NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 27, 2026
Bucks Troll Florida Fans After First Win
The Milwaukee Bucks took a shot at Florida sports fans after beating the Indiana Pacers for their first win. Milwaukee posted, “Bad day to be a Florida sports fan,” as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s new Miami Heat team sits at 0-4 and the Tampa Bay Rays trail the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 in the World Series. The Bucks had started the season winless, so the post came right after their first chance to celebrate. It also adds a little extra heat around Giannis and Miami, even with the teams not facing each other that night. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Miami snaps its 0-4 skid in its next game, and Bucks fans won’t get another Florida joke off that quickly.
Kevin Porter Jr. Drawing Nuggets, Kings Interest
Kevin Porter Jr. is drawing interest after the Milwaukee Bucks waived him before the season. Marc Stein and Jake Fischer report the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings are among teams still looking at their backcourts. Porter is optimistic he’ll stay in the NBA, though Stein and Fischer say a new deal is not expected immediately because he isn’t close to two-way eligibility. Porter averaged 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals in 38 games in 2025-26 before right knee surgery. Sacramento is missing Ben Simmons for the season with a torn Achilles, while Denver could use another scorer behind Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Porter would come without any trade cost. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Kings sign Porter before the trade deadline, and he takes second-unit minutes from Darius Acuff Jr.
Oct 27
Heat Fall to 0 4 Despite Giannis Triple Double
The Heat fell to 0-4 after a 113-109 loss to the Mavericks on Monday, even with Giannis Antetokounmpo posting a triple-double and throwing down a poster dunk on Daniel Gafford. Miami had a chance late, but Cooper Flagg blocked Andrew Wiggins’ go-ahead attempt, then hit a layup to put Dallas up four with 10 seconds left. Flagg kept building on his strong second season with playmaking and defense, while Kyrie Irving had a solid night as he ramps back up after missing all of 2025-26. Miami entered the season with Finals hopes, but the offense outside Giannis hasn’t given them enough through four games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Miami snaps its losing streak in its next game, with Andrew Wiggins scoring at least 20 points.
Oct 27
Dwyane Wade Offers Bam and Giannis Advice
Dwyane Wade thinks Giannis Antetokounmpo needs to take charge in Miami while letting Bam Adebayo thrive as the Heat’s defensive anchor. On his WY Network by Dwyane Wade podcast, Wade said Giannis should tell Bam, “I got this. This is my show, I’m going to make sure we all eat, though.” Miami is 0-3 to open the 2026-27 season after Giannis joined Bam this offseason. Wade knows the adjustment period firsthand. LeBron James, Wade, and Chris Bosh lost the 2011 Finals before winning back-to-back titles. Wade said it took about a year before LeBron could fully be himself in Miami. The Heat need Giannis and Bam to sort out who creates offense, who leads on certain nights, and how both can play their best together. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Heat will snap their losing streak in their next game, with Bam leading Miami’s defense and Giannis taking the most important late-game shots.
Oct 26
Thunder Not Considering Russell Westbrook Reunion
Oklahoma City is dealing with major injuries after Jalen Williams suffered a fractured fibula and dislocated left ankle against the Clippers on Sunday. Sam Presti also announced Cason Wallace has a left labral tear and will need shoulder surgery. Both are expected to miss most of the season. Presti didn’t give much on a possible Russell Westbrook reunion, saying he hasn’t thought about the open roster spot yet. The Thunder can apply for Disabled Player Exceptions for Williams and Wallace, but replacing their two-way impact is a tough ask. Westbrook retired before the 2026-27 season after playing for OKC from 2008 to 2019 and winning MVP in 2017. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Thunder sign a younger guard or wing before their next game, and he takes regular bench minutes right away.
Oct 26
Jalen Williams Needs Surgery After Ankle Injury
Jalen Williams fractured his fibula and dislocated his left ankle in Sunday’s win over the Clippers, Sam Presti said Monday. Williams needs surgery after colliding with Kris Dunn late in the game and being stretchered off. His return timeline won’t be known until after the operation. Cason Wallace also needs surgery for a left labral tear in his shoulder. It’s another rough break for Williams after wrist and hamstring issues limited him to 33 regular-season games and five playoff games in 2025-26. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said the Thunder have to “hold the fort down” until he returns. OKC reached the Western Conference Finals last season, but replacing both Williams and Wallace will test its depth early. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Oklahoma City makes a trade for backcourt depth before the trade deadline.
