Dwight Powell: Goes for 15 points, seven boards in loss

Powell entered the starting lineup in place of Dirk Nowitzki, who sat the game out to rest. Though Powell received only a limited role off the Mavs’ bench last season, the team saw enough potential in the young big man to sign him to a four-year, $37 million contract. Powell is expected to slot in as the top reserve in the frontcourt this season, which should lead to an appreciable increase in the 14.4 minutes per game he averaged in 2015-16. It won’t, however, make him a candidate to produce consistent fantasy value unless Nowitzki or center Andrew Bogut end up missing significant time due to injury.