MACAO — Naji Marshall said at shootaround Friday that the Dallas Mavericks are ready to compete against somebody else, hours before their preseason opener against the Houston Rockets at The Venetian Arena.
The game is the first of two between the teams at the NBA China Games, with the second on Sunday. It is also Mavericks coach Dusty May’s first NBA game. May said Thursday that Kyrie Irving will play in one of the two games and that Dallas will have a limited roster.
Marshall averaged 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 74 games last season, and he signed a multiyear extension Aug. 2.
Naji Marshall Details What Mavericks Need From Preseason
The Mavericks have practiced in Macao since arriving earlier this week, and the mood has carried over from training camp. For Marshall, the next step is finally seeing a different jersey across from him.
“It’s great vibes. I think we’re ready to compete against somebody else tonight,” Marshall said.
Dallas opened camp Sept. 26 with several new players, including Zaccharie Risacher and No. 9 overall pick Morez Johnson Jr.. Marshall’s goals for the two games start with them: building chemistry with the new players, learning how the coaches want Dallas to play, getting active on the defensive end, and getting better.
He sees the same checklist for any player using the preseason to get ready for the regular season.
“Get yourself in shape, build chemistry with his teammates, and just work on what he worked on this summer,” Marshall explained. “Try to be there as best as he can for his teammates.”
Marshall spent his own summer working on his 3-point shot and his conditioning. His minutes for the opener were still undecided at shootaround.
“I’m not sure. Coach hasn’t went over that with me yet,” Marshall said. “But whatever I may get minutes while I’m playing, that will be it. That’s it.”
Marshall Says Rockets Test Takes ‘A Will On Both Ends’
Houston went 52-30 last season and led the NBA with 15.0 offensive rebounds per game. Dallas went 26-56. Marshall expects the Rockets to pressure the ball and clog the gaps on defense.
“Physical team, get into the ball defensively, they’re in their gaps and they are powerhouse on offense,” Marshall said. “So it’s gonna take a will on both ends and that’s when we get better.”
Teammates described the same kind of test Thursday. Max Christie said Houston plays with a junkyard mentality, and Daniel Gafford said the Rockets will try to speed Dallas up.
Marshall said Thursday that the pairing of Irving and Cooper Flagg is “gonna get scary” once the two play together. After Sunday’s game, the Mavericks return home for preseason games Oct. 14 and Oct. 16, and the regular season opens Oct. 21 at Houston.
Marshall Eager To See Venetian Arena Fill Up
The Venetian Arena holds about 14,000, and some 400 journalists filled its lower bowl for Thursday’s media session. Marshall is eager to see it full.
“This arena is fire. Beautiful,” Marshall said. “I can’t wait to see it fill up. Definitely excited for tonight.”
Friday’s game tips off at 8 p.m. local time in Macao, or 7 a.m. CT.
