Latest blog entries from Houston teams across every league
This was always going to be a tough game. Fresh off a gritty win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday afternoon, the Boston Celtics had their work cut out for them against a red-hot Houston Rockets squad.
The Houston Rockets ended Boston Celtics’ five‑game winning streak with a 109‑93 victory on Nov. 2, 2026 at the Toyota Center. Alperen Şengün powered Houston with 26 points, while Jayson Tatum led Boston with 19. Boston struggled offensively, missing 32 of 44 threes in their previous game and shooting just 42% overall in the first half, hampered by Mitchell Robinson’s thumb sprain. Houston’s balanced lineup—including Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson and Luka Garza—built a double‑digit lead that held despite a late Celtics run, leaving Boston 5‑2 on the season and the Rockets atop the West with seven wins.
Jim Harbaugh tells fans that linebacker Khalil Mack wants to stay with the Los Angeles Chargers despite a 0-7 start and looming trade deadline on Nov. 10. Mack, 35, has recorded three tackles and three sacks this season, far below his 2023 peak of 17 sacks, and his future may hinge on GM Joe Hortiz’s decision. The Chargers, also dealing with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s departure and rumors about edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, face a crucial Week 9 matchup against the Houston Texans that could mark an eighth straight loss. Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert remain confident, but Mack’s status remains uncertain.
Mitchell Robinson exits the Celtics' game against the Houston Rockets with a left‑thumb sprain, but returns late in the second quarter and scores on an alley‑oop from Jayson Tatum. The 6'10" big, who had missed Sunday’s matchup after resting on a back‑to‑back, had been a starter for the first five games, during which Boston posted a 4‑1 record. He currently averages 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 20 minutes. The Celtics enjoy a healthy start overall, with only minor absences from Devin Carter and Paul George.
Nine NBA teams are monitoring New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III as the franchise reportedly demands three first‑round picks for his trade. The Lakers, Rockets, Bulls, Wizards, Warriors, Thunder, Spurs, Pistons and Grizzlies see Murphy’s 21‑point average, 5+ rebounds and 37% three‑point shooting as a fix for wing defense, spacing and scoring needs. Reports note the Lakers need wing defense, the Thunder aim to fill injury‑hit depth, the Warriors want another scorer for Steph Curry, the Rockets seek floor‑spacing, and the Spurs target perimeter shooting. The Pelicans’ steep price makes the chase even more intriguing.
The Houston Astros are hunting for a new manager after parting ways with Joe Espada, and former All‑Star catcher AJ Pierzynski hints that Albert Pujols—along with fellow ex‑Cardinal Yadier Molina—could be in the mix. Their interest ties to new GM Randy Flores, who once played with Pujols and Molina in St. Louis and served 11 years in the Cardinals front office. While Pujols hasn’t confirmed a job interview, his World Series chat about wanting a chance suggests he’s open. The Astros announced Espada’s exit on Oct. 14 and hired Flores on Nov. 2, making the managerial decision a top priority for owner Jim Crane.
The Houston Astros exercise a $13.35 million club option on infielder Isaac Paredes for 2027, locking him in after a breakout 2026. Paredes posted a .262/.360/.447 line with 25 homers, 94 RBIs (tied 6th in the AL) and career‑best plate discipline, though his defense at third base was weak (‑7 DRS). The option saves Houston money versus a projected $15 million arbitration salary. With five infielders vying for four spots, Houston may consider trading Paredes or Jeremy Peña. The clause could turn the option into a mutual deal if Paredes ranks in the AL MVP top‑10, announced Nov 12.
The Dallas Mavericks head into Monday’s home game against winless Sacramento 0-6 with a three‑game streak, sitting 4‑2 after a 116‑111 win over the Houston Rockets. Coach Dusty May stresses staying true to the team’s identity while shoring up depth issues—Kyrie Irving is out with a knee injury, Santi Aldama doubtful, and several others sidelined. May highlights the revolving roster, minute restrictions, and the need for flexible lineups as the Mavs seek to maintain momentum. The article also recaps Dallas’ comeback win over Houston, noting Irving’s 35 points and Cooper Flagg’s 33‑point effort.
