NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 1, 2025
Pacers: Bulls "Stole Our Mojo" — Giddey Chasing Haliburton
Chicago surged to 6-1 before slipping to 9-10, and a Pacers source says the Bulls are trying to "emulate" Indiana’s Finals formula — even claiming "They stole our mojo." The parallel centers on Josh Giddey filling a Tyrese Haliburton-type role with a fast pace, late comebacks and heavy playmaking, but Chicago lacks Indiana’s defense and a clear second star like Pascal Siakam. Merlin sees the pattern: Giddey’s near–triple-double (20.5/10.0/9.3) proves the offense can purr, yet the Bulls’ blueprint needs a sturdier spine to endure. If inconsistency continues, expect the front office to test the market for a Siakam-level piece — starting with a pressure-packed stopgap in Orlando on Monday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Bulls land a Siakam-level star before the trade deadline: 25%.
LeBron Laughs as Maxi Kleber's Wild Airball Sparks Lakers Win
An inconsequential airball became a small turning point in the Lakers’ 133-121 win over the Pelicans when Maxi Kleber accidentally lobbed a layup to the wrong rim. The moment sent LeBron James into laughter and, as LeBron put it, “sparked us,” breaking a tense stretch and helping Los Angeles reset; teammates called it a breath of fresh air that let them re-engage and extend the lead. Merlin sees the old truth: long seasons are won as much in the locker room as on the scoreboard. Kleber’s self-deprecating moment doubled as team-building under JJ Redick, a reminder that chemistry can be manufactured from mishaps — and that small levity often precedes sharper focus. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds this becomes a lasting bonding moment for the Lakers this season: 70%.
Dec 1
Lakers Eye Daniel Gafford as Ayton Insurance
The Lakers are 15-4 and humming without LeBron, yet trade chatter persists. Brett Siegel reported, "Coincidentally enough, one of the teams with strong interest in [Dallas Mavericks center Daniel] Gafford dating back to last season is the Los Angeles Lakers, sources said." Gafford — a career 70.1% shooter who played with Luka Dončić — would add interior depth behind Deandre Ayton, who has been efficient (16 points, 8.6 rebounds) but has missed time with knee issues. Merlin senses the prudence in adding a reliable big rather than another ball-dominant wing like Andrew Wiggins, which could disturb the unit's cohesion. Gafford’s fit and efficiency look right for playoff wear-and-tear, but health concerns and Dallas’s asking price are the real spells to be broken. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers acquiring Gafford before the deadline: 35%.
Dec 1
Bulls Tease Anthony Davis Trade Talk
The Bulls have quietly discussed a trade for Anthony Davis, ESPN’s Jamal Collier reports, believing Davis “could help the team's porous rim protection and defensive interior.” A team source pushed back on the idea of a blockbuster, saying, “I don't think going out and chasing X megastar is the way to proceed — at least today.” Chicago (9-10) sits in the thick of the East chase, and acquiring a true star is the clearest route to closing the gap. Merlin sees the appeal and the peril. Davis would instantly upgrade defense and star power, but his 32-year-old body — just six games this year with a calf issue — and the heavy price a trade would demand make this risky. The Bulls still need growth from Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis even if Davis arrives. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chicago trading for Anthony Davis this season: 12%.
Dec 1
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Mavericks Target LaMelo Ball, Lakers Facilitate
Merlin sees a three-team blueprint that would send LaMelo Ball to the Mavericks, Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford to the Lakers, and Max Christie, Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht plus an unprotected 2029 first-round pick to Charlotte. It matters because Dallas — dead last in offensive rating and "needing to center around Cooper Flagg" — would get a high-level playmaker; as the piece notes, "LaMelo Ball has the potential to completely transform this offense." Charlotte would collect young wings and a future pick, while L.A. would add shooting and frontcourt length. Merlin senses hurdles: Ball's shooting has dipped, Charlotte must clear roster spots, and Dallas awaits Kyrie's return. Still, pairing Flagg with a tall lead guard and surrounding stars with shooters could remake contending math — risky, but tempting for all sides. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LaMelo being traded to Dallas this season: 20%.
