Roundup
Dallas Mavericks
Houston Rockets
Memphis Grizzlies
New Orleans Pelicans
San Antonio Spurs
Rockets rout Mavericks 128-110, Southwest Division roundup
The Houston Rockets opened with a 128-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks, leaving Houston at 1-0 and Dallas at 0-1 in the Southwest Division race.
By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →
Rockets start fast, Mavericks stumble out of the gate
The Southwest Division season opened with a lopsided matchup as the Houston Rockets handled the Dallas Mavericks 128-110. Houston jumps out to a 1-0 record, while Dallas sits at 0-1 after the loss.
That early result places the Rockets among the pace-setters in the division, with the Mavericks immediately playing catch-up after their first outing.
Mavericks add Walter Clayton on two-way deal
Beyond the on-court setback, Dallas was active on the transaction front. According to Hoops Rumors, Walter Clayton has agreed to a two-way contract with the Mavericks, in a move first relayed by ESPN’s Shams Charania. Hoops Rumors notes that mutual interest between Clayton and Dallas had been reported earlier in the week.
Hoops Rumors also points out that the Grizzlies placed Clayton on waivers on Monday despite his $4.19MM guaranteed salary. He now heads to Dallas on a two-way agreement that will allow him to split time between the NBA and the G League. The report adds that multiple other teams were believed to have interest, underlining that he still has value around the league.
Grizzlies, Pelicans and Spurs: exits and early concern
For the Memphis Grizzlies (1-0), the fallout is mainly the departure of Clayton after his brief stay, as he moves on to the Mavericks following his waiver.
With the New Orleans Pelicans (0-1), Hoops Rumors reports that guard Antonio Reeves is heading overseas. The Serbian club KK Partizan announced his signing. Reeves, the 47th pick in the 2024 draft out of Kentucky, had played for the Pelicans as a rookie before continuing his career in Europe.
In San Antonio, the Spurs (0-1) saw Victor Wembanyama endure a rough night. Citing Michael C. Wright, Hoops Rumors notes that the big man, viewed as a leading candidate for both Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year in 2026/27, turned in a career-worst shooting performance in a home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, hitting just 7.7% of his shots (1-of-13) from the field.
Early in the Southwest Division standings, the Rockets (1-0) and Grizzlies (1-0) are out front, while the Pelicans (0-1), Spurs (0-1), and Mavericks (0-1) will be looking for quick adjustments to stay in the mix.