The Atlanta Hawks host the Dallas Mavericks for their sixth NBA preseason game of the year. For the Mavericks, it will be their fifth game before the start of the season.

The Mavericks found out they will be without their All-Star and leader Dirk Nowitzki in the beginning of the season due to an ailing right knee. Nowitzki decided to get surgery and will miss about six weeks of the season.

For the Hawks, they are becoming accostumed to life with their long-time guard Joe Johnson who made the move to Brooklyn as he was traded to the Nets. 

They continue to click as they defeated the New Orleans Hornets 97-68 on Thursday. Five of their players finished double-digit scoring.

Al Hartford finished with a double-double scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Josh Smith led the way with 16 points in 22 minutes played.

The Mavericks, on the other side of the coin, suffered a 100-94 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

No longer with Jason Terry on their squad, they will depend on players like Chris Kaman, Darren Collison and O.J. Mayo to provide the scoring. Preseason will prove pivotal for the Mavericks. If they are serious about competiing in the Western Conference, these players will have to step up. 

Tip off is at 7 p.m. ET. 

Click here to watch the live stream between the Hawks vs. Mavericks.