The new NBA season opens with a rematch that still has a spark from last spring. The San Antonio Spurs knocked the Oklahoma City Thunder out of the Western Conference Finals, then marched all the way to the NBA Finals. Now, on Tuesday night in San Antonio, Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander begin a fresh chapter with both teams at 0-0.

Last season, Oklahoma City had the league’s best record at 64-18. The Thunder won with speed, sharp defense, and calm play from Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 31.1 points per game while making more than half his shots. He is a master of changing pace. One moment he glides toward the hoop; the next, he stops for a smooth short jumper. San Antonio must keep several defenders ready, because Gilgeous-Alexander also creates open looks for teammates.

That job may fall often to Stephon Castle. The 6-foot-6 guard brings size, strong rebounding, and smart passing to the Spurs. His 7.4 assists last season showed that he can steer the offense as well as slow down tough guards. If Castle and quick veteran De’Aaron Fox can make Gilgeous-Alexander work for every path to the paint, the Spurs can turn Oklahoma City’s smooth attack into a tougher night.

Still, the giant figure over this game is Wembanyama. At 7-foot-4, he can protect the rim, grab rebounds, launch three-pointers, and finish above defenders. His 3.1 blocks per game last season show how often he erased shots near the basket. Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren knows the challenge well. Holmgren is also a tall, skilled shot blocker, but San Antonio’s playoff win showed that the Thunder needed more strength around the rim.

That is why Isaiah Hartenstein matters. The physical 7-footer collected nearly nine rebounds per game last season and can battle for space near the hoop. Holmgren’s shooting can pull Wembanyama away from the basket, while Hartenstein tries to create room inside. If Oklahoma City wins the rebound battle, it can limit San Antonio’s extra chances and run in transition.

The Spurs have their own question after reaching the Finals: Can they create clean shots when defenses get tough and physical? Dylan Harper offers a possible answer. The young guard uses strength and ball control to attack, and his strong finish to the Finals hinted that he is ready for a larger role. Fox and Wembanyama’s pick-and-roll, a play where a teammate sets a screen and then moves toward the hoop, remains San Antonio’s quickest way to put pressure on defenders.

Both teams scored about 119 points per game last season, but their styles give this opener its drama. The Thunder force steals and race forward. The Spurs use size, passing, and Wembanyama’s huge reach to control the court. Oklahoma City brings the stronger record from last season, yet San Antonio owns the recent playoff edge and plays at home.

Prediction: The Spurs will win a close, hard-fought opener behind Wembanyama’s all-around impact and their advantage near the rim.

Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Restart a Western Rivalry