I like that Dusty said we could see different staring lineups depending on matchups. I think the first few games are an interesting test for that.

For Houston, we should see Morez start against Sengun. If they start Adams also, I'd like to see Gafford also start. Match their size and styles.

Against Indiana, probably need Gafford to match Zubac's minutes more while Morez matches Huff, who can step away from the basket and is more mobile.

Against the Spurs, Morez needs to be the one guarding Wemby. Not just because he's more athletic and sturdier than Gaff, but also because he needs the experience. He's going to be guarding Wemby for the next decade, hopefully. May as well start now.

At least two other West teams had interest, we’re told … but Dusty May is winning this one. https://t.co/BIGE7P5vHg

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) October 21, 2026

Waivers will clear at 4 central. Sounds like it won't be long after that he signs with us.

Guard Walter Clayton Jr. has agreed on a two-way NBA deal with the Dallas Mavericks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/B43kDQxQjL

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2026

I think this is a really solid pick-up. I know he's on a two-way and I wouldn't expect almost anything from him, truthfully, as he was god awful at times last year and in the pre-season, but his skill-set is exactly what we need.

That gives you Kyrie, Christie, Larry, Sasser, and now Clayton Jr. at the guard position. Then you can throw in Naji, and Caleb Martin because that is probably where they are going to play on this team. It's still far from perfect or even great, but it definitely helps.

The Mavs have 8 players who were drafted in the 1st round in the past 4 years.

Santi, Tarik and Caleb Martin are all out tonight.

And Steven Adams out.

Larrea time

Sheesh Risacher won't be on this team long playing like the last few minutes.

Man Risacher is terrible lol

What a stupid foul by Eason. Earned that ejection.

Man this start definitely doesn't make you feel great about the offensive outlook that's for sure.

Risacher shouldn't see the floor for a while either.

This team can't shoot

Yeah this might be a 30-win team. That was AWFUL.

Terrible product tonight. Lots of work to do

Their win total went from 38 to 33.5 over the last month or so. Crazy line movement. So a 30 win team is likely about right, may be a tad high considering we have no playmakers.

Again, I think the Rockets are going to be a freight-train this season. I am talking maybe second in the West, but this does not make you feel good AT ALL.

Yeah I just thought there would be a little bit more creation and shooting. And there probably will be against normal teams, but good lord this is as bad as last season right now.

Dusty has his work cut out for him. This team is not good

Macau doesn't count, so this is a great litmus for the Mavs. Playing an in-state, divisional opp that is healthy and hungry. Mavs will be solid but a good early season temp check. Right now, the Mavs are getting their **** kicked in. Nice to see Kyrie back on the floor tho.

Should have traded Gaff and PJ in the offseason while they still had value.

The Naji contract looks awful.

Nice that we have Cisse as our mascot while PJ plays center and gets bullied by Sengun.

Risacher stinks.

Morez may not have very good hands.

Everything is sad.

Should be a ban but we're nice.

I have been hesitant to comment on it, but I am deeply worried about Gafford, PJ and Naji. PJ looks alright tonight, but I am afraid Gafford and Naji are going to be awful with this team now, and we just have Naji and contract lol.

We're about to get 50-pieced on opening night

I disagree on PJ looking alright. He made his first two threes and has probably been our worst player since (outside of Risacher).

I hate almost every slight move he makes and every decision he makes lol.

I'm trying to not be the sky is falling admittedly, but it's hard not to feel that way right now. I'm sure we'll look better but woof.

Coop looks good at least.

Uh, what pic.twitter.com/h9ni5ki5nv

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) October 22, 2026

Meanwhile, the league has decided to stop enforcing traveling altogether. It's been bad for years now and only getting worse with what they allow Lamelo and SGA to do.

M.C. Swag said:

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What a stupid foul by Eason. Earned that ejection.

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For some reason I was forced to watch the Rockets broadcast in the first half… Their announcers were stunned it was an ejection and the color guy even said "Ball don't lie" on each of PJ's missed technical FTs.

To me, that was Eason making absolutely no basketball play and trying to hurt an unaware player's back. Eason should consider himself lucky if he doesn't get a suspension.

Sasser looks like an asset which is good.

Risacher is just such low IQ. Not to pick on his intelligence, because he isn't talented either.

Weird to say, but this team desperately needs Santi Aldama and Biberovic. We simply do not have enough shooting without them. Perhaps when you do have them Kyrie, Sasser, Christie, PJ, Tarik, Naji and Aldama will be enough, but but even then it still feels thin.

Hey look the league allowed Dusty to finally bring in Cisse with 2 minutes left. Would have been nice to have that energy and rebounding available earlier, but rules are rules.

Positives: Coop is Coop; Sasser looks like a real asset; and Kyrie looked very solid in his 24 minutes.

Negatives: Gafford, Risacher and Christie. Yikes. In Gafford and Risacher's case that was a performance that gets you 15 minutes a night moving forward, and borderline DNP'd when Santi, Biberovic and Lively are back.

Christie will bounce back I am sure, but man we cannot afford for him to have many nights going 2-8 and 1-7. PJ was also average at best. Need more from him on both sides.

Vessel said:

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Risacher is just such low IQ. Not to pick on his intelligence, because he isn't talented either.

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I am still dumbfounded that Atlanta picked him over Sarr when they needed a rim protector.

Biggest issue for me is we got dominated on the glass while Steven Adams didn't even play. Gafford was borderline absent on the glass. You'd like to see Coop with more than 5 rebounds in 33 minutes. PJ either had terrible positioning or got completely bullied.

We got 8 offensive rebounds, nobody with more than 1. Gave up 17 offensive rebounds.

The rebounding seemed to get better in the 2nd half, so hopefully they figured something out there.

Combine the rebounding numbers with the turnovers and you are completely forfeiting the possession math.

This may be a league-wide trend to look out for as teams start crashing offensive glass more, but we need to see less shot contesting help and more discipline securing backside rebounds. Guys are just throwing the ball up on the rim knowing they have at least one guy on the backside whose job it is to crash the glass.