Dallas Mavericks: How to watch preseason opener vs. Jazz

The Dallas Mavericks are back and ready to start the 2021-2022 season as they host the Utah Jazz in their first preseason contest on Oct. 6. Both teams are expecting to be near the top of the Western Conference, and it is a strong test to begin the preseason.

Wednesday’s game at the American Airlines Center is the second contest of the preseason for the Jazz. They lost to the Spurs in San Antonio without Rudy Gobert, Joe Ingles, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Rudy Gay. It is also a Christmas day preview and a potential playoff showdown this season.

The Mavs are resting two starters, but there are still plenty of reasons to tune in on Wednesday night. Here is a look at how and why fans should watch the preseason opener.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz preseason: How to watch

Start time: Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. CT or 8:30 p.m. ET

How to watch: NBA TV (national), Bally Sports Southwest (Dallas market), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah market)

Watch online: Bally Sports website (Dallas local)

Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz preseason:  Injury updates

The Mavs ruled out Dorian Finney-Smith, Dwight Powell, and Frank Ntilikina for rest in their preseason opener. Tyrell Terry is also not with the team as he deals with a personal matter. The other 16 players in camp are ready to go on Wednesday night.

Utah ruled out Rudy Gay (heel) and Bojan Bogdanovic (shoulder) on Oct. 5. The Jaz could decide to rest players too, but there has been no official word as of this writing.

Remember, this is a preseason game so neither team is going to risk a player. Things could change fast leading up to tipoff, so be sure to check Twitter for all the latest.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz preseason storyline to watch: Luka and KP

Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said that stars Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis will only play in the first half of the preseason opener, but their minutes will be mapped out together.

KP is playing a new role this season that has him excited. How will that look in the first preseason game? Do fans see the Unicorn posting up more and getting additional touches? How will the Mavs dynamic duo play together? It is one of the many things to watch on Wednesday night.

The Dallas Mavericks will be without two projected starters versus the Utah Jazz. Reggie Bullock and Maxi Kleber are listed in the opening five with Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Tim Hardaway Jr., according to Callie Caplan. That will be interesting as KP is likely to see plenty of minutes at the five in this alignment and has a potential matchup versus Rudy Gobert.

Fans should tune in and enjoy the contest on Oct. 6. It is their first chance to see the Mavs in action this season, so do not miss it.