Dallas Mavericks

52-30, lost in conference finals

Overview: Luka Doncic has a new sidekick — but not a co-star — as the Mavericks try to build on their first deep playoff run in a decade. Spencer Dinwiddie, a midseason trade acquisition before the Mavs reached the Western Conference finals, joins the starting lineup after Jalen Brunson chose to run his own show with the New York Knicks. The return of healthy stars should be a boost for several West contenders, and defending champ Golden State still has Stephen Curry and company after beating Dallas in five games in the conference finals. The Mavs are sticking with their formula of Doncic and a host of complementary pieces to go with the defensive-minded approach of coach Jason Kidd, who changed that culture quickly in his first season. Doncic said there were “no expectations”— just the same goal.“Always the goal is the same for me, for the team,” the three-time All-Star said. The biggest offseason move for second-year general manager Nico Harrison was a trade with Houston for Christian Wood. Turns out that was just the start of revamping the frontcourt.

Quote: “I’m motivated either way, off the bench or starting,” said Wood, a one-time journeyman who blossomed into a 20-point scorer with the Rockets before they wanted to clear the way for younger draft picks.