Dallas Mavericks: What to watch for in scrimmage vs. Lakers

Dallas Mavericks: What to watch for in first scrimmage vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Dallas Mavericks basketball is back. Luka Doncic and his teammates will take the court for a game for the first time since March 11 tonight. It is only an exhibition, but it will be fantastic to see the Mavs back in action.

Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle has already stated the plan is to play everyone limited minutes. They began full-team practices in Orlando on July 10. The Mavs are still ramping up. Their first game that count takes place on July 31.

The quarters will also be shortened to ten minutes each on Thursday. The game will be 40 minutes, not the normal 48. That is for each team’s first scrimmage only.

Let us take a closer look at the July 23 matchup between the Mavericks and Lakers.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers restart scrimmage

Start time: 7:00 p.m. ET or 6:00 p.m. CT

How to watch: NBA TV, Spectrum SportsNet (LA viewers only)

Where to stream: Mavs.com, Fubo.tv features NBA TV.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Injury update

The Mavericks will be down a few players for their first exhibition game. Fans know Dwight Powell, Courtney Lee, and Jalen Brunson are out for the season. Here is a quote from coach Carlisle’s post-practice media session on July 22.

"“I believe we will have 12 guys available (against the Lakers). Kidd-Gilchrist is not ready to play in a game at this point. Trey Burke is on the way here. I believe, he should get here sometime late this afternoon (Wednesday). He’ll go into quarantine. Hopefully, clear quarantine within 36 to 48 hours. Then, he can start practicing with us.”"

Carlisle also mentioned Powell, Brunson, Lee, and Willie Cauley-Stein being out. Everybody else should be suited up. The coach said the plan is for everyone that is available to play on Thursday.

Avery Bradley opted out of the rest, and Rajon Rondo broke his hand in practice during the buildup. Both players are out against the Mavs. Markieff Morris will also likely be sidelined after just arriving in Orlando on Tuesday.

Keep an eye on Twitter for the latest updates as tipoff approaches on Thursday evening.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers storyline to watch: Backup point guard

The rotation will be the most interesting thing for Mavericks fans to watch on Thursday night. Will coach Carlisle use J.J. Barea as the backup point guard behind Luka Doncic? Or does he go with Delon Wright in that role?

The minutes for Justin Jackson will also be worth monitoring. Does coach Carlisle go for more three-guard lineups? Or does he trust Jackson as the backup forward?

Everyone will play. The Mavericks are still trying to figure out what is going to work in the seeding games and playoffs. Their contest against the Lakers is just the first step in the journey. Please tune because it promises to be fun. Expect some Luka Magic to kick off the Disney World slate.