Spurs Aim to Sweep Mavs as Rookie Sensation Flagg Visits San Antonio

Wembanyama's 65-game eligibility remains in question as the Spurs host the Mavericks in the final regular season matchup between the Texas rivals.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:06pm

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An abstract, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks. The players' forms are fragmented and abstracted into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes, capturing the dynamic energy and movement of the game.The high-stakes matchup between the Spurs and Mavs showcases the next generation of Texas basketball talent in an abstract, cubist style.San Antonio Today

The San Antonio Spurs have already clinched the No. 2 seed in the playoffs and lead their in-state rivals, the Dallas Mavericks, 3-0 in the season series. However, the Spurs are still awaiting the return of star rookie Victor Wembanyama, who is questionable to play due to a rib contusion. Meanwhile, Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg is making a strong case for Rookie of the Year with his standout performances this season.

Why it matters

This game represents the final regular season matchup between the Spurs and Mavericks, two teams with promising young talent that could shape the future of the Western Conference. Wembanyama's status is crucial, as he needs to play in at least one of the final two games to meet the 65-game requirement for year-end awards. The showdown between Wembanyama and Flagg, two of the league's most exciting rookies, is also a must-watch for NBA fans.

The details

The Spurs have dominated the Mavericks this season, winning the first three matchups by double-digit margins. Wembanyama has been a major factor in those wins, averaging 28.3 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game against Dallas. Stephon Castle has also thrived against the Mavs, putting up 26.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game. On the other side, Flagg has struggled somewhat against the Spurs, averaging 18.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists. The Mavs will be shorthanded, with Brandon Williams, P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall all listed as doubtful.

  • The Spurs and Mavericks will face off on Friday, April 12, 2026.
  • Wembanyama needs to play at least 20 minutes in one of the final two games to meet the 65-game requirement for year-end awards.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs' star rookie is currently questionable to play due to a rib contusion, but needs to appear in at least one more game to be eligible for individual awards.

Cooper Flagg

The Mavericks' rookie sensation is a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year, averaging 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.

Stephon Castle

The Spurs' second-year guard has thrived against the Mavericks this season, putting up 26.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game in the three matchups.

De'Aaron Fox

In the absence of Wembanyama and Castle, Fox has stepped up for the Spurs, averaging 24.6 points and 6.3 assists in 17 games without Wembanyama.

Mitch Johnson

The Spurs' head coach provided an update on Wembanyama's status, saying the injury is not a long-term concern but the team will be cautious with the situation.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think it's a long-term concern, but we'll obviously be very cautions with the situation and circumstances we're under.”

— Mitch Johnson, Head Coach, San Antonio Spurs

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game highlights the exciting young talent emerging in the Western Conference, with the Spurs and Mavericks both boasting promising rookies in Wembanyama and Flagg. The outcome could impact Wembanyama's eligibility for individual awards, adding extra intrigue to the final regular season matchup between these in-state rivals.