The revamped Mavericks will have to do much of their early-season gelling on the road, as they play seven of their first 11 games away from American Airlines Center.
Dallas opens the 2009-10 season Oct. 27 at home against Washington, but the true tone-setter comes three days later on the road against the reigning world champion Los Angeles Lakers. The schedule, released Tuesday, has the Mavericks playing 12 of their first 20 games on the road.
Newcomers Shawn Marion, Drew Gooden and Tim Thomas may well help Dallas avoid a repeat of last season's 2-7 start, but the schedule-makers loaded the Mavericks with 20 back-to-back situations, four more than last year.
And if network and cable TV executives are impressed with the Mavericks' off-season moves to date, it isn't reflected in the schedule. Dallas is slated for 13 national TV appearances, down from 23 two seasons ago and 21 last year.
After making five ABC appearances in each of the last two seasons, the Mavericks aren't scheduled to air on the network at all this year.
Where the regular season is concerned, it appears the Dallas-Fort Worth area will get the bulk of its national TV exposure during All-Star weekend, which culminates with the 59th NBA All-Star Game on Valentine's Day at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.
Of course, the NBA schedule always evens out. Between four-game road trips in November and December and a five-gamer in January, the Mavericks will play eight of their 14 December games at home.
And 12 of Dallas' 22 games in March and April are at home, culminating with the regular-season finale against rival San Antonio at AAC.
Other 2009-10 schedule highlights:
*Last season's schedule brought the Lakers to Dallas only once. This season the Lakers, with new acquisition Ron Artest, come to AAC on Jan. 13 and Feb. 24.
*Cleveland, with reigning MVP LeBron James and his new extra-large sidekick Shaquille O'Neal, makes its only AAC appearance on Dec. 20.
*Last season ended with a contentious second-round playoff loss to Denver, but Mavericks fans have to wait until March 29 for the Nuggets' only regular-season visit.
*Reigning NBA finalist Orlando, with newcomers Vince Carter and former Maverick Brandon Bass, makes its only visit on April Fool's Day. Dallas fans may not feel like smiling at the sight of Mavs-coveted Marcin Gortat in a Magic uniform.
*Preseason Rookie of the Year favorite and Oklahoma-ex Blake Griffin makes his only AAC appearance on March 23, when the Clippers come to town.
