The Dallas Mavericks host the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday evening in the season opener for both teams. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. local time and will be broadcast nationally on TNT. It will be the first game of the season for MVP candidate Luka Doncic, playing NBA basketball for the first time since the Finals; He missed the entire pre-season due to a calf injury. He will face sophomore megastar Victor Wembanyama in what should be a fantastic match. Here are the most important things you should know:

• WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs
• WHAT: The final preseason game for Dallas
• WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
• WHEN: 6:30 Clock CST
• HOW:TNT

The Mavericks are only missing Dante Exum, who is out for a long time due to a wrist injury. All others have no injury designation. The Spurs are missing Devin Vassell.

If you’re interested in reading more, we have a lot to offer on our website today. Josh wrote a longer game preview here. There are TWO Luka at the MVP position; In the first, Ben argues that the narrative table is set for him to win the title, and in the other, Mette explains what he needs to do with the basketball Doncic will actually play to win it. We also predicted what will happen in terms of records this season.

As you can see below, you can join me in a room in playback mode during the game (although I may not be able to start it until halftime). Also consider joining Josh and I live on Pod Maverick after the game on YouTube. We were supposed to start around 9:15 p.m. Thank you for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go, Mavs!