Dallas hosts the 5-0 Rockets tonight in Cup group play, riding a two-game win streak after a 120-96 rout that handed Oklahoma City its first loss. The Mavericks' own list moved again: Sergio de Larrea is back to Out with his right knee, while Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberovic and Naji Marshall all carry estimated return dates of today.
A Thinner Houston Shows Up
The Rockets beat Dallas 128-110 nine days ago, but tonight's Houston is not that team. Reed Sheppard (back), Steven Adams (right calf) and Marcus Smart (left forearm) are all out, and Alperen Sengun has not been ruled out but is carrying a back issue. Ime Udoka is unbeaten, yes, but three absences and a fourth question mark make this the softest version of Houston Dallas will see. Both teams come in on one day of rest.
Cisse Owns the Middle
Dereck Lively II is still out with his right foot, estimated back Nov. 2. Moussa Cisse has taken the minutes, 26.0 across his last five games, nearly twice his season workload. Daniel Gafford closed the Thunder game, but Cisse's role is the one that grew. If Aldama returns tonight as estimated, Dusty May has to decide whose minutes shrink, and Cisse's are the first to watch.
Flagg Clean, Irving Plus-25
Cooper Flagg ran the Oklahoma City game with 26 points, 8 assists and zero turnovers in 33 minutes. Kyrie Irving went plus-25 in 27 minutes, the best mark on the floor. The bench put up 43, with Zaccharie Risacher scoring 13 on 5-of-6 shooting. Off the court, Donatas Urbonas reported that Dwight Powell, waived Oct. 19, is finalizing a one-year deal with Fenerbahce. The open question: is a 3-2 team that jumped from 25th to 13th in a week for real against a 5-0 opponent, with the Kings next on Nov. 2?
Is Santi Aldama playing tonight against the Rockets?
Aldama is still listed out with his right knee, but his estimated return date is Oct. 30, so tonight is the target. Tarik Biberovic and Naji Marshall carry the same date.
Who is out for the Rockets against the Mavericks?
Reed Sheppard, Steven Adams and Marcus Smart are out. Alperen Sengun has not been ruled out but has a back issue.
