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) /

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5. March 14 at Denver Nuggets

One of the best surprises near the end of the 2017-18 regular season was when the No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz returned from the shoulder injury that kept him from playing a majority of his rookie season.

Although Michael Porter Jr. is pain-free following a second back surgery, many expect him to sit our his first season with Denver, a playoff-caliber team. If MPJ is feeling ready in March and doesn’t want to wait till the 2019-20 season to make his debut, he could return early.

This game would be more exciting than any of the rookie matchups on this list, with Porter liking an Instagram comment calling Luka Doncic overrated. Doncic followed that up by liking a tweet by former Real Madrid teammate Dino Radoncic, who fired back at Porter.

Depending on how they view each other throughout the regular season, their relationship could develop into a full blown rivalry. Take into account that both the Mavericks and the Nuggets could be in contention for a playoff spot, and this game could see tempers flare. Even if it’s likely MPJ is stuck on the bench, this game could have some highlight worthy moments.

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