Mavericks vs. Hawks preview: Dirk ready to make preseason debut

The Hawks come to Dallas after a big (are preseason wins big?) win over everyone's offseason favorite, the San Antonio Spurs. The majority of the Mavs' starters should still be out for this game, so fans can once again look to see whether overmatched potential rotation players will be able to fight enough to keep up with a more talented opponent. Dallas will be seeking to pick up its first win, which coincidentally would give Atlanta its first loss.

Will Dirk play?

Word on the street is the the big German will play his first preseason game tonight against Atlanta -- specifically, that he will play three of the final four preseason games. Maybe he just couldn't resist the chance to play against his teammate from a month ago, Dennis Schröder. Part of the reason Dirk has been resting this preseason is that he and Schröder led the German team to a near-upset of eventual champion Spain in FIBA's EuroBasket tournament. Dirk has been trying some different conditioning methods this offseason to keep his aging body in playing shape, even after playing through Eurobasket. It should be interesting to see him playing with some of the younger guys.

Can John Jenkins continue his stellar play?

Jenkins has been Dallas's leading scorer so far in the preseason, most recently dropping 26 points on the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is one of several young rotation candidates fighting for spots on the team, and he has arguably made the most of his opportunity so far. His 20.3 points per game is tops in the NBA for a shooting guard, which is pretty cool even if it is only preseason. I wouldn't say he's a lock for the roster just yet, but he has as good a shot as anyone, particularly given the Mavs' injuries and lack of proven wing depth.

What's up with the Hawks new look?

Red and neon green? Sublimated triangles? The Atlanta Hawks radically altered their look this offseason, and are pushing the boundaries of style more than any other team in the NBA. The uniforms might be odd, but they're certainly more exciting to see on court than the Hawks' previous red and navy look. Atlanta should be wearing their black road jerseys tonight, which are my favorite of their new options. Tune in to check it out.

How to watch

Game Date/Time: Friday, October 16, 7:30 p.m. CT

Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

TV: NONE

Radio: 103.3 FM