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Dallas Mavericks open regular season at Phoenix Suns on Oct. 17

ByTyler Watts|
PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 31: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks drives the ball past Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 31, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 31: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks drives the ball past Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 31, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Dallas Mavericks travel to Phoenix to the play the Suns in their 2018-2019 NBA regular season opener.  Plus, three reasons to watch that game.

The Dallas Mavericks were finally assigned their regular season opener for the coming season.

The Mavs begin on Oct. 17 on the road against the Phoenix Suns.  The game is on national television as ESPN is providing coverage.  Dallas had limited national TV games last season, so to kick off with one is a step in the right direction.

Here are three reasons to tune in and watch the Mavs season opener.

Battle of top rookies

The top storyline will be the matchup of premier rookies.  The Suns chose Deandre Ayton with the top pick, and Dallas employs third overall selection Luka Doncic.  They are the two favorites to win Rookie of the Year, also.

Unfortunately, they will not be guarding each other, but expect both to be looking to put on a show in their first NBA game.  Both players should start and play around 30 minutes, so expect some fireworks from the rookies come Oct. 17.

Dirk’s final opening night?

Dirk Nowitzki could be playing in his final opening night this season.  Dirk has not committed to return after this season, but he has also not definitively stated his intention to retire.

Nowitzki is still an effective and efficient player who is a future Hall of Famer.  Tuning in to watch him ball is always a treat.

DeAndre vs. Deandre

Ayton may not be matching up man versus man against Doncic, but he will against DeAndre Jordan.  Jordan is a new addition in Dallas, but his NBA experience could take the rookie to school on opening night.

Expect Jordan to play physical, and it will be interesting to see how Ayton responds.  Will the top pick face a welcome to the NBA moment or prove that he is something special with a massive game?  Stay tuned.

Final thoughts

The Dallas Mavericks kick off the regular season against the Suns on Oct. 17.  Excitement is growing for Mavericks fans with each passing day.  The team is improved and could be a legitimate playoff contender this season.  Tune in to ESPN at 10:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 17 to watch their season opener.

The Smoking Cuban churns out all the Dallas Mavericks content that fans desire, so please check back with us often to never miss a moment.  Thank you for reading.

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