Dec 1
Teams Panic: Thunder Own Clippers' 2026 Pick
Tim MacMahon says rival teams are "in a panic" that the Oklahoma City Thunder own the Los Angeles Clippers' 2026 first-round pick — a pick the Thunder also pair with Utah’s 2026 first-rounder, both currently lottery-bound. That matters because OKC is 20-1 with the league’s best net rating and a young, locked-up core (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren); two top-10 picks would add cost-controlled talent to an already title-ready roster. Merlin sees Sam Presti holding a rare sorcerer’s toolkit: a deep incoming class (Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa) and two likely lottery picks. The true test will be the luxury-tax apron — draft cheap talent or trade picks for payroll relief — and every choice reshapes this window. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Oklahoma City lands at least one rotation-impact player from the 2026 draft: 65%.
Dec 1
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Cade Cunningham's Pistons Surge; Thunder Roar, Clippers Flop
Merlin sees December as the truth-teller: Bleacher Report reworked preseason win projections after a month of "getting harder to dismiss teams' performances as small-sample blips." The big headlines — Detroit surging behind Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma City frighteningly dominant, and the Clippers and Mavericks falling short — matter because early trends are sticking and will shape trade talks, rotations and playoff math. Merlin notes patterns the eye can miss: injuries and style changes (Miami’s pace, Houston’s offensive rebounding) have flipped expectations, while health and depth separate contenders from pretenders. Expect more in-season tweaks; some teams will double down on trades, others will ride continuity and hope the hot starts hold. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Oklahoma City breaks its own all-time point-differential record this season: 55%.
Dec 1
Doncic, Reaves Torch Pelicans; Lakers’ 7-Game Run
Merlin sees the Lakers roll past the Pelicans 133-121, stretching their winning streak to seven. Luka Dončić had 34 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, Austin Reaves added 33, and Deandre Ayton scored 22. L.A. did it without LeBron (left foot), improving to 15-4 and holding second in the West. The game was decided early — the Lakers poured in 46 first-quarter points and led by 20 at halftime, while New Orleans slipped to 3-18. Merlin notes this win shows true depth: Reaves is emerging as a real co-star and Ayton provides inside stability, so the Lakers can thrive even when their king rests. The stretch is promising, but tougher road tests and back-to-backs will reveal if this is a streak or a season-defining run. The Pelicans need fixes despite Saddiq Bey’s 22 and 11. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers extend the streak vs. the Suns tomorrow: 62%.
Dec 1
Utah Jazz Double Down On Lauri Markkanen
Merlin sees Utah leaning into Lauri Markkanen as the centerpiece of its rebuild. Marc Stein reports "more teams than not that we speak to are increasingly convinced that the Jazz are more likely to try to add to their Markkanen-led core this Trade Season rather than trade Markkanen away." That matters because Markkanen is scorching early (28.5 points, 6.2 rebounds) and, despite a 6-13 start and three straight missed playoffs, Utah appears to prefer continuity over a teardown. Merlin senses the Jazz will hunt for complementary pieces — defenders, playmakers and young depth — to surround their hot-shooting big. Keeping Markkanen buys patience to draft and trade smartly, but if losses keep piling up the front office may change course. For now, his career-year gives Utah a clearer identity to build around. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Utah trades Lauri Markkanen this season: 20%.
Dec 1
LeBron James Embraces Back‑to‑Backs; Luka Doncic Powers Lakers
Merlin sees LeBron, now 40, willing to suit up on back-to-backs, but Los Angeles plans to “build him up,” coach JJ Redick said — a careful approach after James missed the first 14 games with right-side sciatica and was recently out for foot management. It matters because the Lakers are protecting a veteran cornerstone while riding a red-hot Luka Dončić (35.1 PPG) and a 14-4 start despite LeBron appearing in just four games. Merlin notes the strategy: keep LeBron around 30+ minutes, tilt his role toward playmaking (16.5 PPG, 8.3 APG early) and slowly increase back-to-back exposure. If the Lakers ramp him smartly, they preserve playoff upside; push too hard and the season could bend toward re-injury and missed continuity. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron playing back-to-backs this season: 65%.
