Randy Flores's departure will hurt the Cardinals in more ways than one
Randy Flores could poach several coaches or executives from the St. Louis Cardinals after being hired by the Houston Astros.
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Mavericks vs. Rockets Recap: Irving and Flagg huge in Dallas’ 116-111 NBA Cup win over Houston
Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving turn the tables on the Houston Rockets, each pouring in 33 and 35 points as the Dallas Mavericks snap a 4‑2 start with a 116‑111 victory in the NBA Cup Group A at American Airlines Center on Oct. 30. After a 5‑1 Rockets run and a 128‑110 loss a week earlier, Dallas claws back, shooting 61.9% in the first quarter and forcing 11 turnovers in the half. Despite a disastrous 31‑17 second‑quarter run by Houston, the Mavs rally in the second half, securing their first win of the season.
Mavericks hand Rockets season’s first loss in 116-111 comedy of errors
The Dallas Mavericks snap the Houston Rockets’ unbeaten start with a 116-111 win on Oct. 21, 2026. Kyrie Irving leads Dallas with 33 points on 12‑of‑19 shooting, while rookie Cooper Flagg adds 32 points, going 13‑of‑19. Kevin Durant tops the Rockets with 26 points but misses four free throws, and Clint Capela commits two goaltending violations that prove costly. Jabari Smith Jr. contributes 22 points, yet the Rockets struggle without Alper Şengün, whose status remains uncertain. Despite 20 offensive rebounds, Houston falls short as the Mavericks’ dynamic duo secures the victory, setting up a tough showdown with the Thunder next night.
Texans’ biggest problem to fix during 2026 bye week
The Houston Texans' 2026 season hinges on fixing their trench battles during the upcoming bye week. Despite talented players like CJ Stroud, Nico Collins, Marvin Harrison Jr., Will Anderson Jr., and Danielle Hunter, the team has lost too many line‑of‑scrimmage contests, leading to a four‑game skid, poor third‑down conversion (3 of 12 vs. NY) and only 84 rushing yards in Week 7. Both the offensive interior line and defensive front have struggled to stop the run, compromising play‑action and the pass rush. Coaches DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caley must simplify blocking schemes and tighten gap discipline before the Week 9 clash with the Chargers if Houston hopes to fulfill its postseason potential.
Rockets’ Kevin Durant puts on personal Dunk Contest vs. Mavericks
Kevin Durant electrified the Rockets' NBA Cup showdown with the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 31, 2026, delivering a dunk that resembled a contest entry as he drove past PJ Washington and slammed over Mavs center Daniel Gafford. Durant finished with 28 points, five rebounds and one assist, but Houston fell 116‑111, marking their first loss (5‑1) and handing the unbeaten Memphis Grizzlies the sole perfect record. Dallas leaned on Kyrie Irving and rookie Cooper Flagg, who combined for 68 points, while Gafford added 18. The Rockets now turn to a back‑to‑back matchup against a shorthanded Oklahoma City Thunder.
Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg connect for monster slam
Kyrie Irving and rookie Cooper Flagg electrify the Dallas Mavericks with a thunderous transition dunk in their NBA Cup debut against the Houston Rockets on Oct. 31, 2026. The duo combines for 68 points, lifting Dallas to a 4-2 season start and snapping Houston’s 5‑1 run. Irving scores 35 (12‑of‑19 FG, 5‑of‑8 3‑pts, 6‑of‑6 FT) with nine assists, while Flagg adds 33 and nine rebounds. Dallas rallies from an 84‑76 deficit, dropping 40 fourth‑quarter points to secure the win and move into sixth place in the West. The Mavericks now host the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 2.
Astros’ Jim Crane breaks down decision to hire Randy Flores away from Cardinals
The Houston Astros announced the hiring of former Cardinals executive Randy Flores as their new general manager on October 31, 2026. Owner Jim Crane praised Flores’ ten‑year impact in St. Louis and his scouting and player‑acquisition expertise, hoping he can steer the Astros back to championship contention after a 81‑win season that ended with a quick AL Wild Card exit. Flores, a former MLB reliever (2002‑2010) and ex‑assistant GM for the Cardinals, now faces the choice of rebuilding or leveraging existing talent in Houston.
Astros officially hire ex-Cardinals AGM as new general manager
The Houston Astros appoint St. Louis Cardinals assistant GM Randy Flores as their new general manager, replacing Dana Brown after a disappointing 2026 season and a Wild Card exit. Flores, a former left‑handed reliever who won a 2006 World Series with the Cardinals, spent 11 years in St. Louis, rising from director of scouting to assistant GM in 2018. He is tasked with reshaping a roster featuring Yordan Alvarez, Jeremy Pena and emerging star Hunter Brown while addressing depth issues in pitching and injury concerns with Carlos Correa. The move comes amid rumors of interest in Brewers exec Matt Kleine and an upcoming MLB work‑stopper.
Astros Hire Randy Flores as New GM, What to Know About Former Cardinals Executive
The Houston Astros have hired Randy Flores as general manager, the team announced Friday.
