Mavs Moneyball
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Mavericks coach Dusty May breaks down Flagg’s, Irving’s season-opening performances
The Mavericks stumble to a 128-110 loss against Kevin Durant's Houston Rockets in their season opener, but rookie Cooper Flagg shines with a game‑high 32 points, 11 free‑throws made and solid defense. Kyrie Irving, returning after a 600‑day ACL layoff, adds 15 points but is limited to nine shots by Houston's defense. Coach Dusty May praises Flagg's second‑half surge and improved pace, while noting the need to generate more off‑ball movement and reduce turnovers. May also highlights Irving’s leadership despite limited opportunities and stresses fixing free‑throw and possession issues before the road games against Indiana and San Antonio.
Walter Clayton Jr. player profile: Championship DNA, shot making and a swing worth taking
The Dallas Mavericks sign former Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. to a two‑way deal after his turbulent rookie year with Utah and Memphis. Clayton, the 2025 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player who led the Gators to the title with clutch performances against UConn, Texas Tech and Houston, was taken 18th overall by the Jazz. In Memphis he posted nearly six assists per game and shot 50% from three in April, but struggled overall, hitting just 31% from deep and 47% on two‑pointers across 24 games. At 6‑2, 60% rim‑scoring in college and 40% spot‑up three‑point shooting, his fearlessness and improved playmaking could make him a versatile spark plug for Dallas.
Mavericks vs. Rockets Quoteboard: “They outworked us, to be honest. They did a better job.”
In the season opener on Oct. 21, 2026, the Dallas Mavericks fell 128-110 to the Houston Rockets, marking a 0-1 start. Coach Dusty May blamed a disastrous second quarter—poor transition defense and lost composure—for the loss, noting the Rockets “outworked” them. Rookie Cooper Flagg sparked a comeback, scoring 23 of his 32 points in the second half and shooting 11‑of‑13 from the line. Reserve guard Marcus Sasser also performed well. May highlighted communication lapses and the need to tighten up on fast‑break coverage against stars Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr., while praising the first‑unit’s effort despite the defeat.
Player Grades: Recapping the Mavericks’ 128-110 opening night loss at the Rockets
The Dallas Mavericks stumble 128-110 to the Houston Rockets on opening night, with a chaotic second quarter and endless lineup swaps. Kyrie Irving returns from a torn ACL, posting 15 points on 6‑of‑9 shooting in 24 minutes and earns an A‑ grade for effort. Rookie Cooper Flagg dazzles with a game‑high 32 points (A grade), while Max Christie (C‑), P.J. Washington (C+) and Daniel Gafford (D) receive lukewarm to poor marks for shooting woes and turnovers. Coach Dusty May’s heavy rotations may have disrupted rhythm, leaving the Mavs 0‑1 as they search for cohesion.
Stats Rundown: 3 numbers to know from the Mavericks’ season-opening 128-110 loss at the Rockets
The Dallas Mavericks stumble in their season opener, falling 128-110 to the Houston Rockets on Oct. 21, 2026. A brutal 38-12 second‑quarter run gave Houston a 37‑point lead that Dallas never overcame. Rockets stars Cooper Flagg (32 points) and Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. (30 each) paced the win, while the Mavericks shot just 30 percent from three (11‑of‑37). Rookie Marcus Sasser shined with 17 points and four triples, accounting for more than a third of Dallas’ made threes. Rebounding also hurt Dallas, as Houston outboards them 44‑33, with veteran center Daniel Gafford grabbing only two rebounds in 22 minutes.
Mavericks vs. Rockets Recap: Dallas gets pummeled at Houston in season opener, 128-110
The Dallas Mavericks fall 128-110 to the Houston Rockets in the 2026 season opener, snapping a brief early spark with a 32-26 lead before Houston erupts for a 70-38 halftime advantage. Cooper Flagg shines with a career‑high 32 points, five rebounds and defensive stats, while Kyrie Irving adds 15 and Marcus Sasser 17. Houston’s Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. each drop 30, with Alperen Sengun contributing 23 and 10 rebounds. The Rockets shoot 52.2% overall (44.4% from three) versus Dallas’s 33.3% in the first half, sealing a decisive win.
