What to watch for as Dallas Mavericks host the Celtics

Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic
Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic | David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks have won five of their first eight games this season, but superstar Luka Doncic has not had a monster performance yet. Fans are waiting for the shining moment from the 22-year-old star.

The Mavs are back in action on Saturday night as they host the Boston Celtics at the American Airlines Center. Jaylen Brown was injured in the Celtics last game, but they have won two straight. Both teams are expecting to make the playoffs, so it should be an exciting contest in Dallas on Nov. 6.

Here is a closer look at how and why fans should watch the Mavericks face the Celtics on Saturday night.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics: How to watch

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

How to watch: Bally Sports Southwest- Dallas (Mavs local market), NBC Sports Boston (Celtics local market)

Watch online: NBA League Pass

Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics: Injury updates

The Mavs listed Kristaps Porzingis (back) and Reggie Bullock (face) as questionable to face the Celtics on the NBA’s official injury report. KP has missed five straight games, but he practiced on Friday afternoon. Bullock was injured in the team’s last game, but coach Jason Kidd was confident he would play on Saturday evening. Maxi Kleber remains out with an oblique injury.

The Celtics ruled out Jaylen Brown with a hamstring injury, and Josh Richardson listed as questionable with a foot contusion. Boston also has Sam Hauser and Brodric Thomas down in the G League.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics storyline to watch: Luka vs. Smart

The hype will be around the matchup between Mavs superstar Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum because they are two of the best young players in the league. Boston will likely try to match up Marcus Smart on Doncic on Saturday evening. The Celtics guard is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, but Luka is known to punish small guards. Who has the edge on Nov. 6?

Fans should also be watching closely to see if Kristaps Porzingis is back in the lineup. The Mavericks need him to be a force on both ends of the floor if they are going to take another step forward this season. Keep an eye on the Unicorn on Saturday night in what will be a cannot miss game at the American Airlines Center.

Schedule