Mavericks head coach Dusty May credits Miami Heat veteran Erik Spoelstra for shaping his NBA coaching philosophy. May, who rose from FAU (2018‑24) to Michigan’s 2026 title and now Dallas, says he’s watched dozens of Heat practices and stolen ideas from Spoelstra’s staff. He also highlights his former player Vladislav Goldin’s two‑way deal with the Heat. Spoelstra praises May’s communication and learning drive, noting his rapid rise after college success. The Mavericks and Heat face off Oct. 27, with a rematch slated for Dec. 29 in Dallas.
Giannis Antetokounmpo ignites a 0‑3 Miami Heat with a vintage two‑handed dunk against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 27, 2026, pulling the Heat ahead 43‑32 in the second quarter. The Greek Freak finishes with 12 points and 9 rebounds, while Dallas answers with a 30‑25 run to take a 53‑52 halftime lead. Cooper Flagg leads Miami with 13 first‑half points, and Kyrie Irving adds 11. The game follows the June 23 trade that sent Antetokounmpo from the Bucks to Miami, a move that ended the Bucks' title drought in 2021.
After a 0-3 start to the 2026‑27 season, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra defends captain Bam Adebayo amid criticism. Adebayo, averaging 13 points, seven rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 42.9% overall, sparked a 25‑4 fourth‑quarter run in the 115‑110 loss to Charlotte that tied the game. Spoelstra says the team will "figure it out" and stresses the need for consistency, stronger defense (Miami sits 25th in defensive rating at 124) and deliberate offense as they face the Mavericks on Monday, the Hawks on Wednesday, and begin NBA Cup play vs. the Pacers on Friday.
The Miami Heat head into a crucial home game at the Kaseya Center against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 26, 2026, desperate for their first win after starting 0-3 with losses to Minnesota, Detroit, and Charlotte. The thread previews the matchup, highlights the Heat’s revamped roster, and examines what a victory could mean for the struggling squad.
Perhaps nobody in NBA history knows what it is like to be an established star in Miami and joined by another future Hall of Famer better than Dwyane Wade, and the Heat legend had some advice for Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Cooper Flagg is cleared to play for the Dallas Mavericks against the Miami Heat on Oct. 26, just three days after a mild left‑shoulder sprain in Indiana. Coach Dusty May says Flagg’s status is a game‑time decision, but he expects him to suit up after a solid 14‑point debut versus the Pacers. The Mavericks also welcome back Kyrie Irving, while Naji Marshall sits out with illness and several other players remain sidelined. Miami, 0‑3 this week, features new star Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.3 ppg). The tip‑off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT at Kaseya Center.
The Giannis Antetokounmpo-Miami Heat era has not gotten off on the right foot, and the Boston Celtics shouldn't be afraid of them, even if they figure it out.
The Dallas Mavericks (1-2) travel to Miami to face the winless Heat (0-3) on NBA TV at 6:30 p.m. CST. Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving returns after ACL recovery, while rookie Cooper Flagg is listed as probable despite a shoulder injury. Dallas also loses Santi Aldama (knee surgery) and Dereck Lively, while Miami reports no absences. The Heat are desperate for their first victory, and the Mavericks aim to build on a recent win over the Pacers. Key storylines include Irving’s comeback and the evolving injury list ahead of a potentially entertaining matchup.
The Heat, now front‑court anchored by Giannis Antetokounmpo, sit 0‑3 and must quickly gel under Erik Spoelstra, with Bam Adebayo and Giannis expected to lead the turn‑around. Meanwhile, the Spurs notch their first win (1‑2) after a low‑scoring start, though Victor Wembanyama warns the team is still far from playoff form. In Washington, rookie Alex Sarr logs a season‑high 10 points and three blocks against Chicago, showcasing play‑making for Anthony Davis as the Wizards sit 2‑1 without AJ Dybantsa. The roundup highlights early‑season struggles and key players tasked with steering their clubs forward.
The Mavericks upgrade Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg to probable for Monday’s game against the Heat after a mild left‑shoulder sprain forced him out of the Spurs opener, though Dallas still battles injuries to Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin and others. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings exercised a $3.42 million third‑year option on former No. 24 pick Nique Clifford, guaranteeing him a 2027‑28 salary despite his reduced minutes as the team sits 0‑3 after a 22‑60 season. In Philadelphia, LeBron James praises center‑in‑training Adem Bona, who delivered six points and 13 rebounds against Detroit, saying his energy could bolster the Sixers' rebounding while he backs up Joel Embiid.
Wing Tyon Grant-Foster is selected No. 15 overall in the 2026 NBA G League Draft by the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat’s affiliate. After going undrafted, he spent the summer with the San Antonio Spurs, logging 1.0 point in 3.8 minutes over four games. At Gonzaga he posted 11.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 0.8 steals in 35 games, shooting 47.5% from the field. The article also notes four fellow Gonzaga alums on two‑way G League deals and lists additional Zags heading to the league. The G League season starts Nov. 6, 2026.