Mavericks vs Rockets Preview and Injury Update: Game 1, Let’s do this
The Dallas Mavericks open the 2026-27 season at Houston's Toyota Center on Oct. 21, 7:30 pm CST, facing the Rockets in Game 1 of a quick two‑game series following preseason match‑ups in Macau. Key injuries: Mavericks forward Dereck Lively and center Santi Aldama are listed, with Aldama near return; rookie Tarik Biberović out (heel bursitis) and Caleb Martin sidelined (thumb sprain). Rockets’ Steven Adams is questionable with calf tightness. New two‑way guard Walter Clayton Jr. is active for Dallas. The preview highlights Dallas trying to climb out of the West’s bottom five, while Houston hopes to rebound from a disappointing post‑season.
Mavericks sign Walter Clayton Jr. to two-way contract
The Dallas Mavericks sign 2025 first‑round pick Walter Clayton Jr. to a two‑way contract, making him eligible for up to 50 games this season. Clayton, a former Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies rookie who posted 7.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 69 games, was waived by Memphis after the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade. He ended his rookie year strong, hitting double figures in 11 of his last 18 games and shooting 47% from the floor in April. A former 2025 NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player who averaged 18.3 points for Florida, Clayton will be active for the Mavericks’ season opener in Houston.
Join us for the 2026-27 Mavs season on the SB Nation app
The Mavs Moneyball blog invites fans to download the SB Nation app for the 2026‑27 Dallas Mavericks season. Launched two months ago, the app lets users comment, post, and read community feed items in one stream, with faster loading, real‑time game chat, and push notifications for replies. Available now on iOS and Android in North America (with Europe rolling out soon), the platform has already set single‑day commenting records during the preseason. The post encourages fans to join the live chat for reactions to every crossover, alley‑oop, and block.
The Spanish national team coach is pleased with De Larrea’s preseason: “Sergio is playing exceptionally well”
Spanish national team coach Chus Mateo praises Dallas rookie guard Sergio de Larrea, noting his exceptional preseason play—averaging 9.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, five assists and a 66.7% three‑point rate. Mateo highlights de Larrea’s vision, size (6‑6) and ability to create opportunities despite NBA physicality, while suggesting he can improve his pick‑and‑roll shooting. Mavericks coach Dusty May and Summer League coach Joe Boylan echo the rookie’s high basketball IQ and clutch factor, projecting him as a potential top‑rotation option after Kyrie Irving. Meanwhile, fellow Spaniard Santi Aldama remains sidelined after knee surgery, leaving his return uncertain.
3 Mavericks to watch on opening night when Dallas faces the Houston Rockets
Dallas opens its season on Oct. 21 against the Houston Rockets, and three fringe players could emerge as the Mavericks' third option behind Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg. Former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, now 21 and 6‑8, hopes to find consistency with Dallas after averaging 11.1 points in Atlanta. Guard Marcus Sasser, the 25th pick in 2023, offers shooting and ball‑handling off the bench despite size concerns. A rookie big man also rounds out the trio, aiming to impact the game in ways that don’t show up in the box score. Their performances could shape the rotation early in the season.
Roundtable: Dallas Mavericks record predictions and seeding
In a roundtable hosted by Mavs Moneyball, analysts weigh in on the Dallas Mavericks' 2026‑27 outlook. Predictions range from Joe’s 9‑seed play‑in run powered by sophomore phenom Cooper Flagg, to Matt’s 38‑44 record as the West’s 10th seed, and Michael’s optimistic 44‑win, #9 seed forecast despite early‑season setbacks. Sudarshan sees a 30‑52 finish at the 11th or 12th seed, while Salvador projects 36‑46 and a 10th seed. The panel highlights Flagg’s breakout, Kyrie Irving’s return, and Dusty May’s first‑year challenges.