Oct 26
Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum Deny Beef
Jaylen Brown says there’s no beef with Jayson Tatum after Boston traded him to Philadelphia on Sunday, but the tension is still loud. Brown called Tatum a “hell of a basketball player” with a “hell of a PR team,” then said there would be “a little lamb chop.” Tatum said he was caught off guard by the trade and later added, “There’s no beef.” ESPN’s Marc Spears said the Celtics deserve blame, saying the team favored Tatum and Brown felt a way about it. The former Celtics teammates meet for the first time this season when the Sixers play Boston on Nov. 10. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brown scores more points than Tatum in their Nov. 10 matchup.
Oct 26
Jalen Suggs Out At Least Two Weeks
Jalen Suggs will miss at least two weeks with a mild bone bruise in his right knee, Orlando announced Monday. Suggs went down late in Sunday’s 111-102 win over the Knicks after his knee buckled on a breakaway layup. ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill reported it appeared to be a noncontact injury. Sean Sweeney said Suggs was in good spirits after the game. It’s another rough injury hit for Orlando, which is already without Paolo Banchero for multiple weeks because of a low-grade high ankle sprain. Suggs has played only 92 games across the last two seasons. Anthony Black is likely to start at point guard after opening his season with 18 points and five assists. The 1-2 Magic face the 2-1 Raptors on Wednesday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Anthony Black keeps the starting point guard job for at least the next two weeks and helps Orlando win its next game in Toronto.
Oct 26
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Magic Trade Franz Wagner for Michael Porter Jr.
The Magic could swap Franz Wagner to Brooklyn for Michael Porter Jr., two first-round picks and two second-rounders in this trade idea. Orlando needs more shooting after finishing 24th in made threes and 27th in three-point percentage, and Porter brings a career 39.8 percent mark from deep. Brooklyn would bet on Wagner as a long-term piece next to Egor Dëmin and Mikel Brown Jr. Wagner is 25 and signed through 2029-30, while Porter is 28 on an expiring deal. The Nets would be giving up picks, but they'd get a two-way wing who could fit their young core. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Franz Wagner stays in Orlando through the Feb. 11 trade deadline, and the Magic make a smaller move for shooting instead.
Oct 26
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De'Aaron Fox Deal Could Hurt Spurs
Jalen Duren signed a $200 million deal with Detroit, but the bigger cap question is which contracts could turn into headaches. Gary Trent Jr. got four years and $64 million from Milwaukee after averaging 8.1 points. Toronto is carrying Immanuel Quickley at $97.5 million over three years and Jakob Poeltl at up to $104 million over four. Dallas has PJ Washington on a four-year, $88.8 million extension, while Denver starts Christian Braun’s five-year, $125 million extension this season. San Antonio may have the toughest long-term call with De’Aaron Fox. He’s due almost $222 million over four years, while Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle are headed for much bigger paydays soon. Fox shot 31 percent from three in 2025-26 and struggled in the Finals against New York, even as Dylan Harper quickly became a key rookie contributor. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: De’Aaron Fox is no longer San Antonio’s starting point guard by the 2028-29 season.
Oct 26
Jalen Williams Stretchered Off With Leg Injury
Jalen Williams was stretchered off after a gruesome leg injury on a dunk attempt against the Clippers on Sunday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said the Thunder have to “hold the fort down” until Williams returns, while Mark Daigneault said the team was “not doing great” after the game. Williams entered Sunday averaging 16.5 points, six rebounds and 2.5 assists. He has already dealt with wrist and hamstring injuries, playing 33 regular-season games and five playoff games in 2025-26. Oklahoma City needs more information, but a long absence would put more on SGA and Chet Holmgren. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Chet Holmgren will lead the Thunder in scoring in their next game as Oklahoma City adjusts without Williams.
Oct 26
Luka Doncic Drops 52 in Lakers Win
Luka Dončić dropped 52 points and 10 assists as the Lakers beat the Jazz 132-123 on Sunday. He made eight threes, nearly matching Utah’s entire roster, which hit 10. Lauri Markkanen led Utah’s push, but Los Angeles got enough stops to move to 3-0. Utah fell to 1-2, though its offense showed real life against a Lakers team that needed Dončić’s huge night. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg shot 4-of-13 and missed all his threes, but he contributed elsewhere. The Lakers host Portland on Tuesday, while the Jazz host Memphis on Monday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Luka scores at least 35 again against Portland, and the Lakers start 4-0.
Oct 25
Kawhi Leonard Out Sunday With Knee Swelling
Kawhi Leonard will miss Sunday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves because of knee swelling, the Raptors announced. He played 24 minutes in the opener against Chicago and 28 minutes Friday against Washington, scoring 23 and 16 points in Toronto’s two wins. Leonard said after opening night, “You can’t rush greatness,” when asked about getting back to full minutes. The Raptors are taking it slow with his ramp-up, especially with his injury history. Collin Murray-Boyles and Allen Graves could get extra run, and Kawhi’s next chance to return is Wednesday against Orlando. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Collin Murray-Boyles earns at least 30 minutes against Minnesota and keeps a bigger spot in Toronto’s rotation this month.
