SAN ANTONIO – The Spurs begin the 2016 regular against Golden State after an offseason that saw the retirement of Tim Duncan and the departures of several key members of last season’s squad.
The Spurs have seven new players on the roster, which should make for an interesting season. Here’s a look at some of the early key games on the Spurs' schedule.
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Oct. 25 at Golden State
The Spurs get their first crack at the so-called Warriors super team on the NBA’s opening night.
The game will be the first regular season game that Kevin Durant suits up for Golden State. Ex-Spur David West signed with the Warriors during the offseason as well.
The Spurs also have a bevy of new acquisitions including veterans Pau Gasol, David Lee and rookie Dejounte Murray.
Tuesday night’s opener marks the first time in nearly 20 years the Spurs will hit the court for the beginning of a regular season without Duncan.
These two teams are predicted to meet in the Western Conference finals. We’ll get an early look at how they shape up against one another.
Oct. 29 vs. New Orleans
The Spurs open their home campaign at the AT&T Center against Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Spurs went 3-1 against New Orleans last season.
The Pelicans finished last in the Southwest Division a year ago, but have always played tough against San Antonio.
Nov. 1 vs. Utah, Nov. 4 at Utah
The Spurs face what should be a much-improved Jazz team when the calendar turns to November for a home-and-home series.
It will also be the first time San Antonio faces former Spur Boris Diaw, who was traded in the offseason to clear cap space for the signing of Gasol.
Another former Spur and fan favorite, George Hill, is on the Utah roster as well.
The Jazz are expected to contend for a playoff spot in the Western Conference after the team made several solid moves this offseason.
Nov. 5 vs. L.A. Clippers
The Spurs get their first look at a Clippers team that was riddled with injuries at the end of the last season.
Blake Griffin and Chris Paul are healthy, and Los Angeles is expected to contend with the Spurs as the No. 2 team in the conference.
The Spurs went 2-1 against the Clippers last season. This could be the final run for the Clippers as Griffin and Paul both become free agents after this season.
Nov. 9 vs. Houston, Nov. 12 at Houston
The Spurs first in-state game takes place when the Houston Rockets and James Harden visit the AT&T Center on Nov. 9.
The Spurs went 3-1 against Houston last season, but the Rockets added some solid veteran players, including Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon, to go along with the always dangerous James Harden.
The Spurs travel to Houston three days later with a Detroit home game in between.
Nov. 18 at L.A. Lakers
Sadly, this will be the first Spurs-Lakers regular season matchup to be played in the last 20 years without Duncan and Kobe Bryant, two future Hall of Famers, on the respective rosters.
The Lakers' youth movement is underway with Brandon Ingram, D’Angelo Russell and San Antonio native Jordan Clarkson leading the team.
The Spurs-Lakers rivalry has traditionally been one of the best in the league and the infusion of youth on both teams could lead to a renewed rivalry.
Nov. 21 vs Dallas
Bryant and Duncan may have retired, but another old Spurs rival, Dirk Nowitzki, continues to play at a high level for the Dallas Mavericks.
San Antonio renews its I-35 rivalry with the Mavs at home on Nov. 21. The Mavs acquired ex-Warriors Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut during the offseason.
The Spurs swept the Mavericks last season and have won five straight overall against Dallas. The Spurs play at Dallas on Nov. 30 to close out the month.
Nov. 25 at Boston
The first big East Coast road trip for the Spurs is a three-game swing that begins Nov. 23 at Charlotte, a team that beat the Spurs at home last season.
San Antonio will then play at Boston the day after Thanksgiving and finish at Washington on Nov. 26.
The Celtics return much of their young core and added All-Star Al Horford during free agency. Boston is expected to be a top four team in the East.