Dallas Mavericks begin 2026-27 season with brutal six-game stretch on the schedule
The Mavericks open the 2026‑27 season with a brutal six‑game stretch, facing the Rockets (52‑30) twice, the Spurs (62‑20), Thunder (64‑18), Pacers and Heat. While the Pacers could surge with Tyrese Halliburton’s return and the Heat added Giannis Antetokounmpo, Dallas’ roster—led by second‑year forward Cooper Flagg and a healthy Kyrie Irving—must navigate one of the toughest starts in recent memory. After a 3‑10 debut last season and a 23‑46 finish, a 2‑4 or 1‑5 start is likely, but a 3‑3 opening could signal a surprising bounce‑back under first‑year coach and new GM Masai Ujiri.
MMBets: The Dallas Mavericks are one of the NBA’s most interesting teams
The Mavericks enter 2026‑27 with Kyrie Irving back from injury and rookie Cooper Flagg poised to become a top‑15 player, averaging around 25 points. New additions like Morez Johnson Jr., Sergio De Larrea and veteran help from P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford give the team a mix of youth and experience. The authors set an over/under of 33.5 wins (currently +100) and predict a Southwest third‑place finish, a play‑in spot, and even a long‑shot 45‑win season. Key bets include Flagg hitting 24 points per game and the Mavericks beating Washington. While playoff chances remain uncertain, the preview promises a more entertaining, competitive Dallas squad.
With Dwight Powell’s departure, the Mavericks lose more than a player – they lose a poet
The Dallas Mavericks waive veteran center Dwight Powell on Oct. 20, 2026, ending a 12‑season stint that spanned the tail end of Dirk Nowitzki, the Luka Dončić era, and the rise of Cooper Flagg. Powell averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds in 17 minutes, ranking in the franchise’s top‑10 for rebounds and top‑5 for bench scoring and games played. Beyond the court, he’s known as one of the NBA’s few poets, linking his writing to his basketball mindset and using it for community outreach, such as the 2022 Mavs Reading Challenge. His departure signals the loss of both a steady contributor and a unique artistic voice.
How to watch the Dallas Mavericks 2026-2027 regular season games
The Dallas Mavericks kick off the 2026-27 season on Oct. 21 at Houston, wrapping up the 82‑game schedule on Apr. 11, 2027, versus Memphis. Fans can expect at least 21 nationally televised games—8 on NBC, 6 on ESPN, 4 on Prime, 2 on Peacock, and 1 on ABC—plus additional slots on local KFAA (with five simulcast on WFAA). Non‑local viewers will need NBA League Pass or MavsTV+, and to catch every game you’ll likely require both Prime and Peacock subscriptions. Radio coverage is provided by 105.3 FM The Fan (English) and 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish).
Dallas Mavericks 2026-27 player preview: Intrigue abounds surrounding Morez Johnson Jr.
The Mavericks select Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. ninth overall, banking on his defensive grit, rebounding, and high‑motor play rather than offense. In college he posted 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting 62.3% and earned Big Ten All‑Defensive and NCAA All‑Tournament honors. Dallas hopes he can guard multiple positions, switch onto wings, and protect the paint, especially with Dereck Lively II and Santi Aldama sidelined early. The best‑case scenario sees Johnson becoming a versatile front‑court defender and bench spark, while the worst case limits him to a typical rookie role if his perimeter defense falters. The season’s goal: discover whether he can thrive at NBA speed as a four/five defender and reliable screener.
Mavericks pass on Dereck Lively II extension
The Dallas Mavericks have declined to exercise Dereck Lively II’s rookie‑scale extension, pushing him into restricted free agency after the 2026‑27 season. Lively, a 2023 first‑round pick who made the All‑Rookie team and helped Dallas reach the NBA Finals, has been plagued by injuries, playing just 36 games in 2024‑25 and seven last season before foot surgery. While his upside as a rim‑protecting, finishing center remains enticing, the club balks at a long‑term deal after limited recent play. Dallas retains the right to match any offer, betting Lively can prove his health before committing long term.
