It’s officially here! Dallas Mavericks basketball is officially back at the American Airlines Center as they battle the Milwaukee Bucks at 7:30 p.m. CST at the American Airlines Center.

Three Things to Watch For:

Dennis Smith Jr.

All eyes will undoubtedly be on the ninth pick from this summer’s NBA Draft after head coach Rick Carlisle declared Smith Jr. to be the starter on draft night. After averaging 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game at Vegas summer league, Smith Jr. immediately putting the League on notice with his freakish athleticism and superstar potential. He was voted as the most likely player to win 2017-18 Rookie of the Year award in an NBA Rookie Survey, ahead of Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball.

The Mavericks are envisioning the North Carolina State product to be the guy that will hopefully, and finally, take the franchise reigns from stalwart Dirk Nowitzki. While he has a long way to go before he’s ready to officially take that role, tonight officially marks the beginning of that journey for Smith Jr.

Question: How long will it be before DSJ makes SportCenter’s Top 10 with a highlight reel dunk? Answer: not long.

Nerlens Noel Starting?

After a strange and awkward summer that saw Noel reportedly decline a four-year, $70 million long-term deal to stay with Dallas and instead accept the one-year, “prove it” qualify offer for $4.1 million, Noel’s role with the Mavs this season also appears to be in limbo.

“I basically said to them (Noel and agent Rich Paul) that I’m not sure that he’s going to start,” Carlisle said at Mavs Media Day. “At this point in time, Dirk at the five position is probably the best scenario for Dirk and for our team, and I just don’t think that Dirk is a guy that’s going to come off the bench as long as I’m here. So there’s a very good chance that Nerlens will come off the bench. Look, he said he’s good with it.”

The 23-year-old Noel averaged 8.5 points and 6.8 rebounds in 22 games with the Mavs last season. He started 12 of those games.

“I love the city of Dallas,” Noel said. “I do, but we all know what goes on in this business.”

Projected starters for tonight according to Mavs media notes: Harrison Barnes, Dirk Nowitzki, Nerlens Noel, Wes Matthews and DENNIS SMITH JR — Michael Lark (@Michael_Lark) October 2, 2017

Fringe Players

While the majority of the Mavs rotation is already spoken for, the preseason is an opportunity for the fringe roster players to show the Mavs coaches and front office what they can do for a chance at making the team’s opening day roster.

One name to keep your eyes on is 6’9” big man Brandon Ashley. During the 2015-16 season, he spent training camp and preseason with Mavs ,but was waived prior to the start of the regular season. He then played for the Texas Legends, the Mavericks’ G League team, and was named a 2016 NBA G League All-Star.

Playing for Dallas in the 2017 Vegas Summer League, Ashley averaged 11.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 block in 20.0 minutes while shooting 47 percent from field. He then signed his second contract with the team, although he’ll likely to end up with Legends unless he can impress during training camp.

Injuries

Wesley Matthews (sore right ankle) is questionable.