Why fans should still watch Mavericks at Bucks with Luka Doncic out

The Dallas Mavericks are resting Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Tim Hardaway Jr. in the team’s preseason finale on Oct. 15 against the Milwaukee Bucks. The trio led Dallas to three wins to kick things off, and they will rest up for the regular season.

The Mavs will also be without Reggie Bullock and Tyrell Terry on Friday night as both players are away from the team dealing with personal issues. Head coach Jason Kidd will be shorthanded in Milwaukee against his former team.

Mavericks fans should still tune in and watch the preseason finale against the Bucks, and here is why.

Dallas Mavericks at Milwaukee Bucks preseason: How to watch

Start time: Oct. 15 at 7:00 p.m. CT or 8:00 p.m. ET

How to watch: Bally Sports Southwest (Dallas market), Bally Sports Wisconsin (Bucks local market)

Watch online: NBA League Pass

Dallas Mavericks at Milwaukee Bucks preseason:  Injury updates

The Mavs are fully healthy but will sit out five players on Friday night. Expect the second unit to get plenty of run before coach Kidd takes one final look at the end of the roster.

The Bucks ruled out Bobby Portis (hamstring), Semi Ojeleye (calf), and Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) for Friday’s game with Rodney Hood (foot) listed as doubtful on the NBA’s official injury report.

Be sure to check Twitter just prior to tipoff for all the latest updates here.

Dallas Mavericks at Milwaukee Bucks preseason storyline to watch: Battle for roster spot

The Mavericks have 16 guaranteed contracts and only 15 roster spots. The battle for the final positions is still going and Friday’s game figures to play a key role in the team's decision. It will be the last chance for every player on the fringe to impress.

Fans will be watching Eugene Omoruyi, Trey Burke, Moses Brown, and Frank Ntilikina closely on Oct. 15. All four are battling for what could be three spots on the roster. Tyrell Terry factors in, but how is yet to be determined after he missed the entire preseason.

The Bucks are playing all of their starters on Friday night, so it should be a difficult test for the reserves against the defending NBA champions. Be sure to tune in to see who impressed with the Dallas Mavericks' top three scorers resting in the preseason finale.