3 things to watch for as the Mavericks tip off preseason

On Sunday, the Dallas Mavericks set their sights on Abu Dhabi to play in two consecutive preseason games against the Minnesota Timberwolves. On October 5 and 7, the Mavericks and Timberwolves will officially tip off the first preseason games of the 2023-24 NBA season.

However, this trip to Abu Dhabi won't be the last for the Dallas Mavericks. Just three days after their pair of games in the United Arab Emirates, the team will once again lift off for the country of Spain. While in Spain, the Mavericks will play Luka Doncic's former team, Real Madrid at the WiZink Center in Madrid.

3 things to watch for as the Mavericks tip off preseason

The Mavericks will round out their preseason schedule with a home game against the Detroit Pistons on October 20. This will officially end their preseason schedule, leaving them five days out from their October 25 match against the San Antonio Spurs, this game will formally launch the Mavericks 2023-24 season.

During the first set of pre-\season games, the Mavericks will have a new-look starting five with three of the five starters being new additions to the team this offseason. Rookies Olivier-Maxenece Prosper and Dereck Lively II have been confirmed to get the starting nod.

Also, newcomer Grant Williams will hunker down the four spot as the team will play two All-Star centers in Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns.

As the team ramps up play in preparation for October 5 against the Timberwolves, we can expect to see some intriguing narratives play out. Here are three things to be on the lookout for as the Mavericks play their first preseason game against the Timberwolves.

3. What shape is Luka Doncic in?

One narrative that has plagued Luka Doncic through the start of his career has been his reluctance to report to camp in shape. Unfortunately, this has been a problem that has trickled through the first few games of the season for Doncic.

However, last season was different due to Slovenia playing in the EuroBasket tournament. This allowed Doncic to play year-round, which would keep the young star in shape just a few weeks before the 2022 training camp would begin.

The beginning of this season has followed a similar path because Doncic and Slovenia made a late tournament run in the FIBA World Cup. By all accounts, Doncic has reported to camp and is in shape due to his shortened offseason.

However, training camp videos and highlights cannot account for game speed. Doncic looks to have flipped that narrative due to last season's historic start to the season. With similar events taking place we should expect to see mid-season shape Doncic but it will still be something to be on the lookout for.

If Doncic is once again behind the eight ball and refuses to begin the season in shape, we could once again see the Mavs get off to a slow start.

2. What will the bench rotation look like with key names coming off the bench

With rookies Lively II and Prosper being deemed starters, the Mavericks now have a deep bench rotation to play with. Josh Green and Tim Hardaway Jr. are often in the starting unit along with Dwight Powell, so it will be interesting to see how the minutes are spread out among these players.

Furthermore, it is preseason, so you shouldn't expect to see the starters playing a huge chunk of minutes. Also, any rotation that the Mavericks rollout shouldn't be expected to be the final set-in-stone rotation as we approach the October 25 start date.

However, seeing how Jason Kidd splits the first half minutes could be a strong indication of who will likely have a bigger role and who is expected to be an intricate piece moving forward. Guys like Mike Miles Jr. and Greg Brown III could be in line for a bigger role so it will be interesting when exactly these players play.

A more intriguing headline will be around Josh Green. Throughout large periods of last season, he was an important part of the starting unit. Seeing how he responds and plays could make him yet again a lock for a starting role.

Seeing how newcomers Seth Curry, Derrick Jones Jr., and Dante Exum play could also be a huge indication of who plays over whom. Richaun Holmes will also have a huge spotlight on him, as he could potentially be a day-one starter. With all this in mind, it's crucial to understand the Mavericks have only played one week with each other, so expect to see some sloppy basketball.

1. Could Lively II's starting role become a common sight?

It came as a shock for many Mavs fans when it was announced that Lively II would become a starter for the October 5 matchup against the Timberwolves. Many viewed the addition of Lively II as a player who could work into a role given time, but to all accounts, Lively II could become a starter on opening night.

Assuming Lively II looks amazing throughout the remainder of training camp and the four scheduled preseason games, we could very well see a matchup of Victor Wembenyama and Dereck Lively II. This seems like a long shot, but the development of Lively II is crucial for the Mavericks' future successes.

In addition to the development of Lively II, his connection with Luka Doncic could become a frightening sight for opposing defenses. With Lively II being in the company of Doncic on pick and rolls, it will be a welcomed sight for Mavs fans as we get to finally see the duo work their magic.

Despite everything, seeing Lively II matched up against two of the best centers will be a huge test for the young big. This could be just the tip of the iceberg in terms of matchups that we see Lively II play up against, so it will be critical to watch his ability to defend in space and down on the low blocks.

The Mavericks will officially tip off their preseason schedule in just one day so stay tuned for more updates on preseason games and other updates.