BOSSIER CITY, La. — Although they’ll be without a bevy of top contributors Saturday night against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Dallas Mavericks will get their first chance to see how they match up against another team in exhibition play.
Traveling to Bossier City, La., to kick off the preseason without starting center Andrew Bogut, 13-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki, swingman Wesley Matthews, point guard Deron Williams and reserve Devin Harris due to a scheduled rest, the Mavericks will be severely shorthanded in their first exhibition test. The Mavs will also be without the services of backup big man Salah Mejri as he works his way back from right knee surgery this offseason.