Game Preview: Phoenix Suns head to Dallas for a preseason tilt with the Mavericks

When: Wednesday, Oct. 17, 5:30 p.m. local time, 7:30 CST and 8:30 EST (For our international readers, you'll have to figure it out on your own)

Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

Watch/Listen:TV: No TV for this one unless you live in Texas. Radio: 620 KTAR

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Check out my Q&A with Kirk Henderson for more on the Mavericks offseason and all their new additions.

Injury report:

Dirk Nowitzki is dealing with a knee injury and will likely be sitting this game out. He's hoping that rest will do the trick so that he can avoid surgery. Roddy Beaubois will likely miss the game after hurting his ankle in the first preseason game. Delonte West was suspended but has since been reinstated. He will be available tonight, but whether or not he actually plays has yet to be seen.

Shannon Brown has recovered from his eye injury and played in the last game, so he should be good to go for the Suns. Sebastian Telfair was dealing with a couple minor injuries, but is expected to play tonight for the first time this preseason. We all know about Channing Frye at this point.

Probable Starters:

PG: Goran Dragic vs. Darren Collison

Collison has played well for Dallas, and if he can revert to his rookie from than he'll be a solid starting point guard for the Mavs. He's smaller and quicker than Dragic is, but Goran has the size advantage here. Goran's ankle seems to be improving with every game, and he should not be very limited at all tonight.

SG: Jared Dudley vs. O.J. Mayo

Mayo spurned the Suns to sign with Dallas in the offseason, and it sounds like he has appeared more comfortable than he did in Memphis. Jared Dudley has been his typical efficient, consistent self thus far.

SF: Michael Beasley vs. Shawn Marion

Michael Beasley has played very well for Phoenix thus far, but Marion is going to be a big test for him. Even at the ripe old age of 34, he can still defend and rebound with the best of them. Will Beasley take Gentry's words to heart and shoot more? Hopefully not too much so.

PF: Luis Scola vs. Elton Brand

Here we have a match-up of amnesty victims. Both are crafty vets who know how to get the job done and should be solid acquisition for their teams this year.

C: Marcin Gortat vs. Chris Kaman

Gortat is still trying to find his place in the new offense, but even so he's put up two very solid games so far. Kaman has done well for Mavs in his own right. Look for Gortat to get more involved tonight against Kaman.

Reserves to watch:

It sounds like both Sebastian Telfair and Diante Garrett are going to get their first real action tonight. Unfortunately, that means we probably won't see a whole lot of Dragic. But keep an eye on the minute distribution at the point tonight. This is a big game for Garrett who is trying to make the squad as a fourth point guard.

Make sure to have your matches ready if Vince Carter gets out there.

Finally, keep an eye on Markieff Morris. He's been impressive in each of the first two games, but the problems that he had last year popped up again as he struggled shooting in game 1 and dealt with foul trouble in game 2. Hopefully he can put together a total performance tonight.