Dallas Mavericks: How to watch the home opener vs. Timberwolves
By Tyler Watts
The Dallas Mavericks host the Minnesota Timberwolves in their regular season home opener on Oct. 20, and here is how to watch that contest.
The Dallas Mavericks had a rough opener to the 2018-2019 season. They traveled to Phoenix and were shot out of the arena by Devin Booker and the Suns. It was an ugly defensive performance by Dallas that led to a 121-100 Suns victory on Oct. 17.
The Mavericks did not have to wait for a chance at redemption. They face the Minnesota Timberwolves in their home opener on Saturday evening. The Wolves defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 131-123 at home on Friday. The fact that they have to travel to Dallas on the second of a back-to-back should give the Mavs a distinct advantage tonight.
Dallas has three players ruled out for this contest. Dirk Nowitzki is still battling that ankle injury and is expected to miss a significant chunk of time. Harrison Barnes practiced on Friday but is not expected to play. Devin Harris injured his hamstring in the opener. The injury will force him to miss multiple games.
Let us take a look at everything fans need to know to watch the Oct. 20 game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Start Time
Saturday’s home opener begins at 8:30 p.m. ET or 7:30 p.m. local time in Dallas.
How to watch
Fans can watch the game on local television only this evening. The Mavericks area is airing the game on Fox Sports Southwest-Dallas. In Minnesota’s market, fans can watch on Fox Sports North- Plus.
Watch online
Plenty of online options are available to watch the Mavs home opener. Fubo TV is offering NBA League Pass this season and it a fabulous way to enjoy the Mavericks all season. Fox Sports Go will also be streaming the game in both local markets.
Matchup to follow- Luka Doncic vs. Jimmy Butler
As many fans know, Jimmy Butler requested a trade during the preseason. He may want out of Minnesota, but he is still there. Butler always plays hard and takes pride in his defense. That means he will not pass up the chance to guard the Mavs biggest offensive threat, and that will be rookie Luka Doncic.
The Mavericks ran most of their offense through Doncic early in the first game. Then, the 19-year-old got in foul trouble and things rolled downhill. Expect Dallas to let Luka run things early again, but it will be difficult with Butler matching up on him.
The Slovenian has an opportunity to not only bounce back after a rough first game but do it against one of the premier wing defenders. Do not be surprised if Doncic goes off on Saturday.
The Mavs will not use Doncic to guard Butler on the other end. Expect Wesley Matthews to draw that assignment. Doncic will likely matchup on power forward Taj Gibson.
Final thoughts
The Dallas Mavericks host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 20 in their home opener. Mavs fans are pumped to watch this team play even after a rough first game. The future is now with the duo of Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr. on the roster. Expect some growing pains, but it should be a fun season.
If you need one more reason to watch this evening, DeAndre Jordan figures to match up against Karl-Anthony Towns. Ayton had some success pulling Jordan away from the basket in game one, and Towns is a great perimeter shooter (38.8 percent on 3-pointers for his career). It will be another intriguing matchup to watch in the game.
Please tune in and enjoy the home opener. Afterward, check back with us at The Smoking Cuban for all the information and analysis diehard fans desire about the contest.