The Tim Duncan farewell tour is set to begin even if Duncan won't readily admit it. Instead of opting out of his $10.3 million player option last summer, the 14-time All-Star chose to chase a sixth NBA title with the only franchise he's ever known.

With aged veterans Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili still capable of playing at a high level, Kawhi Leonard set for a breakout season, and coaching mastermind Gregg Popovich at the helm there was little reason for Duncan not to return, especially after dismantling Miami's Big Three last June.

San Antonio faces a revamped Dallas Mavericks team that exceeded expectations last season. The Dirk Nowitzki-led squad snuck into the playoffs despite having the ninth worst defense in the league. Losing Shawn Marion to Cleveland may hurt defensively, but a couple of free agent acquisitions have the Mavericks primed to compete with the defending champions.

Dallas made some major upgrades in the front court, signing Chandler Parsons and bringing back former Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler. They also replaced Jose Calderon with longtime Magic point guard Jameer Nelson, a former All-Star who was underutilized in Orlando. What Dallas lack in defense they make up for with dangerous deep-shooting threats.

The Mavericks took their in-state rival a full seven games during last year's opening round of the playoffs. They were one win away from defeating the eventual champs. Dallas is even more dangerous this time around and can prove as much in tonight's season opener.

When: October 28, 2014

Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas

Tip-off: 8:00 p.m. ET

Live Stream: TNT Drama

TV: TNT

What to Watch For:

Duncan vs. Nowitzki - It's not often one sees two NBA legends in the twilight of their careers. Nowitzki still has two or three years left in him, but Duncan is in the midst of his swan song. For over a decade, Duncan and Nowitzki have carried themselves with selflessness and aplomb; traits so often ignored in professional sports these days.

The future Hall of Famers won't defend each other much tonight, but Tiago Splitter's injury does mean they will get some face time. Those few moments will be worth waiting for.

The impact of Kawhi Leonard's absence - Leonard missed most of the preseason with an eye infection that will keep him out of tonight's season opener. The NBA Finals MVP appears symptom free and even shot around with teammates over the last few days but won't see any in-game action until Halloween, at the earliest.

Leonard, by far the Spurs' youngest projected starter, averaged 12.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last season. He posted 23.7 PPG and shot 68.6 percent from the field in the last three games of the Finals. Still, San Antonio still has Parker, Ginobili, and Danny Green. The can generate more than enough scoring opportunities in Leonard's absence.

Projected Lineups:

San Antonio Spurs: PG Tony Parker, SG Danny Green, SF Marco Belinelli, PF Tim Duncan, C Matt Bonner

Dallas Mavericks: PG Jameer Nelson, SG Monta Ellis, SF Chandler Parsons, PF Dirk Nowitzki, C Tyson Chandler