Dallas Mavericks: Top 5 games to watch in 2018-19

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

After an offseason with plenty of roster turnover, here are the five must-watch games for Dallas Mavericks fans.

With former Dallas Mavericks Steve Nash and Jason Kidd being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Manu Ginobili announcing his retirement and Dwyane Wade returning for one last season, Dirk Nowitzki has watched as his greatest peers have concluded their careers in very different ways. Entering what will be his 21st and potential final season, it truly is an end of an era in the NBA.

Although it’s tough to let go of the past, the 40-year-old Nowitzki has been helpless as the Mavericks have missed the playoffs the past two seasons. The last time Dallas missed the playoffs in back-to-back years was before Mark Cuban bought the team in 2000.

Nowitzki’s age, coupled with the arrival of EuroLeague MVP Luka Doncic, the favorite to win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award, means the Dallas Mavericks could see a special passing of the torch this season.

With this transition taking place and so many young players on the roster, it’s unclear whether the Dallas Mavericks will be in contention for a playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference. Regardless, they’ll be one of the more interesting teams to watch during the 2018-19 season. Here are five games to look out for.