Read a preview and watch a live stream of the Mavs vs the Spurs…
Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio.
When: Wednesday October 29, 00:00
Watch live: Click here to watch on BT Sport online!
The San Antonio Spurs get their title defence underway on Tuesday as they host the Dallas Mavericks on the opening night of the 2014/15 NBA season.
After their dazzling run all the way to the NBA Finals last season and their triumph over the Miami Heat, the Spurs have brought back a familiar face or two as they look to win back-to-back championships for the first time.
Coach Gregg Popovich is still the man in charge of the orchestra while Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are all still around to dispel the myth of the Spurs being too old.
Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard misses out with an eye infection, but with their depth and talent on the bench, the Spurs will hope that they don’t miss him too much on opening night.
However, they do come into this game after a disappointing 2-5 run in pre-season, although Popovich was keen to stress that the players know they will have to switch it on when it comes to competitive action.
In addition, they face a tough start to the season at home against the Mavs who made some impressive moves this summer to further strengthen their roster.
Tyson Chandler returns while Chandler Parsons arrives from the Houston Rockets with a point to prove. Add that to the likes of Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis, and coach Rick Carlisle has a strong unit to work with this season.
Having pushed the Spurs to a seven-game series in the playoffs last year, the Mavs certainly know how to compete with the reigning champions. However, with a fully rested ‘Big Three’ after both Ginobili and Parker played no part in the FIBA World Cup, the Spurs will be ready to storm out the blocks and get their campaign off to a positive start.
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