than just rookie debuts. Dallas, reinvigorated by Flagg’s arrival, boasts a deep frontcourt with 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis and battle-tested role players, aiming for a swift return to playoff contention.

Flagg’s game, marked by energetic defense, instinctive passing, and a hunger to learn from veterans, is built for NBA pace and spotlight. 

San Antonio counters with a tantalizing trio of young stars. Harper’s control as a ballhandler, adept driving, and ability to organize the offense fit perfectly next to Wembanyama’s scoring gravity. Early preseason buzz hints the Spurs’ revamped attack could make them one of the West’s most watchable squads, seeking their first playoff berth since 2019.

More Than A Game: The Start Of An Era

As much as this opening-night duel is about teams, it signals the dawn of a new NBA era. Flagg and Harper aren’t just top picks. They are flag bearers for a league eager for fresh faces, high stakes, and new rivalries.

Fans in Dallas and San Antonio will see their franchises’ futures unfold in real time, making the October tip-off must-watch TV that promises to reverberate throughout the season.

When the lights go up at American Airlines Center, two prodigies will begin etching their legacies. The NBA’s future doesn’t start with a whisper: it starts with Flagg versus Harper.