‘Saying What We Saw’: Dusty May Credits Dallas Mavericks Players For Fixing Defensive Communication Before Houston Rockets Rematch
Mavericks coach Dusty May says the team’s biggest defensive upgrade since their 128‑point loss to the Rockets on Oct. 21 is communication. He praised players for spotting the lack of chatter during transition, a flaw that left them outnumbered on eight to ten key possessions. Since then Dallas has held opponents to 105–122 points and gone 3‑1, highlighted by a 96‑point game vs OKC and a 113‑109 win over Miami where they logged ten blocks. The Rockets, fresh off a 132‑100 win over Milwaukee, return for a rematch at 7 p.m. CT at American Airlines Center, promising a tougher test in transition.
AFC Notes: Brian Thomas Jr., Cam Ward, Jaguars, Texans, Titans
Jaguars wideout Brian Thomas Jr. stresses staying mentally tough after another tough outing, vowing to focus on fundamentals and blocking noise. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans sit 2‑5 despite preseason expectations and use their Week 8 bye to zero in on basic techniques—especially tackling and reducing penalties—hoping incremental improvements can turn one‑score losses into wins. GM Nick Caserio acknowledges the roster won’t change until the off‑season but emphasizes better fundamentals and complementary football as the path forward.
‘Toughness Is Off The Charts’: Dusty May Sizes Up Unbeaten Houston Rockets Before Dallas Mavericks’ NBA Cup Rematch
Mavericks coach Dusty May remains hopeful as Dallas prepares for its NBA Cup group‑play debut against the unbeaten Houston Rockets (5‑0) on Oct. 30, 7 p.m. CT. May praised Houston’s “off‑the‑charts” toughness, citing the length of Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson and Kevin Durant, plus the playmaking of Fred VanVleet and defensive grit of Marcus Smart. In the season‑opening 128‑110 loss, Durant and Smith each dropped 30 points while Houston’s relentless switching defense forced Dallas into a 4‑of‑19 shooting slump. Dallas, now 3‑2, answered with a 120‑96 win over OKC and will look to erase the opening‑night sting in the rematch.
‘Very Pleased With Rez’: Dusty May Says Dallas Mavericks Rookie Morez Johnson Jr. Is Building Toward Coming Off Minutes Restriction
Mavericks coach Dusty May says rookie forward Morel "Rez" Johnson Jr. is progressing well despite a minutes restriction imposed after shin‑splint concerns. Drafted ninth overall from Michigan, Johnson has logged limited practice time but contributed solidly in early games: 6 points in 13:50 against Houston, 8 points with 6 rebounds in a 121‑105 win at Indiana, 6 points in a 113‑109 victory over Miami, and 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists in a 120‑96 win versus Oklahoma City. Teammate P.J. Washington praises his defensive versatility and work ethic, noting an inevitable up‑and‑down rookie season. Dallas remains shorthanded with Dereck Lively II and Santi Aldama sidelined as they prepare for a matchup against the Kings.
Rockets and Mavs do it again, but for real this time
The Houston Rockets host the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 30, 2026, at the American Airlines Center. The Rockets, featuring Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant and Tari Eason, aim to maintain an unbeaten streak, while the Mavericks counter with Kyrie Irving, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford. A notable moment from the Oct. 21 matchup shows Mavericks forward Sergio de Larrea debuting his jersey patch against Durant. The game tips off at 7 PM CST, broadcast on Space City Home Network and simulcast on KBME Sports Talk 790/KLTN 102.9, with live chat on the SB Nation app.
‘Getting Very Close’: Dusty May Updates Tarik Biberović’s Heel Bursitis Before Dallas Mavericks Host Houston Rockets
Mavericks coach Dusty May says forward Tarik Biberović is "very close" to returning from right heel bursitis, though not as near as fellow prospect Santi Aldama. Biberović, listed as doubtful for the 7 p.m. tip‑off against the Houston Rockets on Oct. 30, last appeared on Oct. 11 in a preseason win over Houston in Macao. Acquired in a July 8, six‑team trade and signed to a two‑year, $6 million deal, the 25‑year‑old logged 11.3 points and 41.9% 3‑point shooting in the EuroLeague last season. Meanwhile, Caleb Martin back from a thumb sprain contributed 10 points in a 120‑96 win over OKC, and Dallas faces a 5‑0 Rockets squad missing Alperen Şengün and Marcus Smart.
Houston Rockets Rule Out Alperen Şengün vs. Dallas Mavericks, Clear Marcus Smart To Return From Forearm Strain
The Houston Rockets announce Alperen Şengün will sit out Friday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks due to low‑back soreness, marking his second consecutive missed start after a minor strain kept him out against Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Marcus Smart clears a left forearm strain and is listed as available after missing three games since Oct. 24. The Rockets, now 5‑0, rely on players like Fred VanVleet (24 points) and Amen Thompson (23) as they host the Mavericks at 7 p.m. CT, while Dallas deals with injuries to Naji Marshall’s return and several others.
