Mavericks, Spurs Clash Amidst Injury Woes

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Dallas Mavericks (32-33) will attempt to snap a five-game losing streak against the San Antonio Spurs (26-36) on March 12, 2025, at Frost Bank Center, as both teams look to recover from challenging seasons marred by injuries.

The Mavericks, who have struggled of late, aim to regain momentum after falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves 125-116 in their last outing. De’Aaron Fox starred for the Kings, netting 22 points, while Naji Marshall of the Timberwolves recorded a career-high 34 points and 10 assists. In contrast, the Spurs faced a 141-124 defeat to Minnesota in their most recent game, further intensifying their quest for improvement.

Both teams have faced significant injury setbacks this season. Dallas is missing key players, including Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, while the Spurs will be without their franchise player, Victor Wembanyama, who has been sidelined due to deep vein thrombosis. This season has seen both teams tumble in the standings, leaving fans hopeful for lottery luck rather than playoff glory.

The Mavericks, currently under the .500 mark, are grappling with a string of unfortunate events that have dramatically altered their season trajectory. Once buoyed by a strong start, the Mavericks now find themselves among the league’s lower tier, reflecting a disappointing shift just a year after a historic run to the playoffs.

Despite their struggles, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd emphasizes the importance of the remaining games, stating, “It’s not just about wins; it’s about development and showing grit. Our guys need to fight through this.”

Similarly, the Spurs, led by head coach Gregg Popovich, are navigating uncertainty as they consider their future. Popovich, who is 76 and recovering from a stroke, has placed the team in a position to regroup, as they prepare to face their neighbors from Dallas.

“We need to focus on our young players and how they can step up,” said Popovich. “With injuries to our main guys, this is an opportunity for others to shine.”

The history between these two Texas rivals adds to the stakes, with the Mavericks winning seven of their last nine matchups at AT&T Center. However, both teams’ current rosters are far different, with injuries playing a pivotal role in their recent performances.

Tonight’s matchup promises to offer insights into how both teams plan to navigate their respective challenges as they assess potential builds for future seasons. They will try to find momentum at a critical juncture in the long NBA season.