The Dallas Mavericks are set to face off against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night in Las Vegas, marking a “home” game for the Mavericks. As both teams make adjustments to their rosters, Dallas enters this matchup with a preseason record of 2-1, having emerged victoriously against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz. The Lakers, on the other hand, have played three of their scheduled six preseason games, including a contest against the Phoenix Suns just before their meeting with Dallas.
The Mavericks have shown promise in their preseason games, particularly on the defensive end. Their best shooting performance from beyond the arc came with a 37% success rate, where they scored a preseason high of 116 points, although they ultimately fell to the Charlotte Hornets. While Dallas emphasizes its defensive abilities—which can often translate consistently from game to game—the team is still relying heavily on three-point attempts. In their match against Utah, more than half of their field goal attempts came from beyond the arc, although execution has been lacking.
Rookie Cooper Flagg is grappling with the NBA three-point line, but his 36.4% shooting percentage is a positive sign for the team. However, the struggles of established players, like D’Angelo Russell, who has had difficulty finding his rhythm, create concerns about the team’s offensive readiness for the regular season.
Preseason game selection varies, and the Mavericks have opted for a shorter schedule, with Wednesday’s game being their fourth and final exhibition matchup. While this strategic choice conserves energy and minimizes injury risk for established players, it also limits younger players and newcomers from gaining valuable experience on the court. Notable names like D’Angelo Russell and Dennis Smith Jr. have faced time away from the game, leaving fans hoping for more visibility of the full roster.
Among the emerging talents is Ryan Nembhard. The undrafted rookie has made a strong impression and appears poised to secure a spot as the second-string point guard, possibly even rising to a starting position sooner than anticipated with the current state of the Mavericks’ backcourt.
In contrast, the Lakers decided to partake in a back-to-back preseason game, facing the Suns before heading to Vegas. This choice hints at their intention to make the most out of the Las Vegas venue, showcasing their talent rather than using the game as a mere exhibition. As the two teams prepare for what promises to be an exciting clash, fans are hopeful for thrilling performances and noteworthy developments as both squads gear up for the upcoming season.