Walter Clayton Jr. signs a two-way deal with the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 21 and quickly gets court time, posting 3 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists in 14 minutes off the bench against the San Antonio Spurs. He describes the transition as "seamless" thanks to support from teammates and coaches, and notes the Mavericks' emphasis on hustle and physical play ahead of their Monday night visit to the Miami Heat. Clayton reflects on his "learning year" spent with the Jazz and Grizzlies, where he averaged 7.8 points and 4.0 assists as a rookie before being waived by Memphis. Dallas, now 1‑2, also highlights rookie Sergio de Larrea's 21‑point performance and the team’s new front office under Masai Ujiri.
Davion Mitchell says the Miami Heat are still figuring out chemistry with new star Giannis Antetokounmpo. He notes that integrating one of the league’s elite players forces the whole roster to adapt to a new offensive style, and the team is in a natural learning phase. Mitchell emphasizes patience as players adjust and develop cohesion on the court.
Is it time for Erik Spoelstra to insert Pelle Larsson into the starting lineup, a desperate move that just might pay off?
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg is now probable for Monday night's game against the Miami Heat after he suffered a left shoulder injury on Friday night.
Cooper Flagg is upgraded to probable for the Mavericks' Monday game against the Miami Heat after completing a shootaround, despite a mild left shoulder sprain that sidelined him on Friday. The 19‑year‑old, 2025 No. 1 pick, left the Indiana Pacers game with 14 points and missed the Spurs loss before an MRI confirmed the sprain. He scored 32 points in the season opener versus Houston. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving returns after a knee issue, while Naji Marshall (illness) and Caleb Martin (thumb sprain) remain out, and several players continue to sit with injuries. Tip‑off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT at Kaseya Center.
The Giannis Antetokounmpo era in Miami has started horribly - the Atlanta Hawks may have been correct in choosing to not trade for the Greek Freak.
Cooper Flagg joins the Dallas Mavericks’ shootaround at Miami’s Kaseya Center despite being listed as questionable with a mild left shoulder sprain. The 19‑year‑old, 2025 No. 1 draft pick exited the Mavericks’ 121‑105 win over Indiana after a flagrant foul and missed the 122‑106 loss to San Antonio while an MRI confirmed the sprain. Coach Dusty May leaves his return timeline open. Flagg, who tallied 32 points in the season opener, was replaced by Zachary Risacher (11 points) on Saturday. Kyrie Irving returns, while Naji Marshall and several others remain sidelined. Tip‑off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT.
The Miami Heat enter week two of the 2026-27 season still winless, joining three other Eastern Conference teams at 0-3. Hosting the Dallas Mavericks, the Heat look to snap the slump after a standout showing from Davion Mitchell against the Charlotte Hornets. The preview examines how the Giannis Antetokounmpo‑led Mavericks will challenge a struggling Heat roster and highlights key matchups and what Miami must improve to secure its first victory.
The Dallas Mavericks have upgraded forward Cooper Flagg to probable for Sunday’s game against the Miami Heat after he participated in the morning shootaround. Flagg suffered a mild left‑shoulder sprain in a fall during a breakaway layup against the Indiana Pacers, where he left after 14 points, five rebounds and six assists. The 19‑year‑old missed the loss to the San Antonio Spurs, but the team expects him back as Kyrie Irving returns and Zaccharie Risacher may start. The Mavericks also list Santi Aldama, Tarik Beberovic, Dereck Lively II, Naji Marshall and Caleb Martin as out.
The Miami Heat have dropped their first three games of the Giannis Antetokounmpo era, joining three other Eastern Conference teams and four NBA clubs still winless after five days. The article dissects the factors behind the 0-3 start — from roster mismatches to defensive lapses — and examines why this is the franchise’s first winless opening streak in years.
Andrew Wiggins may be the one player who could help save the Miami Heat from their early-season free fall.
The Big Lead flags three NBA clubs that should already be on edge after a 0‑3 start to the 2026‑27 season. The defending champion New York Knicks, who lost to an undermanned Orlando Magic, are the first title‑holders to stumble 0‑3 since the 2011‑12 Mavericks, with key players Karl‑Anthony Towns, Josh Hart and Miles McBride still awaiting contract extensions. The Golden State Warriors sit winless amid an aging roster, a blown 12‑point lead to Memphis and Kristaps Porziņģis sidelined by POTS, though Stephen Curry secured a two‑year extension. Finally, the Miami Heat, despite landing Giannis Antetokounmpo, have yet to notch a win, conceding 115+ points in each loss while trying to mesh Giannis with Bam Adebayo under Erik Spoelstra. These early struggles suggest a potentially rough campaign for all three teams.
The Monday, Oct. 26 NBA injury report lists several key absences ahead of upcoming games. Moses Moody, Mark Williams and Steven Adams are confirmed out, while Cooper Flagg is listed as questionable for the Dallas Mavericks’ matchup against the Miami Heat. Marcus Smart is ruled out for the Houston Rockets, and some teams have yet to submit their updates. The report highlights roster concerns that could impact early‑season matchups.
Golden State Warriors legend Klay Thompson risks quickly wearing out the Miami Heat's patience after a tough start to the season.