The Orlando Magic get a break from their frustrated home fans when they open a two-game trip against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.

There was still a reason to celebrate on Monday night, even if the Mavs suffered a blowout loss.

Dave McMenamin: Lakers coach JJ Redick says Marcus Smart, who will miss his sixth straight game tonight, participated in an on-court workout today and could play as soon as Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks

Mavericks CEO Rick Welts also said the search fro a permanent new president of basketball operations is ongoing.

The general manager search for the Mavericks has four lofty names attached to it.

Was Jason Kidd really fired by the Mavericks or is it an April Fools Day joke?

Publicly, the prevailing perception is that the Mavericks’ efforts to build a new arena by 2031 are moving at glacial pace. Behind the scenes, indications are that those efforts are ramping up. Dallas City Council’s hotly debated 9-6 vote on March 5 primarily was to approve a resolution to explore options for leaving City Hall.

The Mavericks say they plan to stay in Dallas and build a new arena and entertainment district, with a site decision expected by July ahead of their 2031 lease expiration.