Planning your evening around the Mavericks means knowing exactly when the tipoff happens, whether you are at American Airlines Center or watching from home. This guide shows how game times shift across the season and how to track every Mavericks game you care about.
Below is a quick reference that captures the most important timing details for Mavericks games throughout the year.
| Season Type | Typical Start Month | Common Game Windows | Where to Check Exact Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | October through April | 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM local time, occasional matinees | Mavericks official site, league schedule, local TV listings |
| Playoffs | April into June | 8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM, depending on network | NBA.com, ESPN, regional sports network announcements |
| Preseason | October | Variable, often early evening or late night | Mavericks app, team social channels |
| International Games | Various dates | Afternoon or early evening U.S. time for global audiences | NBA Global schedule, team website |
Understanding the Regular Season Schedule
The core of the Mavericks calendar runs from October through April, featuring 82 games with a rhythm that becomes clearer as the season progresses. Early season matchups often include nationally televised windows, while later games settle into regional and conference patterns.
Television partners divide games across networks such as ESPN, TNT, and local Fox Sports, which means broadcast time can vary even for back-to-back matchups. Keeping an eye on the rolling weekly schedule helps you avoid missing key games due to unexpected time shifts.
Weekends typically host more marquee games in the evening, while weekday games may tilt toward afternoon start times or late night nationally televised slots. Subscribing to push notifications from the official app is one of the most reliable ways to stay aligned with any last minute changes.
Playoff Game Timing Nuances
When the Mavericks enter the postseason, the league takes greater control of scheduling to maximize television audiences across the conference rounds. This often pushes tipoffs to later in the evening and can introduce split venue series that affect local start times.
Network assignments play a major role, with higher profile series landing on ABC, ESPN, or TNT, each bringing its own broadcast window. Fans following the road games should confirm the local listings in the opposing city, since time zones can shift the perceived start hour.
Time zone alignment also matters when the Mavericks host Western Conference opponents, as earlier or later slots may be selected to accommodate national viewership. Staying flexible and double checking the updated playoff schedule closer to each series is wise, as dates can adjust based on prior series length.
International and Special Events
International games form a distinctive slice of the Mavericks calendar, showcasing the franchise in global markets during the preseason or regular season. These contests often occur at unconventional hours for U.S. fans, trading traditional evening comfort for daytime excitement overseas.
Special events such as NBA Global Games or astronomical themed nights may feature modified start times to align with arena experiences or media campaigns. Families planning attendance around these unique matchups should confirm family friendly entry policies and seating availability in advance.
Tracking these one off games through official Mavericks channels ensures you catch the right kickoff moment and avoid scheduling conflicts with standard home dates. Treat these events as opportunities to see the team in a new light while planning travel and local logistics carefully.
How to Stay Updated on Game Times
Modern tools make it simple to track Mavericks game times without constantly refreshing multiple pages. The team app, website, and social feeds update in real time when the league adjusts the schedule for television or venue reasons.
Setting personalized alerts for home games, rivalry matchups, and nationally televised contests keeps you informed without manual checking. Combining a dependable digital source with one traditional outlet, such as a local sports radio station, adds a helpful redundancy for busy fans.
- Bookmark the official Mavericks schedule page for instant updates.
- Enable push notifications in the Mavericks app for live alerts.
- Follow verified team and league social accounts for last minute changes.
- Set calendar reminders for tipoff, including travel and pregame time.
- Cross check local Fox Sports listings for any discrepancies.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why do Mavericks game times change so frequently during the season?
Game times shift to align with national television windows, accommodate marquee opponent matchups, and respond to earlier series finishing faster than expected, all designed to maximize viewership and arena energy.
Can I rely on the Mavericks app for the most accurate start time on game day?
Yes, the official Mavericks app refreshes in real time and pushes notifications for any schedule changes, including late adjustments, making it the most reliable single source at your fingertips.
Are home games always in the evening, or do we ever see afternoon tipoffs?
While many home games occur in the evening, afternoon starters do appear on the calendar, often on weekdays or during special promotions, so it is important to check the specific listed time for each date.
How can I avoid missing a Mavericks game when I am traveling or away from home?
Set multiple reminders, verify local broadcast listings in your travel city, and stream games through authenticated services using your cable login so you never lose access due to regional blackouts.