5 Mavericks games that will make you rejoice

Every year we eagerly dissect the Dallas Mavericks season schedule charting out exciting matchups, potential pitfalls, surprising road wins, all in their quest to return to the playoffs and hopefully back to the NBA Finals . To get there Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are joined by much of their finals teammates for another go — and head coach Jason Kidd has several new pieces to play with, including future hall of famer Klay Thompson.

While the team spends training camp in Las Vegas, we've taken a look at the five games that could make you rage this season . But what about those games that catch you off-guard, or the ones you've circled for weeks, personal reasons or otherwise, that will have you bragging to your coworker or convinced the team is headed to the Finals? These are five of those games this season.

Oct. 24 — vs. San Antonio Spurs Opening night is at the American Airlines Center, with the Mavericks kicking things off again against their downstate rival. These teams may be on different paths right now, but they figure to be competitive adversaries in short time. Even now, there's plenty of juice here.

The Spurs have added a few pieces around reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembenyama. Former Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes is now playing under Coach Pop, as well as annual Mavericks' pest Chris Paul. This should be a great measuring stick for this version of the Mavericks. If you recall, it was opening night last season that Dereck Lively II impressed in a road win in his pro debut, posting 16 points and 10 rebounds off the bench in a 126-119 win — outplaying his rooking counterpart. Even as Jason Kidd sorts out rotation schemes, the Mavericks show they're all business in the season opener.

Nov. 12 — Golden State Warriors Mavericks everywhere have remarked online, even more the last week, how surreal it feels to not only see Klay Thompson in a different jersey...but especially a Mavericks jersey. It will likely never feel more surreal than November 12, when the Mavericks pay a visit to his former team. Expect a ton of emotion coursing through this game.

Thompson didn't leave on bad terms with his teammates, but one should expect a healthy dose of competition — just ask league knucklehead Draymond Green . Wouldn't it be beautiful poetry to watch Klay Thompson turn back the clock and torment his former teammates like he did for them for so long? I want him to rip-off a 37-point quarter or we riot.

Dec. 25 — vs. Minnesota Timberwolves The Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, and now the Minnesota Timberwolves. Another playoff opponent, another core being dismantled thanks to Luka and the Mavericks. The Wolves have taken their gentleman's sweep in the Western Conference Finals and shipped out Karl-Anthony Towns from their starting lineup.

Anthony Edwards and Minnesota were the darling of the playoffs until they ran into the Mavericks, and one would have to imagine they'll be more determined to bounce back from the exit. The potential is there for these teams to have a fun back and forth battle as Edwards and Doncic move into their primes. But did the Wolves actually get better with this move? The Mavericks will have a Christmas gift for them in Dallas and we'll have a little extra reason for celebration.

Feb. 25 — Los Angeles Lakers January and the beginning of February is the slog of the NBA season. But circle this visit to LeBron James and the Lakers. This one is just after the All-star break so chances are the team will be rested and energized for the home stretch of the regular season. This will be just the second meeting of the teams on the year, their first time in LA.

The Mavericks have been pretty dominant against the Lakers over the last four seasons, going 9-4 in that time. And Luka and co. should be ready to carry that momentum on against former Mavericks great J.J. Reddick. Maybe the Mavericks will have put this one away enough that Bronny gets some run.

Mar. 7 — vs. Memphis Grizzlies The Mavericks-Grizzlies division rivalry was percolating just a few seasons ago. Luka and Ja Morant were each coming into their own and Memphis looked like the hot young team in the West, with back-to-back seasons as the conference's number two seed. The Mavericks had a faltering season, then the Grizzlies had multiple Ja situations and an avalanche of injuries, which left them forgotten in last season's race.

Mid March is when the real final push takes place for teams to jockey for position, prior to resting players for the playoffs. Assuming health and smart decisions, these two teams could be thick in a homecourt race. And if they can get back to some of the fireworks of the games from a few seasons ago then this could be one of the best games of the season...perhaps even one that solidify the Mavericks as a contender.