The Mavs need to step up their game to get their first win of the season Friday night.

DALLAS — Watch the Dallas Mavericks vs. Washington Wizards at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24 on WFAA. Here’s a breakdown on how to tune in – and guarantee you get the clearest signal possible of the broadcast.

The Dallas Mavericks (0-1) are gunning for their first win of the season against an Eastern Conference opponent Friday night.

In the Mavs’ first game airing on WFAA this season, they take on the Washington Wizards (0-1). 

The Mavericks are coming off a blowout loss in their home opener to the San Antonio Spurs. In that game, French center Victor Wembanyama dominated, dropping 40 points and 15 rebounds. In his rookie debut, Cooper Flagg put up a quiet 10-point, 10-rebound double-double, but his shooting performance was poor (30.8%).

Chalk it up to first-game jitters or playing against a 7’4″ center who can swat just about any shot. Still, Flagg will have to step up against the Wizards and a roster that features Wemby’s fellow Frenchman and former teammate, 7-footer Alex Sarr.

Flagg won’t be the only Maverick in need of serious adjustment. Dereck Lively II played just 10 minutes against the Spurs, despite starting. Head coach Jason Kidd was forced to take him out due to foul trouble.

The bench unit, namely Naji Marshall and D’Angelo Russell, also needs to contribute more offensively. Marshall and Russell combined for just 9 points in a combined 38 minutes on a combined 1-8 shooting performance.

The Wizards are an intriguing opponent for the Mavericks. Like the Mavs, the Wizards roster is a unique combination of young talent with several tried-and-true veterans sprinkled in. In Washington’s case, CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton can be expected to shoulder much of the offensive load with support from sophomore players Sarr and Bub Carrington. 

Injuries are a factor for Dallas to start the season. Starting point guard Kyrie Irving remains out, recovering from an ACL tear. He likely won’t return until the new year. Daniel Gafford, a starter who provides the team with elite shotblocking and rebounding, is also out, nursing an ankle sprain.


Dallas Mavericks injury report

Dante Exum: Out (Knee)Daniel Gafford: Out (Right ankle sprain)Kyrie Irving: Out (Torn ACL)


Washington Wizards injury report


Up next

Following Friday’s matchup, the Mavs stick around in Dallas to take on the Raptors, Thunder and Pacers.

Sunday, Oct. 26 | vs. Toronto Raptors – 6:30 p.m. on KFAA, MavsTVMonday, Oct. 27 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – 7:30 p.m. on KFAA, MavsTVWednesday, Oct. 29 | vs. Indiana Pacers – 7:30 p.m. on KFAA, MavsTV