Nov 30
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Josh Allen Kneed Heyward — Steelers Furious
Pittsburgh’s Cameron Heyward told reporters Josh Allen kneed him during the Bills’ 26-7 win, saying he was “being kneed in my stomach” and that Allen even told him, “I had to do something to get you off of me.” Heyward was frustrated that quarterbacks get extra protection while defenders do not, and his taunt flag capped a tense exchange. Allen downplayed it with “Maybe a little bit,” calling it part of the game and crediting the fire for getting him going. Merlin sees a familiar spark: small physical chafes that grow into storylines when one team is winning and the other is struggling — the Steelers have lost five of seven. This could be a moment for league review or a Steelers rallying cry, depending on how the NFL and the teams respond. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Josh Allen being fined this week for the knee: 30%.
Nov 30
Cooper Flagg Makes History — Mavs' 18-Year-Old Hits 35
Cooper Flagg exploded for a career-high 35 points in the Mavericks’ 114-110 win over the Clippers, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to hit 35 — edging out LeBron by days. Flagg scored 21 in the first half, closed with eight in the final three minutes, and had handed out 11 assists the night before. “Being aggressive right now is obviously right for me,” he said, and teammates and coaches echoed the praise. Merlin sees a rare comet rising. Kidd lauded his composure, Thompson called his “upside limitless,” and even at 18 Flagg “seems like he’s been in this league before.” The magic is real but fragile: sustained aggression plus cleaner decision-making will spell stardom; otherwise, fatigue and adjustments will test him. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg winning Rookie of the Year: 65%.
Nov 30
Seth Curry Finally Joins Warriors — Brothers Nearly Reunite
Merlin sees Seth Curry signing with the Golden State Warriors for the rest of the 2025-26 season, per Shams Charania. Charania noted, "Seth Curry joined the Warriors in training camp, but was waived just before the season because of the team's financial restraints." The move matters because Golden State gains one of the league’s purest shooters — he led the NBA at 45.6% from three last season and owns a career 43.3% — just as Stephen Curry is sidelined with a left quad strain and will be re-evaluated next week. Merlin whispers that this is a classic fit: catch-and-shoot artillery for a team built around off-ball gravity. At 35 and joining his 10th franchise, Seth provides instant spacing and veteran steadiness. If Stephen returns, defenses will be stretched thin and Seth’s role could grow into high-leverage minutes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Curry brothers play together this season: 75%.
Nov 30
Bucks Eye DeRozan Over LaVine for Giannis
The Bucks have quietly scouted scoring options, with Michael Scotto noting “The Milwaukee Bucks have conducted background due diligence on [Zach] LaVine and others around the league, as usual.” LaVine’s huge contract makes him a tough fit, so attention has shifted to DeMar DeRozan — a consistent 20-point scorer on a far friendlier deal — as Milwaukee seeks a reliable complement to Giannis while sitting 9-12 in the West. Merlin sees the logic: DeRozan’s steady scoring and playoff experience would upgrade a Bucks offense that can’t rely on Kyle Kuzma’s dip. Age and fit matter — DeRozan is 36 and won’t solve every defensive issue — but his contract and track record make a trade plausible if Milwaukee wants immediate offense and the Kings are ready to reshape. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of DeMar DeRozan landing in Milwaukee this season: 25%.
Nov 30
Bronny James Misfires in South Bay G League Loss
Bronny James made his third G League appearance of 2025-26, scoring 10 points with five rebounds and one assist in South Bay’s 124-113 loss to San Diego. He hit 4-of-7 inside the arc but missed all five three-point attempts, continuing a season-long split between the NBA and G League as he seeks a steady role — he’s averaging just 1.9 points and 1.7 assists in 10.2 NBA minutes while flashing better production in limited G League action (11.0 points, 8.0 assists in his first two games). Merlin sees a young guard caught between arenas: efficient around the rim (62.5% two-point mark) but ice-cold from deep (about 23% in South Bay). More G League reps will reveal if he can translate playmaking and inside touch into consistent outside shooting and NBA trust — development, not hype, will decide his path. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny earns a regular Lakers rotation spot this season: 20%.
