Mavericks: What to watch for in the season opener vs. Hawks

The Dallas Mavericks are pumped and ready to begin the 2021-2022 regular season. Superstar Luka Doncic is primed for a monster season, and Kristaps Porzingis is excited about his new role under head coach Jason Kidd.

The Mavs kick things off on Thursday evening in Atlanta against Trae Young and the Hawks. Luka and Trae will forever be linked following the 2018 draft-night trade that saw them swapped for each other.

It is the Mavericks season opener, so fans should tune in. Here is how to watch, the injury report, and a storyline to follow throughout the game.

Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta Hawks: How to watch

Start time: Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. CT or 7:30 p.m. ET

How to watch: TNT

Watch online: Watch TNT

Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta Hawks: Injury updates

The Mavs enter the regular season healthy, and the only players on the NBA’s official injury report for Dallas are Eugene Omoruyi and JaQuori McLaughlin, who are both in the G League with the Legends.

The Hawks will be without Onyeka Okongwu as he continues to rehab his shoulder. They also listed Danilo Gallinari (shoulder) and Lou Williams (hip) as questionable with Jalen Johnson probable as he deals with an ankle injury.

Fans should be sure to check Twitter just before tipoff for all the latest on the injury front for both teams.

Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta Hawks storyline to watch: Luka vs. Trae

Fans will be watching closely as two of the league’s best young superstars go head-to-head to kick off the Thursday night TNT doubleheader. Last season, Luka Doncic averaged 27.5 points, 12.0 assists, and 9.0 rebounds against the Hawks, so expect a monster season opener from the Mavericks 22-year-old star.

Trae Young will look to counter, and his teammate John Collins has been known to go against Dallas. The Hawks made the Eastern Conference Finals last season and will be a difficult first test for Jason Kidd’s Mavs. Fans should tune in and enjoy the show on Oct. 21 because there promises to be excitement.