Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks

The Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks will meet on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The preseason game is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 PM local time and will serve as part of the final preparations before the start of the 2025–26 NBA regular season. Both teams are expected to treat the matchup as an opportunity to fine-tune rotations, integrate new players, and test strategic combinations after an intense offseason. Fans in Dallas will get a first-hand look at how their retooled roster performs on home court ahead of opening night.

Charlotte arrives in relatively good health, with LaMelo Ball confirmed to be available following limited preseason action. The Hornets are expected to give significant minutes to their younger players, including Brandon Miller and Mark Williams, as they continue to build around their core. Dallas, meanwhile, has several players under evaluation. Star forward Anthony Davis, who joined the team during the offseason, is likely to play limited minutes as a precaution. Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving may also have reduced roles to avoid fatigue ahead of the regular season. Rookie forward Cooper Flagg and other bench players are expected to receive extended time on the floor as Jason Kidd tests different combinations and evaluates depth.

From a tactical standpoint, Dallas head coach Jason Kidd will use this game to experiment with how Davis fits into the team’s offensive flow and defensive schemes. Expect the Mavericks to run a mix of pick-and-roll sets featuring Dončić or Irving with Davis, using his inside presence to create spacing for shooters. Kidd may also stagger minutes to give his second unit more responsibility, particularly in transition play. Charlotte’s approach under coach Charles Lee is expected to emphasize ball movement and pace. The Hornets will look to exploit defensive lapses by pushing the tempo through LaMelo’s playmaking, with Miller and Miles Bridges providing scoring options on the wings. Defensively, Charlotte may apply early full-court pressure to disrupt Dallas’s rhythm.

Press coverage leading up to the game has largely favored Dallas, with reporters noting their improved roster depth and star power. Analysts have highlighted the curiosity surrounding Davis’s integration with Dončić and Irving, viewing it as one of the most intriguing preseason storylines. Charlotte’s media focus has centered on development—particularly how Miller continues to adjust to a larger offensive role and whether Ball can lead the young roster with consistency. While most previews give Dallas the upper hand, many note that preseason results are secondary to performance trends, conditioning, and lineup chemistry.

In studio discussions, analysts have pointed out several key talking points. Many expect the Hornets to use this matchup to gauge their defensive rotations and how their young players respond against elite offensive talent. For Dallas, the conversation centers around how Kidd manages his stars’ minutes and whether Davis can anchor the team defensively from day one. Analysts have also mentioned the importance of bench play, particularly how role players like Flagg, Josh Green, and Dereck Lively II contribute in extended minutes. The general consensus is that Dallas holds the advantage due to experience and talent, but the spotlight will be on how both teams use this game to prepare strategically for the regular season ahead.