How to Watch Charlotte Hornets vs. Dallas Mavericks Preseason: TV Channel, Start Time & Streaming Info for Cooper Flagg’s Home Debut (Oct. 11, 2025)

Grant AfsethOctober 11, 2025October 11, 2025no comment

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks will make their preseason home debut Saturday night when they face the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT, marking the team’s only home exhibition game before closing the preseason on the road.

On Friday, Mavericks fans got an early taste of the fun at the team’s annual Fan Jam, a lively open practice highlighted by the team’s rookies. Cooper Flagg stole the show with a string of emphatic dunks, while Miles Kelly rained down corner three-pointers in a 20-minute Blue vs. White scrimmage.

“It was super-fun to just get out there and have fun with our guys, build camaraderie with the team,” Kelly said. “It’s definitely something coach Kidd is putting forth — have fun out there. We’re playing the game of basketball. That’s what we do for a living. So put on a show for the fans.”

The White Team won 63–57 in what was essentially an All-Star-style exhibition, but the highlight came afterward — a rookie dance-off led by 6-foot-11 center Moussa Cissé, drawing laughs from both fans and veterans alike.

How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Hornets

Date: Saturday, Oct. 11
Time: 7:30 p.m. CT
Location: American Airlines Center — Dallas, TX
TV: KFAA-29, MavsTV Stream
Radio: 97.1 FM The Eagle; 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish)

Cooper Flagg’s First Home Appearance

The spotlight will be on Cooper Flagg, who makes his home preseason debut after an impressive showing in his first NBA game Monday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 18-year-old forward recorded 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block in 14 minutes as Dallas rolled to a 106–89 win.

Flagg displayed the all-around versatility that made him the No. 1 overall pick.

“I had a lot of fun,” Flagg said. “This is a great team — we’ve got a lot of really good guys, a lot of great players. I thought we just played together really well, and that’s a fun brand of basketball to play when the ball’s moving around and everybody has each other’s back.”

Head coach Jason Kidd praised Flagg’s poise and feel for the game.

“Cooper did an incredible job for us. You got to see the defensive side, the playmaking, and his scoring ability. He’s been doing this since training camp, and he was really good tonight.”

Brandon Williams Nearing Return

After a breakout finish last season, Brandon Williams could make his preseason debut Saturday following a hamstring strain suffered in camp. The 24-year-old guard averaged 14.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals after the All-Star break in 2024–25, earning a standard two-year deal.

“I’m kind of just picking up where I left off,” Williams said. “We’re fading away from everybody just playing one-on-one and focusing on team basketball. I like the new offense — a lot of talking, a lot of movement.”

Kidd said Williams’ preparation remains a model for the younger players: “When you talk about B-Will’s prep — being ready, staying ready even when he wasn’t playing — that was crucial. When the injuries hit, he took full advantage of that.”

Max Christie Setting the Tone

Max Christie has been one of the early standouts in camp, with Kidd praising his conditioning and defensive intensity. Christie scored 12 points in the preseason opener, continuing a trend that began in summer workouts.

“Christie’s in shape and ready to go,” Kidd said. “His cutting and aggressiveness stood out. His pace was great, his defense was really good, and it’s good to see he’s ready to go.”

Christie said his summer focus was on becoming an elite two-way player. “Being in shape is always key, especially for me, where I want to be a top defender but also be able to cut and shoot threes,” he said. “You have to be in elite shape to do that.”

Dalano Banton Earning His Shot

New addition Dalano Banton made his first full practice appearance this week after signing an Exhibit 10 contract. Kidd said he’s impressed by the 6-foot-9 guard’s playmaking and versatility.

“A Canadian kid, big guard who can pass,” Kidd said. “We’ve seen him on the other side — had a good game against us last year. He’s got good size and vision. We’re excited to have him.”

Banton is expected to compete for one of the Mavericks’ final roster spots over the next two preseason games.

Charlotte Hornets Storylines

The Hornets (0–2) feature several familiar faces for Mavericks fans. Spencer Dinwiddie, who averaged 11.0 points in 79 games for Dallas last season, and Josh Green both joined Charlotte this summer. Rookie Kon Knueppel, who played alongside Cooper Flagg at Duke last year, was selected fourth overall in June’s draft.

Dinwiddie has appeared in one preseason game so far, going scoreless against Oklahoma City. Charlotte continues to integrate new pieces under coach Charles Lee as they seek their first exhibition win.

What’s at Stake

While preseason records hold little weight, Saturday’s game carries symbolic importance — the home crowd’s first chance to see Cooper Flagg in a Mavericks uniform.

The No. 1 overall pick will get his first taste of American Airlines Center energy, while Jason Kidd’s squad continues to test its pace-heavy, team-oriented system.

Kidd has described this camp as focused on “fun, connection, and competition.” Friday’s Fan Jam captured that spirit. Saturday will show how it translates when the lights come on.

Up Next

The Mavericks will finish the preseason on the road with matchups against Utah (Monday) and the Los Angeles Lakers in Las Vegas (Wednesday) before preparing for their regular-season opener later this month.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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