Nov 30
18-Year-Old Cooper Flagg's 35 Lifts Mavericks Past Clippers
Cooper Flagg erupted for a career-high 35 points to lift the Dallas Mavericks to a 114-110 road win over the Los Angeles Clippers on the second night of a back-to-back. At 18, Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 35 in a game, joining LeBron as the only 18-year-olds to hit 30+, adding eight rebounds and two assists while shooting 59%. Dallas snapped a three-game skid (6-15) while the Clippers fell to 5-15 despite 29 from James Harden and 30 from Kawhi Leonard. Merlin sees a rare talent showing calm under pressure — a go-ahead jumper with 2:47 left and clutch free throws mark more than a scoring outburst. Still, the Mavericks’ record says this is a beginning, not a guarantee; the true test arrives Monday in Denver. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg averaging 20+ PPG this season: 28%.
Nov 30
Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards Tweaks Free-Throw After Cuban Callout
Anthony Edwards says he quietly changed his free-throw routine after Mark Cuban pointed out he “steps over the line” and could draw more calls. Edwards admitted, “I just gotta change my free throws,” and the tweak hasn’t hurt him — he’s at 81.4% this season (80.4% career) while averaging 28.0 points and strong shooting splits. Merlin sees a small adjustment with big meaning: when veterans, owners and coaches notice, a young star listens. This was not a panic move but professional housekeeping — Edwards kept his rhythm and production, a sign he’s learning to protect his game from petty technicalities while getting steadier as a leader. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Edwards finishes the season above 80% from the line: 75%.
Nov 30
LeBron Praises Buckeyes' Jeremiah Smith After 35-Yd TD
LeBron James gave a public shoutout to Ohio State sophomore wideout Jeremiah Smith after Smith’s 35-yard touchdown put the Buckeyes ahead of Michigan — a moment that underlines Smith’s rise from five-star recruit to national star. That score, part of a first-half OSU surge that made it 17-9 at the break, matters because Smith’s production (coming off a 1,315-yard season and entering the game with 69 catches for 902 yards) keeps Ohio State on track for the College Football Playoff and strengthens their bid for the No. 1 seed. Merlin senses more than fanfare in that praise. A spotlight from LeBron magnifies Smith’s Heisman and NFL chatter, while the Luke Montgomery/Bronny James AAU tie stitches college football to the pro world. Consistency will decide if Ohio State converts buzz into hardware. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jeremiah Smith wins the Heisman this season: 35%.
Nov 29
Giannis Demands Winning Mindset Amid Bucks' 7-Game Skid
Giannis Antetokounmpo is pushing for a mental reset after the Bucks dropped seven straight, telling teammates "Nobody should have a personal agenda" and to embrace a "winning mindset." He returned from an adductor strain with 30 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, but Milwaukee sits 8-12 and has the NBA’s worst offensive rating during the skid — a sign this is about more than one player. Merlin sees the streak as a crack in the roster’s collective focus: the offense fell apart partly in Giannis’ absence and the group let missed shots linger. The next three games look winnable, but only if leaders turn urgency into consistent habits and erase the small slights that become big games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bucks end the skid in the next three games: 65%.
Nov 29
Austin Reaves' 38 Sparks Lakers, Swaps Jersey With AD
Austin Reaves stole the show in the Lakers’ 129-119 win over the Mavericks, scoring a game-high 38 on 12-of-15 shooting and six 3s — then got a holiday treat swapping jerseys with former teammate Anthony Davis. Reaves called AD “one of the best players to ever touch a basketball” and admitted “I owe him a lot” after Davis’ first game since Oct. 29 (12 points, five rebounds, five assists). The win pushed L.A. to 14-4, a six-game streak, and clinched Western Conference Group B in the NBA Cup. Merlin sees symbolism in the jersey exchange: a young star’s rise blessed by a veteran who helped shape him. From undrafted in 2021 to 28.5 PPG and 6.7 APG, Reaves is now All-Star chatter — but Western depth and durability questions remain. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Austin Reaves making the All-Star team this season: 45%.
