PREVIEW: The Dallas Mavericks arrive in San Antonio operating with a quick tempo and allowing plenty of rim attacks defensively, ranking 3rd in pace while sitting 26th in shots attacking the basket allowed. Dallas enters this matchup having lost six straight games and sitting 12th in the Western Conference at 19-32, while the Spurs have won three consecutive and hold the second seed with a 35-16 record. These teams have already met twice this season, with San Antonio dominating both occasions including a 135-123 victory just two days ago. Victor Wembanyama has been nearly unstoppable against Dallas this year, averaging 34.5 points and 12.0 rebounds across their two earlier matchups. The Spurs feature elite interior defense—allowing the fewest shots attacking the rim in the entire league while ranking 4th in defensive rebounding. Cooper Flagg delivered 32 points on efficient shooting in their last meeting, with Naji Marshall also contributing 32, and both players will need to replicate that performance for Dallas to have any chance at an upset. The Mavericks face a significant frontcourt challenge given recent injuries, forcing Daniel Gafford to shoulder primary responsibility against Wembanyama in the paint. With San Antonio playing at home and maintaining a clear health advantage, the Spurs appear positioned to extend their dominance in this rivalry.