Mavericks 2016-17 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions

The Dallas Mavericks would love to make at least one more championship run before the Dirk Nowitzki era comes to a close. The lingering question is whether they can put enough talent around the stalwart forward to make a serious run at the Western Conference elites.

Full Schedule: NBA.com

Although the front office made some additions during the offseason, highlighted by Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut, it’s unclear whether there was much net gain. That’s because Chandler Parsons and JaVale McGee exited as part of the roster retooling.

So let’s check out all of the key information for the Mavs after the league’s schedule release. That’s followed by a look at some high-profile matchups and a prediction for how Dallas’ season will go.

2016-17 Details

Season Opener: Wednesday, October 26 at Indiana Pacers (8 p.m. ET)

Championship Odds: 100-1 (via Odds Shark)

Top Matchups

San Antonio Spurs

First Home Matchup: November 30 at 8:30 p.m. ET

It’s unfortunate, albeit unsurprising, the longtime rivalry between Nowitzki and Tim Duncan didn’t take center stage one last time before the Spurs superstar decided to retire. The teams had some intense battles over the years and those two were always at the center of it.

They also represent the end of an era alongside Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. They were three franchise cornerstones who remained with a single organization for their entire career, pushing aside the temptation to seek greener pastures in free agency, a rare move in today’s sports world.

While Bryant was always at the forefront under the bright lights of L.A., Duncan and Nowitzki were content operating in the shadows of superstardom. Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram believes their exits from the NBA will also be similar:

The way Duncan retired is the way I envision Dirk retiring. He’ll just pick up the phone one day and call Mark Cuban and tell him he’s done.

— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) July 11, 2016

Yet, while the days of Nowitzki vs. Duncan are over, the in-state rivalry will endure. San Antonio dominated the Southwest Division last season, winning …

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