Aldama’s status clouds Mavs opener — Southwest Division roundup

The main storyline in the Southwest Division centers on Dallas, where uncertainty around Santi Aldama hangs over the Mavericks’ final preparations for opening night. No division teams were in action yesterday, but the questions about the Mavs’ depth chart stand out in an already tightly packed race.

Dallas Mavericks: Waiting on Aldama

According to Hoops Rumors, the Dallas Mavericks are still waiting for clarity on Santi Aldama’s status. The forward is expected to play a key role off the bench this season, but he remains without a timetable to return after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure. That cloud lingers as Dallas gears up for Wednesday’s season opener against the Houston Rockets.

The Mavs sit at 1-3 in the Southwest, a shaky opening stretch that only heightens the importance of their second unit. If Aldama’s absence stretches deeper into the calendar, the coaching staff will be forced to lean more heavily on alternative options in the rotation right from the start.

Houston Rockets: Opportunity in the opener

The Houston Rockets, 2-1 in the Southwest, await Dallas on opening night. They were idle yesterday, but they head into Wednesday’s matchup with a chance to test a divisional rival that may not be at full strength in terms of bench continuity. The outcome could offer an early hint at how the pecking order in the Southwest might shape up.

Grizzlies, Pelicans and Spurs quiet but well-positioned

The Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans share the top spot in the division at 3-1 and had the day off, as did the San Antonio Spurs (2-3). With no games on the schedule, their focus remains on internal adjustments and scouting future opponents. For now, much of the division’s attention turns to Dallas, where the handling of Aldama’s situation could quickly influence the balance of power in the Western Conference.