Oct 25
Steve Kerr Wants Yaxel Lendeborg Better Defensively
Yaxel Lendeborg scored 26 points, hit 6 of 11 threes, grabbed nine rebounds and handed out five assists in the Warriors' 131-122 loss to the Suns on Saturday. With Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Draymond Green and Al Horford out, the rookie led Golden State in scoring. Devin Booker scored 43 for Phoenix. Steve Kerr still wants more from Lendeborg on defense. Kerr said Yaxel's weak-side awareness is "very poor" and said his size should make him one of the Warriors' best rim defenders. After his comments about Luka Dončić, opponents will be happy to test him in pick-and-rolls. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Lendeborg will stay in Golden State's rotation even after Curry, Podziemski, Green and Horford return.
Oct 25
Warriors Eye Myles Turner, Ryan Rollins Trade
The Warriors are reportedly looking for help after a rough opener exposed their thin roster around Stephen Curry. A proposed deal would send Kristaps Porziņģis, Moses Moody, a 2028 first-round pick and a 2031 first-round swap to Milwaukee for Myles Turner and Ryan Rollins. Golden State has already contacted the Bucks about Porziņģis, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick. Turner would give the Warriors a 6'11", 250-pound rim protector who has shot 38.9 percent from three over the past two seasons. Rollins broke out last year with 17.3 points and 5.6 assists per game. Milwaukee would get picks, Moody and a cheaper long-term path than keeping Turner’s contract. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Warriors trade for a starting center before the deadline, and Turner is the target that gets it done.
Oct 25
Walker Kessler Trade Wont Save Lakers
The Lakers paid a huge price for Walker Kessler, sending two unprotected first-round picks and two swaps, then giving him $130 million over four years. Los Angeles needed a center after losing LeBron James, and Kessler can protect the rim and finish inside next to Luka Dončić. That still may not be enough to make the Lakers a real title threat. Kessler would need to stay healthy, land on the DPOY short list and lead a top-five defense for this deal to look right. That’s a lot to ask from a player whose value is built around a specific role. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Lakers finish outside the West’s top six this season, and Kessler’s trade cost becomes the biggest talking point around the team by the playoffs.
Oct 25
Jaylen Brown Says Tatum Has Lamb Chop Beef
Jaylen Brown says there’s “no beef” with Jayson Tatum after Boston traded him to Philadelphia on July 1 for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks. Still, Brown added there might be “little lamb chops and some gravy,” and said Tatum should “stay ready.” Tatum said he was shocked by the trade and called the drama around their relationship overblown: “This ain't no f--king Shaq and Kobe.” The two spent nine years together, won Boston’s 2024 title, and helped build a 64-18 championship team. Brown became Boston’s top scorer while Tatum recovered from a torn Achilles in 2025-26, before Tatum returned and the Celtics lost in the first round. Their first meeting as opponents is Nov. 10 in Philadelphia. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brown and the 76ers beat Boston in their Nov. 10 showdown.
Oct 25
Erik Spoelstra Says Heat Need Inspiration
The Heat are 0-3 after losing 115-110 in Charlotte, their first 0-3 start since 2007-08. Miami trailed by 21 entering the fourth, then used a 27-4 run behind Bam Adebayo, Tim Hardaway Jr., Davion Mitchell, Bobby Portis and Pelle Larsson to tie it. They never got the lead, though. Erik Spoelstra said the team “need[s] inspiration.” Miami is allowing 124.6 points per game, and Giannis Antetokounmpo fouled out in 25 minutes against Charlotte. Giannis is averaging 28.3 points, but the Heat need cleaner shots and a full 48-minute effort. The Mavericks come to Miami on Monday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Miami snaps the losing streak against Dallas, with the Adebayo, Portis and Antetokounmpo frontcourt closing the game.
Oct 25
Giannis, Heat Start Season 0 and 3
The Heat are 0-3 for the first time in 19 seasons after a 115-110 loss in Charlotte. Miami trailed by 21 entering the fourth, then ripped off a 25-4 run to tie it at 100, but never grabbed the lead. Brandon Miller scored 34 as four Hornets finished with 20 or more points. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 14 points on 4-of-11 shooting in 25 minutes and fouled out after scoring 71 across Miami’s first two games. The Heat are shooting 30.3 percent from three and allowing 124.6 points per game, second-most in the NBA. They’ll try to get their first win Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET against Dallas. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Miami snaps the skid against the Mavericks, with Giannis playing more than 30 minutes and leading the Heat to their first win.
