Mavericks vs. Jazz Preseason Game Preview

There was a lot to say about the Mavericks' opening preseason game. They lost, but the final result isn't that meaningful. If you couldn't leave the game feeling Jaz Gortman walk off the court or Jaden Hardy leading the team in scoring, then maybe you're just missing the palette for preseason basketball.

Let's hope there are more tasty nuggets in Game 2. Here are a few things to look out for.

Main course

With so many starters out for Game 1, head coach Jason Kidd used his second unit as the starting five. It's a good idea to get this unit together as best as possible in the lead-up to the season, but let's be honest, people want to see the big names. Who can blame them? It's been months since Dallas reached the NBA Finals, and the Mavs have made some exciting moves in the offseason.

After missing Game 1, Kidd said Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson will likely play in Games 2-4. While Luka Doncic's absence due to a calf bruise will prevent us from seeing the new-look lineup at full strength, Klay's first action in a Dallas uniform is reason enough to tune in.

Keep it up

After a breakout Game 1, eyes will be on Gortman to see if he can repeat some of the scoring output he showed in the opening game. Since then, Dallas has passed on one of its two signings in AJ Lawson, so it's pretty clear there's an opportunity there worth taking a chance on.

During Summer League, he shot four three-pointers per game and shot 50% from distance, so his scoring ability doesn't seem to be a fluke.

Drunk with potential

Dereck Lively has nothing else to prove how valuable he was to Dallas. His play as a rookie and the many minutes he played for a finals team speak volumes. And then he set about working on his game in the offseason, showing up in Game 1 of the preseason and carrying the ball the length of the court, hitting a Giannis-esque spin move in the lane, drawing a foul and did the and-1, and then hit the free throw. The ceiling for this guy just keeps getting higher. In Game 2, he might be able to hit the three-point shot he showed in the finale against Boston.

Here's how to watch

You can stream the game at 7:00 a.m. CST on Mavs.com.