2026-27 NBA Season Preview: Spurs, Rockets, Pelicans, Mavericks, Grizzlies (Southwest Division)

With the regular season set to tip off on Oct. 20, let’s take a look at where each team in the Southwest Division stands. We’ll break down what to like and be concerned about, a lineup to watch and a reasonable range for them to finish in the standings. 

Let’s dig in, shall we?

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Spurs • Rockets • Pelicans • Mavericks • Grizzlies

Previous divisions: Central

WHAT TO LIKE: Victor Wembanyama, as a concept

If Wemby isn’t the best player in the league yet (he has a strong argument for it), we certainly aren’t far away from that being the case. He’s already one of the most disruptive defenders in league history, and there are still subtle nuances and technique-based things (stance and footwork, especially on switches) for him to improve on. My guy Steve Jones has consistently highlighted how cerebral Wemby is defensively, constantly barking out assignments and dictating rotations so he can destroy offenses.

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Oh, and he’s already an efficient volume scorer (25.0 points on 62.6 true shooting last season) without really having a half-court go-to yet. It’s scary. 

OTHER LIKES

Stephon Castle is one of my favorite players in the league — I’m still slightly #peeved that he didn’t make an All-Defensive team last year — and is poised to get better. Elite defender, fun driver, audacious lob-passer, growing shooter: he quietly shot 38% (38.2% during the playoffs) on catch-and-shoot 3s last year.

Speaking of the guard room, it’s hard not to be excited about Dylan Harper. He’s already one of the most unique drivers we have in the league with budding playmaking chops to boot. I can’t wait to see what kind of steps he takes in Year 2.

I like what the Spurs have cooking at the 4. Julian Champagnie shoots the leather off the ball while sneaking in for offensive rebounds. Tobias Harris (welcome!) can still shoot and self-create in a pinch, and has at least shown a willingness to take on tough defensive assignments when asked. Keldon Johnson can obviously slide down to the 4 in smaller lineups; he’s coming off a Sixth Man of the Year campaign himself. Lots of different looks for Mitch Johnson to toss out…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/2026-27-nba-season-preview-spurs-rockets-pelicans-mavericks-grizzlies-southwest-division-201302612.html

Author : Nekias Duncan

Publish date : 2026-10-01 20:13:00

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