Oct 25
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Malik Beasley Negotiating Gambling Case Plea
Malik Beasley is negotiating a plea agreement with the Department of Justice after pleading not guilty in July to allegations he altered his play in 2024 games to help sports bettors and reduce his own debts. His attorney, Steve Haney, told The Associated Press a deal is moving in an “expected direction in the coming days.” Beasley is accused of fixing or trying to fix his performance in at least four games with the Milwaukee Bucks. Former NBA player Ed Davis is accused of serving as a “gatekeeper” after lending Beasley money, while agent Paolo Zamorano is also charged. Beasley has been out of the NBA since his 2024-25 season with Detroit. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Beasley won’t be back on an NBA roster by the end of this season.
Oct 24
Jeremy Sochan Goes No. 1 to Texas Legends
Jeremy Sochan went No. 1 overall to the Texas Legends in Saturday’s 2026 NBA G League Draft. The former No. 9 pick spent four NBA seasons with the Spurs and Knicks, won a title with New York last season, and has averaged 9.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists in the NBA. The Legends are Dallas’ G League affiliate and also picked Jevin Muniz at No. 10 and Matthew Lane at No. 17. Sochan now gets a fresh runway to show he belongs back in the NBA when the G League season opens Nov. 6. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Sochan earns an NBA call-up before the 2026-27 G League season ends.
Oct 24
Yaxel Lendeborg Doubles Down on Luka Doncic
Yaxel Lendeborg isn’t backing off Luka Dončić. After the Warriors lost to the Grizzlies on Friday, the rookie said, “I’m not afraid” of anyone and Dončić is “not Michael Jordan.” The two got physical and traded words in the Lakers’ 127-105 opening-night win, when Dončić had 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Lendeborg was hit with a technical and later said Dončić “sucks” and was “complaining the entire game.” Steve Kerr liked the rookie’s confidence, telling reporters, “I love it,” while adding, “don’t foul him next time … back up your words.” Golden State is 0-2 after blowing a 12-point fourth-quarter lead in Memphis, but Lendeborg delivered 18 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals in 37 minutes. The Warriors face Phoenix on Saturday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Lendeborg posts another double-double against the Suns and stays in Golden State’s starting group through this month.
Oct 24
Warriors, Suns Among Teams Needing Trades
The Warriors, Pelicans, Suns, Kings and Jazz all have reasons to hit the trade market early. Golden State is exploring Kristaps Porziņģis trades after ESPN's Shams Charania reported he may step away while dealing with POTS. Utah needs a center after Jusuf Nurkić's right toe injury, while Phoenix needs shooting and another creator after trading Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale for Miles Bridges. New Orleans needs a big who fits with Zion Williamson and Derek Queen, and Sacramento needs to shake up a roster built around Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, De'Andre Hunter, Malik Monk and Keegan Murray. The Suns have limited assets, but Jalen Green's $36.3 million salary gives them one path to chase help. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Jazz trade for a center before the end of this month, and that player takes Jaxson Hayes’ spot in the rotation.
Oct 24
Jayson Tatum Says No Beef With Jaylen Brown
Jayson Tatum says there’s no bad blood with Jaylen Brown after Boston traded Brown to Philadelphia on July 1. Tatum said he called and texted Brown after the deal, adding, “This ain't no f--king Shaq and Kobe.” Brown responded to Tatum’s earlier trade video with a cap emoji, and Shams Charania reported their relationship had become nearly non-existent over the past year. The former Celtics teammates won the 2024 title together, with Brown earning Finals MVP, and made the playoffs every season from 2017-26. Their first meeting as rivals comes Nov. 10, when the Celtics face the 76ers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brown leads the 76ers to a win over Boston on Nov. 10.
Oct 24
Knicks Giving 275 Championship Rings After Phishing Test
The Knicks are now planning to give 275 championship rings to players, coaches, employees and others in the organization after an email phishing test backfired. The fake email offered employees a free personalized 2025-26 NBA championship ring, but people who clicked had to take a cybersecurity class. An MSG spokesman called using rings as the lure an “unfortunate mistake.” New York handed out rings before Tuesday’s season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, celebrating its 2026 NBA Finals win. Some Mike Brown assistants got empty boxes, though Chris Jent, Rick Brunson and Brendan O’Connor are expected to get their rings “shortly.” The full batch is worth more than $3.7 million. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Every assistant coach gets a ring eventually, but nobody’s clicking another MSG email without checking twice.
Oct 23