There will never be another Dwight Powell
The piece chronicles Dwight Powell’s unlikely rise from an obscure 45th‑overall pick to a linchpin in the Dallas Mavericks’ offense. After a rocky start and a brief stint with Boston, Powell embraced the “tweener” role by mastering screens, dribble‑handoffs and lob finishing, eventually becoming one of the league’s best pick‑and‑roll centers. His chemistry with Luka Dončić, forged after the 2018 draft, helped the Mavericks post a 120.1 offensive rating in 1,430 shared minutes, proving Powell essential to Dallas’s success. A torn Achilles in January 2020 halted his momentum, leaving readers to wonder if the Mavericks can ever replicate that unique partnership.
End of an Era: The Dallas Mavericks have waived Dwight Powell
The Dallas Mavericks waive veteran forward/center Dwight Powell on October 19, 2026, ending his 12‑year tenure—the longest on the roster and the third‑longest stay with a single NBA team behind Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Powell, a 6‑10, 260‑lb glue guy, posted career averages of 6.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and a .606 field‑goal percentage, ranking fourth in Mavericks’ FG% history. He appeared in 63 games last season and three preseason contests this year. Team president Masai Ujiri praised Powell’s professionalism and community impact, while teammates Kyrie Irving and fans highlighted his locker‑room presence. The move leaves the Mavs with 17 players, the roster max before the regular season, and hints at a possible mid‑season call‑up if injuries arise.
Santi Aldama’s timeframe for return remains a mystery
The Dallas Mavericks still have no clear timetable for forward Santi Aldery's return after his right‑knee arthroscopic surgery on March 17. Coach Dusty May admits he doesn’t know if Aldery will be ready for the season opener against the Rockets on Oct. 19, though recent practice looks promising and the player is seven months post‑op. With Dereck Lively out long‑term, Aldery’s availability is critical for the Mavs’ frontcourt, but the exact date remains uncertain.
MMB Lounge: The NBA season is here!
The Mavericks kick off the 2026 NBA season with a three‑game stretch over four days starting Wednesday, though they enter each matchup as underdogs. A preseason highlight features Cooper Flagg driving against Nickeil Alexander‑Walker at the American Airlines Center on Oct. 16. The post also nudges fans to join the SB Nation app and use the Feed for daily discussions. With nearly 1,000 comments already, the author urges readers to stay engaged as the season unfolds.
MMBets: The Golden State Warriors are firmly mid
The Mavs Moneyball piece argues the Golden State Warriors are firmly stuck in the middle of the NBA hierarchy. After a 37‑45 finish and a second‑round exit last season, the team faces a bleak outlook despite still having Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Steve Kerr. Key moves include drafting forward Yaxel Lendeborg (12th overall) and adding Brandon Williams, while losing Jonathan Kuminga, Quentin Poole and Pat Spencer. With aging stars, injuries to Jimmy Butler and a mysterious ailment for Kristaps Porzingis, the author predicts the Warriors will eke out just over 36.5 wins, making a Pacific Division title a +430 long shot and NBA championship odds 75‑1.
Dallas Mavericks 2026-27 coach preview: Can Dusty May make the jump?
The Mavericks’ bold hire of Michigan coach Dusty May—fresh off a 2026 national title—has sparked debate about his NBA readiness. May’s fast‑paced, spacing‑heavy offense emphasizes rim attacks, free throws, and catch‑and‑shoot threes, mirroring modern NBA trends, but Dallas lacks multiple elite ball‑handlers beyond Kyrie Irving and may struggle with turnovers. The article weighs a best‑case scenario where May’s culture of unselfishness and adaptable defense uplifts the roster, versus a worst‑case where injury‑plagued centers and limited decision‑makers stall his system. It asks whether May can translate his college success to the pros and quickly shape a cohesive Mavericks identity.
MMBets: The Memphis Grizzlies are going to be scrappy
The Memphis Grizzlies are in full rebuild mode. Their young duo of the last seven years is completely gone. Ja Morant was shipped to Portland, Jaren Jackson Jr. was traded to Utah, and Memphis now has its eyes set on the draft picks they made over the last few seasons. Cameron Boozer from Duke and […]
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