Mavericks coach Dusty May highlights center Daniel Gafford’s surge in playmaking, noting a career‑high 2.5 assists per game over six starts—up from a 1.6 best last season. Gafford also averages 3.0 offensive rebounds, 8.5 points, 7.0 boards, 2.0 blocks and shoots 70% in 23.3 minutes. He recorded his first NBA three‑pointer in a 120‑96 win over OKC and tallied a season‑high 18 points in a 116‑111 victory against Houston. May praises Gafford’s decision‑making, rim protection and willingness to stretch the floor as the Mavericks prepare for a matchup with the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 3.
The Colorado Rockies, fresh off a 58-104 season that left them last in the NL West and dead last in team ERA (5.59), have hired Ethan Katz as their new pitching coach. Katz, who most recently served as the Chicago White Sox pitching coach and was an assistant with the Houston Astros, also spent four years in the Rockies' minor‑league system. Known for developing pitchers like Max Fried and Lucas Giolito, he brings experience from the Angels, Giants, White Sox and Astros. The move aims to revamp a staff that ranked last in quality starts, opponent home runs and batting average.
The Boston Celtics travel to Houston on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, for an 8:30 PM EDT showdown at the Toyota Center. NBC Sports Boston and Space City Home Network will broadcast the game, with a live stream available on Fubo (free trial). The Celtics, 5‑1 and chasing a sixth straight win, face a Rockets team eager to climb the Western Conference and seek revenge after coach Ime Udoka’s 2023 exit from TD Garden. Jayson Tatum and Paul George lead Boston’s offense, while Houston, coming off wins over OKC, San Antonio, Dallas and Atlanta, hopes to snap Boston’s perfect record at the arena.
The Houston Astros have exercised their club option on third baseman Isaac Paredes, locking him in for the 2027 season at $13.35 million. At 27, Paredes delivered back‑to‑back 4+ WAR seasons, posting career highs with a .262 average, .360 on‑base percentage, 27 doubles, 25 home runs and 94 RBIs. Despite a slow start, his performance solidified his role in Houston’s lineup, and he will become a free agent after the 2027 campaign.
The Houston Rockets face the Boston Celtics on November 2 at the Toyota Center, kicking off at 7:30 PM CST. The Rockets line up Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabian Smith Jr., Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, while Boston fields Derrick White, Payton Prichard, Jayson Tatum, Jordan Walsh and Mitchell Robinson. Broadcast on Space City Home Network and streamed on KBME Sports Talk 790/KLTN 102.9. Will Houston spark a new winning streak? TDS invites fans to discuss the matchup on the SB Nation app.
The Dallas Mavericks (4-2) host winless Sacramento Kings (0-6) on Monday night at the American Airlines Center. Dallas comes off a two‑day rest after a thrilling win over the Houston Rockets, while the Kings are reeling from a 30‑point loss to Memphis. Injury updates: Kyrie Irving is doubtful for Dallas, with Santi Aldama also doubtful after knee surgery; Dereck Lively, Sergio De Larrea, and Tarik Biberovic are out. Sacramento lacks Maxine Raynaud, Keegan Murry, Ben Simmons, and Zach LaVine is questionable with elbow inflammation. Spotlight on rookie Darius Acuff Jr., whose shooting could force Dallas to stay sharp. Game tips on at 7 p.m. CST via KFAA and League Pass.
Paul George won't be active on Monday night, which may allow Ron Harper Jr. to make the same impact he did the last time the Boston Celtics faced the Houston Rockets. If he does it again, Boston must not restrict him.
The Houston Astros have appointed Randy Flores as their new general manager, sparking debate over owner Jim Crane's willingness to relinquish control. Flores, a former Cardinals scouting executive, was chosen after a brief flirtation with Brewers assistant GM Matt Kleine, who reportedly wanted a president‑of‑baseball‑operations title that Crane was hesitant to create. At the November 2 press conference, Crane pledged full authority to Flores, yet his history of hands‑on involvement raises doubts. The Astros, fresh off an 81‑81 season with outfield, rotation, and farm‑system concerns, are expected to make calculated moves to return to AL contention, putting immediate pressure on Flores to prove his autonomy and vision.
