The NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks will take the floor for the first time since their Game 6 victory in the NBA Finals. Dirk Nowitzki and company will host Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first of a home and home match up that will make up the NBA's preseason schedule this season.
Both Dallas and Oklahoma City figure to be among the top teams in the Western Conference with the Mavericks sporting a slightly remade roster. Gone from last season's championship squad are Tyson Chandler and J.J. Barea and in their place are veterans Vince Carter, Lamar Odom and Delonte West. Head coach Rick Carlisle got the team to buy into a team concept that they rode all the way to the championship last season. Fitting in the newcomers in an abbreviated preseason will be a challenge for the club.
The Oklahoma City Thunder return essentially the same roster that lost to the Mavericks in last season's conference finals. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook once again figure to be one of the league's best dynamic duos.
Date, Time: Sunday, December 18, 6:30 p.m. CT
Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
TV: NBA TV
For more on the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder, be sure to check out Mavs Moneyball and Welcome To Loud City.