Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Spurs face the reigning Western Conference Champions After a five game homestand the San Antonio Spurs head on the road for a second night of a back-to-back. Fortunately, they won’t travel far, as the Silver & Black are set to face the Dallas Mavericks for the first time since their season opening defeat. Both teams are coming into the contest off nail-biting defeats. The Spurs fought hard but fell late to the Lakers in their opening NBA Cup game last night, while the Mavs lost at the hands of the rebuilding Jazz in Utah two nights ago. San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks November 16th, 2024 | 7:30 CT Watch: KENS5/NBATV |Listen: WOAI (1200 AM) Spurs Injuries: Tre Jones - Out (Ankle) Jeremy Sochan - Out (Thumb) Mavs Injuries: P.J Washington - Doubtful (Knee) Dante Exum - Out (Wrist) What to watch for: Who guards Luka? In the first matchup of the year, which the Mavs won by 11, Jeremy Sochan had the task of defending the reigning Western Conference Finals MVP, Luka Doncic. In that game, Luka struggled for the most part, shooting 5 of 15 when guarded by the Polish forward. Unfortunately for the Silver & Black, Jeremy Sochan is still out with a thumb injury and they will need to come up with a new plan of attack for the Dallas superstar. In the past, the Spurs have preferred to throw their young players into the deep end and see how they swim. If they go with that receipe it would seem that their #4 overall pick Stephon Castle would be the primary matchup against Doncic. In the season opener, Castle had 10 possessions guarding Luka in which he gave up four points all from the free throw line as he fouled Doncic twice on shooting fouls. Another option could be Julian Champagnie who they have trusted to guard scoring wings throughout the season. A task which he has responded to quite well. Whoever Mitch Johnson and the coaching staff go with will be in for a tough night as Luka is one of the most dominant and skilled offensive players in the entire league. Wemby vs Physicality Victor Wembanyama had one of his worst performances of the season in the opening affair against Dallas as the physicality of the two Mavericks bigs had a part to play. Wemby ended up with 17 points on 5/18 shooting with four turnovers. Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively are one of the NBA’s best 1-2 big-man tandems as they offer the Mavs a whole ton of energy and physical play at the five position. Both are happy to get into the chest of their opposing players and push them away from the hoop as well as both being excellent rebounders. Wemby will need to use his speed and agility to counter the power from the Mavs bigs if he is to have success in this matchup. If he can get his shot to go like he has in the past week that would be a huge bonus as it would force the Mavs to have to guard him out on the perimeter where Vic will have the advantage. For the Mavericks’ fans’ perspective, visit Mavs Moneyball. PtR’s Game thread will be up this evening for those who want to chat through the game. You can also follow along with the action through PtR’s Twitter feed.