The Dallas Mavericks opened their 2026 preseason at home on Wednesday night with a 101-97 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. The game, held at the American Airlines Center, gave fans a first look at the roster as the team prepares for the regular season debut on Oct. 21.
Key players sat out or saw limited minutes
Coach Jason Kidd rested a number of key contributors. Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, first‑round pick Morez Johnson Jr., and veteran Daniel Gafford did not play at all. Meanwhile, veterans PJ Washington and Naji Marshall each logged under 20 minutes and combined for just eight points.
Rookie de Larrea steps up
Rookie guard Sergio de Larrea provided the most offensive spark for Dallas, scoring 10 points, dishing out six assists and pulling down four rebounds in 30 minutes of play. His balanced stat line showed the promise the Mavericks hope to see from their young talent as the season approaches.
Preseason record and upcoming schedule
With this loss, the Mavericks fall to 1‑2 in preseason action. The team will travel to Atlanta for a matchup on Friday night before heading to Houston for the season opener on Oct. 21. The early games are intended to fine‑tune rotations and give the coaching staff a chance to evaluate how new pieces fit alongside returning veterans.
What the loss means for Dallas fans
While a preseason defeat does not affect the regular‑season standings, it offers a glimpse of the challenges the Mavericks may face. The limited minutes for star players suggest that the coaching staff is still experimenting with lineups and assessing the health of key contributors after the offseason.
Local fans will be watching closely to see how the team gels before the official start of the NBA season. The upcoming games against the Atlanta Hawks and the Houston Rockets will provide further insight into the Mavericks’ readiness and the development of their young roster.
For now, Dallas supporters can take heart from de Larrea’s performance and the competitive effort shown by the bench. The team’s next steps will focus on building chemistry, sharpening defensive schemes, and preparing to compete for a playoff spot in the 2026‑27 campaign.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
