Mavericks: What to watch for as Luka Doncic and Slovenia faces Argentina

The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for the most important offseason in franchise history. They must improve their roster around Luka Doncic as the 22-year-old superstar is focused on trying to lead Slovenia to an Olympic gold medal.

Luka guided his country to four victories in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Lithuania earlier this summer to advance to Tokyo. He had a 31-point triple-double in the deciding game as Slovenia topped the hosts. It is the country’s first Olympic Games.

Play kicks on July 24, but Slovenia’s first game is not until day three of competition. Japan’s 13-hour time difference means Dallas supporters will have to stay up late to catch the crucial game. Two teams in each group advance and most expect it to be Slovenia and Argentina battle it out for the berth in the knockout stage. Here is how to watch, the odds, and more of Sunday’s showdown between the two sides.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Slovenia vs. Argentina: How to watch

Start time: 11:40 p.m. CT on July 25 or 12:40 a.m. ET on July 26

How to watch: CNBC (national)

Watch online: Peacock, NBC Olympics

Odds courtesy of WynnBET: Slovenia -250, Argentina +200

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Slovenia vs. Argentina: Injury updates

Slovenia enters healthy and with their roster unchanged from the qualifying tournament. They are going to rely heavily on Luka in this crucial contest.

Argentina also has all 12 players fit. They will be relying heavily on NBA veteran Luis Scola and Nuggets guard Facundo Campazzo.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Slovenia vs. Argentina storyline to watch: Luka’s Olympic nerves

Slovenia is going to put the ball in Luka’s hands and let him cook. The 22-year-old will be the best player on the court on Sunday night, but he will be fighting through some nerves. Doncic has talked about how winning an Olympic medal would mean more to him than winning an NBA title. The dream can start becoming a reality on July 25. Will the nerves get to him?

Do not count on it. Luka Doncic has been a professional since age 14 and has seen it all on the basketball court. Expect a monster performance as Slovenia attempts to get their Olympic journey off on the right foot. Do not miss it.