Nov 29
Reaves' 38 Helps Lakers Spoil Anthony Davis, Mavericks
The Lakers spoiled Anthony Davis' return, beating the Mavericks 129-119 in L.A. as Dallas fell to 5-15. Davis, back from a calf strain, finished with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists but couldn’t alter the result. Austin Reaves erupted for 38, while Luka Dončić had 35 and 11 assists in the loss. The win clinched West Group B for Los Angeles, improving them to 14-4. Merlin sees a telling snapshot: this was more than a single night — L.A.’s depth and Reaves’ scoring carried the day, and Davis showed rust common to first games back. Dallas’ slump isn’t Luka’s burden alone; it smells of defensive holes and roster unrest. The Mavericks’ back-to-back road test, starting with the Clippers, will reveal whether this is a hiccup or a deeper slide. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs this season: 12%.
Nov 29
NBA Cup Bracket Locked: Thunder, Knicks, Spurs
The eight NBA Cup quarterfinalists are set: Knicks, Magic, Thunder and Spurs won their groups, with the Suns and Heat advancing as the best second-place teams to complete the eight-team knockout bracket. Quarterfinals are Dec. 9–10, semifinals Dec. 13 and the championship is Dec. 16 in Las Vegas. Orlando earned East No. 1 and will host Miami; Toronto hosts New York; OKC hosts Phoenix; San Antonio visits the Lakers after an upset in Denver. Merlin sees Oklahoma City as the clear favorite — the Thunder are “playing the best basketball of any team in the NBA” — and their form plus last year’s runner-up hunger suit single-elimination stakes. The East is wide open: home-court and New York’s knockout experience could tip close games, and San Antonio’s shock win makes this bracket slippery. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Oklahoma City beating New York to win the NBA Cup: 45%.
Nov 29
Mets' Leadership Rift: Lindor vs. Soto
A New York Post report says the Mets’ locker room carried a personality split last season between Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. A “clubhouse source” told reporter Mike Puma relations “were chilly,” noting “Soto is very businesslike — all business, no fluff,” while Lindor leans into fashion. That uneasy leadership picture followed an 83-79 finish that missed the playoffs; Soto later called Starling Marte “actually the captain of this team.” Despite the friction, Soto (6.2 WAR) and Lindor (5.9 WAR) were the club’s top performers. Merlin sees that talent and contracts can’t paper over atmosphere. Lindor is midway through his 10-year deal and Soto just began a 15-year megadeal — both must buy into a shared clubhouse script. The Mets need clearer leadership and alignment or the star power may keep them loud but not winning. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mets making the playoffs next season: 40%.
Nov 28
LeBron Proud as Bronny Steps Up for Lakers
LeBron praised his son Bronny for stepping up in Year 2, saying he used time in the G League and Summer League to get more comfortable and handled consecutive 18+ minute outings on Nov. 2–3. Bronny has 11 appearances (8-for-28 FG, 3-for-12 3PT) with an offensive rating climbed to 107.9; he was sent to South Bay to learn "how to be effective off the ball." LeBron added Bronny must "walk his own journey." Merlin sees a young player on a steady climb. The shooting dip is a wrinkle, but the offensive-rating jump and poise in tougher moments show growth. With Anthony Davis expected back, Bronny’s window for minutes is tight — he needs consistent shooting, defense and off-ball intelligence to turn promise into a regular role. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny becomes a regular rotation player this season: 30%.
Nov 28
Lakers Ditch "Unplayable" NBA Cup Court vs. Mavericks
Merlin sees the Lakers ditching the yellow NBA Cup court and reverting to their usual Crypto.com Arena floor for Friday’s Cup game vs. Dallas after league techs called the Cup surface “unplayable” and sent it back for repairs. Rui Hachimura admitted, “That was bad,” saying he felt it was “oily, slippery” and that “everybody was on the floor, falling.” The court had been used in a 135-118 win over the Clippers, and Luka Dončić had already raised safety concerns. Merlin notes this is more than a cosmetic swap: slippery surfaces affect shot rhythm, footing and injury risk, and the league’s quick pullback suggests vendor oversight will come under fire. A return to the normal floor steadies the Lakers but leaves questions about how many other alternate courts are fit for play. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the league orders wider inspections of alternate courts this season: 75%.
Nov 28