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The Mavs take on the Spurs' top-ranked defense

The Mavs face their old foes in San Antonio.

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

What did San Antonio do over the summer?

They really didn't do much. The only thing they actively pursued it seemed was re-signing Danny Green. Other than that they lucked into LaMarcus Aldridge. The Dallas native basically fell in their lap after the Blazers decided to rebuild around Damian Lillard. I mean, can there be rules against the Spurs landing quality players? It's not like they're even a cool team. Until I looked at his numbers while writing this it's like Aldridge ceased to exist. But I guess he went there to play "team" basketball or something. Pssh. I'm sorry, you don't go somewhere to make $19 million plus for a "team." Aldridge might not even play against the Mavs Wednesday. He's missed the last two games with an ankle injury. Frankly, I'm more excited to see rookie Boban Marjanovic anyway.

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What stat, player or fact might surprise you about the Spurs?

How many guys are about to cash in their pensions? Ha, but no, really? Joking and hating aside, briefly, the Spurs currently sport the best defense in the NBA. Opponents are scoring just 91 points per game and 96 points per 100 possessions. Of course, it's pretty easy to post such impressive defensive numbers when they have played most of the league's bottom feeders to start the season. Their strength of schedule so far couldn't even bench a toothpick.

Which Spurs player might be due for a big game?

If it has to be anyone, it will be Kawhi Leonard. He's San Antonio's leading scorer and best player. This season he's averaging over 21 points and 7 rebounds while shooting 51 percent and an astounding 45 percent from behind the arc. The task of guarding Leonard will fall to Wesley Matthews and Chandler Parsons (if he plays, after maxing out a minutes restriction in yesterday's loss to the Grizzlies) (and even with his minutes restrictions still in place).

How to watch

The game is being broadcast on Fox Sports Southwest at 7:30pm Central time. You can also catch the game on League Pass if it isn't blacked out in your area.