The Colorado Rockies have hired former White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz as their major‑league pitching coach for the 2027 season. A former Rockies draft pick (26th round, 2005) who posted a 2.79 ERA in the minors, Katz brings extensive experience, including stints as a high‑school coach at Harvard‑Westlake, assistant roles with the Angels, Mariners and Giants, and a five‑year tenure as Chicago’s pitching coach (2021‑25) where his staff posted a 3.73 ERA in his debut year before slipping to the mid‑4.00s. After a brief assistant role with the Astros in 2026, he replaces Alon Leichman, who left after the Rockies posted a league‑worst 5.99 ERA. Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer praised Katz’s track record of improving pitchers.
The Toronto Blue Jays decline the $8 million club option on outfielder Myles Straw, triggering a $1.75 million buyout from the Guardians per the 2025 trade. Straw, now a free agent, posted a .241/.304/.342 slash line over 330 PA in 2026 after a strong start (.277/.327/.383) and remains an elite runner and versatile defender. Toronto also reshuffled its 40‑man roster, reinstating several players from the 60‑day IL, outrighting CJ Van Eyk, and seeing Rudy Martin Jr. elect free agency. Potential suitors include the Yankees, Royals, Reds, Giants, Phillies and former club Houston.
The Celtics (5-1) head to Houston on Nov. 2 for Game 7 against the Rockets (6-1) with a chance at a sixth straight win. Boston’s probable lineup features Derrick White, Hugo González, Paul George (rest), Jayson Tatum and Mitchell Robinson, while Houston is expected to start Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Şengün. Key injuries: Celtics forward Devin Carter is out with mononucleosis; Rockets center Steven Adams is sidelined by a calf, with Reed Sheppard and Clint Capela questionable. Durant averages 22.0 points on 51.1% shooting, making him the primary matchup. The game airs 8:30 PM ET on NBCSB and will be the first of two meetings this season.
The Houston Astros designate outfielder Jake Meyers for assignment, ending his six‑year stint and likely sending him to free agency. Meyers, 30, posted a .213/.268/.326 line with three homers and 11 RBIs in just 57 games this season, hampered by a Grade‑2 oblique strain and a late‑season knee injury. After a brief Triple‑A stint and limited major‑league action, his 2026 performance fell far short of his productive 2023‑25 years, where he logged a .243/.310/.370 slash line and strong defensive metrics. The club now has 39 players on its 40‑man roster, with a week to trade or waive Meyers.
The Astros announced they have exercised a $13.35MM club option for infielder Isaac Paredes. Chandler Rome of The Athletic was among those to relay the info. More to come.
The Phillies announced today that they claimed infielder Brett Harris and utility infielder Shay Whitcomb off waivers from the San Francisco Giants as they fine‑tune their roster for the offseason. Catcher Garrett Stubbs elected free agency, while right‑handers Brad Keller and Caleb Kilian, plus infielder/outfielder Felix Reyes, also part ways. Whitcomb, who saw limited action with the Giants and Astros last season (/.203/.233/.336 in 122 PA), adds defensive versatility but struggles offensively. Harris, a corner‑infielder who hit .288/.399/.449 in Triple‑A last year, offers similar depth. The moves reflect Philadelphia’s push for more roster flexibility ahead of upcoming roster cuts.
The second of a road back-to-back, the Boston Celtics are heading to Texas on Monday night to take on the Houston Rockets. Fresh off a win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday afternoon, Boston will have to find any energy it can.
The Houston Astros add right‑handers Roddery Muñoz and Evan Reifert, plus catcher César Salazar, to their roster, confirming Reifert’s previously reported acquisition. Outfielder Jake Meyers is outrighted from the 40‑man roster and will elect free agency after today’s move. The roster shake‑up, announced on November 2, 2026, signals Houston’s intent to bolster pitching depth while reshaping its outfield.
The Celtics extend their early-season run to 5‑1 with a 108‑97 road win over the Orlando Magic, highlighted by Jayson Tatum’s 32 points and a clutch fourth‑quarter surge. Paul George is sidelined for the upcoming Celtics‑Rockets matchup, prompting lineup tweaks and defensive emphasis from coach Joe Mazzulla. The post compiles trending takeaways, previews, injury updates and media reactions surrounding Boston’s win and the next stretch in Houston.