- The Spurs are favored by one point against the Mavericks in Saturday’s Summer League match at 1:00 PM PT
- Cooper Flagg aims for a comeback after a 5-of-21 shooting in his Dallas debut
- Check below for my Mavericks vs Spurs picks and predictions, with updated odds for Saturday’s Summer League clash
Cooper Flagg described Thursday’s debut as “one of the worst games of my life.” Now, he has a shot at redemption against a Spurs team that recently defeated Philadelphia by 41 points.
With Dylan Harper expected to debut for San Antonio, the stakes increase. The No. 2 overall pick missed Thursday’s win due to a minor groin issue but is set to play in this Texas clash.
Mavericks vs Spurs Summer League Picks
- Spurs -1 (-110 at Caesars)
- Under 174 (-105 at Caesars)
The Spurs overwhelmed Philly with impressive shooting. They made 51.4% from three-point range and had 26 assists in their 111-70 win. This ball movement is what wins Summer League games.
David Jones-Garcia has emerged as San Antonio’s rising star. The G League talent scored 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting against the 76ers, including 4-of-5 from deep. He averages over 20 points through four Summer League games and looks like a genuine NBA prospect.
Summer League Shooting Comparison
Dallas faced offensive struggles despite narrowly winning over LA. Flagg’s shooting issues (0-of-5 from three) seemed contagious, with the Mavs hitting just 32.1% from deep. They survived with Ryan Nembhard’s 21 points and crucial fourth-quarter defense.
The concern for Dallas is depth. Only nine players participated against the Lakers, and the offense became stagnant when Nembhard was benched. He’s their sole proven ballhandler, prompting Jason Kidd to experiment with Flagg at point guard.
San Antonio enjoys a significant chemistry advantage. They’ve played four games together, including the California Classic. This cohesion was evident in their 26 assists against Philly, more than double what the 76ers achieved.
Carter Bryant fits perfectly with this Spurs team. The 14th pick blocked three shots Thursday and directed the defense like a veteran. His shooting (1-of-6) needs improvement, but his defensive instincts are already NBA-level.
If Harper plays, San Antonio gains another dynamic creator. The Rutgers player averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists last season, shooting 48.4% from the field. That’s efficient production that the Mavs, beyond Flagg, can’t match.
Mavericks vs Spurs Predictions
History suggests Flagg will improve. Victor Wembanyama struggled in his Summer League debut two years ago, then excelled in Game 2. The question remains whether Dallas has enough around him.
The Spurs boast multiple creators in Jones-Garcia, Jameer Nelson Jr., and possibly Harper. They’re moving the ball and securing quality shots. Dallas relies too much on individual efforts from Flagg and Nembhard.
The total seems high at 174 considering Dallas’ offensive issues. They scored just 87 points against the Lakers despite a reasonable pace. San Antonio’s defense also improved on Thursday, holding Philly to 36.8% shooting.
Opt for the Spurs and the under. San Antonio’s experience and superior depth should dominate this game. They’ve shown they can excel in the Summer League, while Dallas is still defining its identity.
Mavericks vs Spurs Odds
This line is basically even, with the Spurs favored by just one point. The market respects both teams equally despite San Antonio’s strong Thursday performance. Sharp money seems to lean on the under, with the total dropping from earlier estimates.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com
