Mavericks: What to watch for in preseason tilt at Hornets

The Dallas Mavericks have won their first two preseason games, but they have been cautious with their starters. They rested multiple players in each game, and Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Tim Hardaway Jr. have only played in the first halves. New head coach Jason Kidd is slowly ramping up his team for the lengthy regular season.

That changes as the Mavericks head to North Carolina to face the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. Coach Kidd noted that he plans to play 11 players and his starters will get minutes into the fourth quarter. Fans will get a feel for the team’s regular season rotation in the preseason dress rehearsal.

Here is a look at how fans can watch and what they should be looking for as the Mavericks face the Hornets.

Dallas Mavericks at Charlotte Hornets preseason: How to watch

Start time: Oct. 13 at 5:30 p.m. CT or 6:30 p.m. ET

How to watch: ESPN (National), Bally Sports Southwest (Dallas market), Bally Sports Southeast- Charlotte (Hornets local market)

Watch online: Watch ESPN

Dallas Mavericks at Charlotte Hornets preseason:  Injury updates

The Mavs will be without Tyrell Terry and Reggie Bullock for personal reasons according to the NBA's official injury report. Bullock was a surprise, but the rest of their roster is healthy and available on Wednesday night. Keep an eye on who plays in Charlotte, and how Kidd is running the rotation.

The Hornets will be without Gordon Hayward (health and safety protocols) and Terry Rozier (ankle). They also listed Kelly Oubre Jr. as questionable with an ankle injury.

Remember, it is still a preseason contest, so both teams will be cautious if something pops up. Be sure to check Twitter just before tipoff for all the latest.

Dallas Mavericks at Charlotte Hornets preseason storyline to watch: Dress rehearsal

It will be the first time this preseason that the Mavs will play starter's minutes, so it will be interesting to see how Kidd runs his rotations. Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis have stayed on the same minute’s pattern in the first two preseason games. Will Kidd stagger his stars in the dress rehearsal?

Fans will also get a glimpse at how the Hall of Fame point guard plans to do things. He has made subtle offensive changes and is switching up the scheme on the defensive end. With his normal rotation players getting the minutes, fans are going to see both on display in Charlotte.

It will be a game Dallas Mavericks fans won't want to miss. Expect Luka Doncic to go off against the Hornets as the team attempts to keep its unbeaten streak alive in the preseason. Be sure to tune in and enjoy the game.