‘Larry Will Be Reevaluated Next Week’: Dusty May Updates Dallas Mavericks Rookie Sergio De Larrea’s Right Knee Sprain
Dallas Mavericks rookie guard Sergio De Larrea (nicknamed “Larry”) will be reevaluated next week after spraining his right knee on Oct. 26 during a 113‑109 win at Miami. The injury kept him out of the 120‑96 victory over Oklahoma City and the upcoming Oct. 30 game against Houston. Coach Dusty May said De Larrea will undergo imaging and expects a clearer picture soon, while also noting Santi Aldama and Tarik Biberović are close to returning. The 20‑year‑old, the 25th overall pick in the 2026 draft, scored 21 points in his Oct. 24 debut against the Spurs. Houston also loses Alperen Şengün to low‑back soreness.
‘Santi’s Very Close’: Dallas Mavericks Rule Out Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberović As Naji Marshall Returns vs. Houston Rockets
Naji Marshall returns to the Dallas Mavericks after a two‑game illness layoff ahead of Friday’s matchup with the Houston Rockets, while Santi Aldama and Tarik Biberović remain out. Coach Dusty May confirms Marshall, who posted 13.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists in his first three games, will suit up after missing the Oct. 24 loss to San Antonio. Caleb Martin is also available despite a thumb splint. Sergio De Larrea (right knee sprain) and Dereck Lively II (foot surgery recovery) stay out, and both Aldama and Biberović are listed as out, with Aldama “very close” to returning after knee surgery and a practice stint with the Texas Legends. Tip‑off is set for 7 p.m. CT at the American Airlines Center.
AFC Notes: Travis Hunter, C.J. Stroud, Jaguars, Texans, Titans
Jaguars OC Grant Udinski says WR/CB Travis Hunter’s usage will fluctuate weekly, ranging from ten catches one game to just a few touches the next. Texans GM Nick Caserio reveals the team is close to a new deal with QB C.J. Stroud, who boasts 1,867 yards, 11 TDs and one INT this season, but negotiations stalled. Meanwhile, Titans DE Keldric Faulk, a 2026 first‑round pick, has logged seven tackles, two TFLs and a sack, with coach Robert Saleh predicting he’ll become a franchise great.
How to watch Rockets vs Mavericks: NBA, live stream, TV channel
The Houston Rockets host the Dallas Mavericks Friday, Oct. 30, at 8:00 PM ET in the NBA Cup’s Western Conference opener. The Rockets enter 2‑0 with a 128‑110 win over Dallas on Oct. 21 and a 132‑100 rout of Milwaukee, led by Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. Dallas seeks revenge after a 120‑96 victory over OKC, featuring Cooper Flagg’s 26‑point, eight‑assist night and the possible return of Kyrie Irving. Tune to KFDA NewsChannel 10 Too/Space City Home Network or stream on Fubo (free trial).
Mavericks vs Rockets Preview and Injury Report: Oh it’s you again
The Dallas Mavericks (3-2) travel to host the 5-0 Houston Rockets for the opening night of NBA Cup Group Play on Friday at 7 p.m. CST. The Rockets come off a 30‑point demolition of the Bucks, while the Mavericks are fresh off a dominant win over Oklahoma City. Dallas lists Santi Aldama and Tarik Biberović as doubtful, Sergio De Larrea out with a knee sprain, and Naji Marshall questionable. Houston will miss Steven Adams and Reed Shepard, with Alperen Şengün and Marcus Smart listed as questionable. With both teams dealing injuries, the matchup hinges on Dallas’ defense against Kevin Durant and the health of key players.
“It Was Only Right”: Travis Hunter Gets Honest Over NFL Punishment After Removing His Helmet
During the Jaguars’ 34-31 loss to the Houston Texans at Wembley, star Travis Hunter intercepted C.J. Stroud and celebrated by removing his helmet, prompting a post‑game $14,926 NFL fine for unsportsmanlike conduct. On the Chasing No. 1 podcast, Hunter disclosed he covered first‑class travel for his wife and baby—costing six bands—and accepted the “15 racks” penalty without protest. He also highlighted his performance: four receptions for 59 yards, a touchdown, and the game‑saving interception. Coach Liam Coen praised Hunter’s impact on both offense and defense, while the team faces multiple fines this season.
Kevin Durant 'Grateful' for Thunder Tenure, Says He Has 'Soft Spot' Facing OKC as Opponent
Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant discussed his appreciation for his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder as he prepares to face his former team on Saturday.
Rockets exercise Reed Sheppard option
The Houston Rockets have exercised the $14 million fourth-year team option on guard Reed Sheppard for the 2027-28 NBA season, keeping the former third overall pick under contract for another year. The post Rockets exercise Reed Sheppard option appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
NFL Superstar Wears Spooky Costume While Fielding Trade Rumor Questions From Media At Press Conference [VIDEO]
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker turned Halloween into a spectacle, answering trade deadline questions while wearing a grotesque evil‑clown mask at the team’s press conference. The Cardinals sit 2‑5 after a 30‑16 loss to Denver, having already dealt Marvin Harrison Jr. to Houston and eyeing more moves before the Nov. 10 deadline. Baker told ESPN he plans to stay through the deadline but acknowledges trades are “business.” The video of his costume has gone viral, earning him praise for his commitment to the holiday tradition.
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