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We're back! Enough with the offseason moves and practice reports and such. It's time for some uncut, pharmaceutical-grade basketball. Lakers, Mavericks and a Silver Screen and Roll game thread... what else do you need for a sexy and exciting Thursday night?
The Lakers are hefty 8 1/2-point favorites over the Mavs this evening. That might have a little to do with Dirk Nowitzki not participating in the action. He's recuperating from surgery on his right knee. Kobe Bryant will go, however, as will Dwight Howard. Under these circumstances, it would quite behoove the Lakers to win so everyone can calm down about what happened in the preseason.
Please keep in mind our rules about game threads: keep everything game-related, don't repeat the same point a dozen times and obey your mods. No GIFs or pics until the game's over. Thanks for helping to keep everything moving and under control.
It's gonna be a fun season, and it all starts tonight. Let 'er rip!