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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1. April 9 vs. Phoenix Suns

To be fair, any of the games against the Phoenix Suns could appear on this list. On Oct. 17, the Dallas Mavericks visit the Suns to open the season, in what will be the first matchup between No. 1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton and Luka Doncic. Other rookies that could play in this game include Mikal Bridges, De’Anthony Melton, Jalen Brunson and Elié Okobo.

Although their meeting on Dec. 13 is the best indicator of who is more deserving of the ROY award, the game on April 9 will be the freshest memory of their play to help sway voters to one of the future superstars.

This could also very well be Dirk Nowitzki’s final regular season home game. It’ll be worth watching how he contributes in a final attempt to help the Mavs make the playoffs.

Next. Ranking all 30 starting NBA small forwards for 2018-19. dark

The Mavs and Suns were two of the worst teams in the NBA last season, winning 24 and 21 games, respectively. How far will they go after major offseasons in which they added veteran leadership and young talent?

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