GAME THREAD: Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns

WHO: Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns

WHAT: Luka Doncic vs. DeAndre Ayton

WHERE: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, AZ

WHEN: 9:30 p.m. CT

HOW: ESPN

THE STORY: Basketball is back, and even Dirk being out indefinitely and Harrison Barnes being sidelined temporarily can’t dampen the spirits of even the most jaded of Mavs fans (I think). For this is the beginning of Luka Doncic’s journey as a Dallas Maverick.

The NBA somehow decided to put these two terrible teams on national TV tonight, so you’re welcome, Mavs fans who don’t have league pass. We’ll be watching the guy who was picked first battle the guy who should have been picked first but oh thank god he wasn’t and thank god the Mavs traded up and.....well, you know. There are some other storylines tonight too! This will be the first game that counts for DeAndre Jordan in a Mavericks uniform, and that will hopefully help what ailed the Mavs last year in rebounding. (Please, god.) Dennis Smith Jr. begins his sophomore campaign — will he build on what he started last year?

So much good. So much hope. Welcome back, NBA. Let’s go Mavs.