Mavericks: What to watch for as Luka Doncic and Slovenia face Spain

The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up to improve their roster around superstar Luka Doncic. They cleared cap space by trading Josh Richardson to the Celtics on Friday evening. The Mavs want to land a marquee talent that jumps them into title contention. Fans will be on the edge of their couches as free agency opens on Aug. 2.

First, Luka has his biggest game at the Olympics so far. Slovenia rolled over Japan to remain undefeated, but they face Spain on Sunday morning for Group C supremacy. Both teams have won their first two games, and the victor on Aug. 1 makes their road to a medal easier.

Mavericks fans will not want to miss this game, but they will have to get up mighty early to see it. Here is a look at how to watch, the odds, injury updates, and more.

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

Start time: Aug. 1 at 3:20 a.m. CT or 4:20 a.m. ET

How to watch: USA Network

Watch online: NBC Olympics

Odds courtesy of WynnBET: Slovenia -150, Japan +120

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

Slovenia remains fully healthy as they head into their final group stage game. Luka and his country have secured a place in the knockout round, but winning the group is massive.

Juancho Hernangomez suffered a shoulder injury that forced him off Spain’s Olympic roster just before their first game. The rest of the Spanish squad is healthy and looking for revenge against Slovenia.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Slovenia vs. Spain storyline to watch: Winner takes Group C

Luka and Slovenia have looked amazing so far. They have scored 234 points, which is by far the most in the tournament, and have an average margin of victory of 26.5 points. Doncic is undefeated in 15 games playing for his countries Senior National Team.

Spain won the 2019 FIBA World Cup and remains one of the medal favorites in Tokyo. They are looking for revenge against Luka and Slovenia too. Spain was heavily favored to win the EuroBasket 2017 semifinal, but Slovenia took the 92-72 victory as Doncic went for 11 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. The Gasol brothers and their countrymen have not forgotten that upset.

The quarterfinal draw will be done during the postgame press conferences on Monday morning. If Slovenia wins, they go into the pot with the other two group winners and likely Team USA. It would assume they can avoid the heavy hitters in the quarters. Both teams will want to win on Monday to secure the more favorable draw during the knockout stage.

Yes, the game starts early, but fans will not want to miss it. Expect a massive performance from Luka Doncic as he attempts to lift Slovenia over Spain. The Dallas Mavericks star has been the best player in Tokyo. That will continue on Monday morning, so please tune in and enjoy the game.