NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Lakers Should Trade for Daniel Gafford
Merlin sees the Lakers circling Daniel Gafford as a tidy fix for two wounds: a sputtering defense (21st in efficiency) and a center spot where Deandre Ayton posts a minus-14.5 net differential. L.A. is 7-3 while awaiting LeBron’s return, and reports say "several teams are monitoring" Gafford, with "strong interest in Gafford dating back to last season." Gafford’s rim-running and finishing—he started with Luka Dončić on Dallas’ 2023-24 Finals team—would slot cleanly with LeBron and Austin Reaves. Merlin notes the obstacles: Dallas’ front-office turmoil, Gafford’s looming $54.4M extension, and the Lakers’ thin asset pile (two future firsts gone, limited young upside). If Dallas chooses to sell and L.A. can cobble a package, the upgrade is real; if not, the Lakers will lean on LeBron’s return and internal fixes. This is a tempting move, not a sure thing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers acquiring Daniel Gafford this season: 30%.
Andre Drummond's Dog Steals Spotlight After Sixers Loss
After Sunday's 111-108 loss to Detroit, Andre Drummond lightened the mood by bringing his dog to the postgame press conference — a small moment that followed his biggest on-court showing of the year. Drummond logged a season-high 35 minutes and produced 17 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal, signaling that the Sixers leaned on their veteran big man when they needed interior toughness. Merlin senses this outing was both practical and symbolic. The numbers remind the team what a relentless rebounder and rim presence can offer, while the dog moment softens a locker room after a tight defeat. Whether this afternoon becomes routine will hinge on health, matchup needs and coaching choices, but Drummond just made a persuasive case for more minutes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Drummond plays 30+ minutes again this month: 45%.
Surprise 2025 Draft Steals: Kalkbrenner, Richard, Coward
Merlin sees this rookie class as a crop of bargains: not the top picks, but the sleepers turning draft position into impact. Charlotte’s No. 34 Ryan Kalkbrenner is already a rim deterrent and efficient finisher; No. 33 Sion James provides switchable, high-effort defense; Golden State’s No. 56 Will Richard shows hustle, shooting and timing; Cedric Coward and Collin Murray-Boyles carve out starter-level defensive roles despite modest draft spots. Merlin notes a theme: defense, discipline and high-IQ hustle are the currency of surprise value. As one scout called Richard the “quintessential right place, right time guy,” these youngsters are offering outsized returns for their teams — depth that can tilt minutes, schemes and expectations before the calendar flips. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Collin Murray-Boyles makes an All-Defensive team this season: 30%.
Cade Cunningham’s Lifeline: Pistons Trade Markkanen
Merlin sees a clear proposal: Detroit would acquire Lauri Markkanen from Utah for Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, Ron Holland II and two protected firsts. The move matters because Markkanen’s elite shooting and off-the-dribble scoring would relieve Cade Cunningham, who’s carrying Detroit’s offense, while Ivey’s injury and extension uncertainty make Detroit more willing to swap future upside for immediate firepower. Merlin notes the two sides’ logic: Utah could sell high as Walker Kessler’s season-ending injury weakens their defense, and the Jazz would value picks and young pieces for a rebuild. Still, Markkanen has shown little interest in leaving and Utah has been reluctant to trade him, so the proposal is tempting for Detroit but far from a sure thing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds of Detroit completing a Markkanen trade this season: 25%."
Timberwolves Checked In on Ja Morant — No Deal Yet
The Timberwolves have “checked in” about a possible trade for Grizzlies star Ja Morant, Jon Krawczynski reported on SiriusXM — but “I don’t get the sense that there’s anything real close.” Merlin notes this is an early-stage inquiry, a toe in the water rather than a hand being dealt, and the note that “the situation could evolve as the season unfolds” keeps the door ajar. Merlin knows a whisper of interest can grow into a gale. A Morant-to-Minnesota deal would reshape the West and test chemistry, contracts and Memphis’s willingness to part with its franchise engine. Trades this big require time, assets and alignment; for now this is intrigue, not inevitability. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded to Minnesota this season: 8%.
MacMahon: Mavericks to Fire Nico Harrison Midseason
The Mavericks are off to a 3-7 start and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon warned that GM Nico Harrison could be out "mid-season," saying it’s "a matter of when, not if." Dallas’ rookie Cooper Flagg has struggled, veterans aren’t producing, and injuries plus lineup tinkering have left the team underperforming despite a small bounce vs. Washington. Merlin sees a familiar storm: when expectations and payroll don’t match production, front-office heads roll fast. A lone win won’t steady the ship if rotations, health and player development stay messy. Ownership will choose accountability over patience unless the Mavs show a clear, quick turn in form. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nico Harrison being fired this season: 65%.
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Patriots' Diggs Fires Up Henderson's 2 TDs
Stefon Diggs gave rookie TreVeyon Henderson a blunt halftime push and it paid off—Henderson ripped off 55- and 69-yard touchdown runs, finished with 147 rushing yards and helped New England beat Tampa Bay 28-23. Diggs admitted he’s “definitely hard on TreVeyon” because he sees “so much potential in him,” and even told him, “Those great backs don't get tackled. I want to see you score.” Merlin sees veteran voice changing a young player's story. Henderson had lived in a backfield rotation, but two explosive scores and his first 100-yard game shift the pecking order—provided he sustains that decisiveness and the coaches reward it. Opponents will now game-plan for him; his next few carries will tell the true tale. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of TreVeyon Henderson becoming the Patriots' clear No. 1 back this season: 60%.
Lenny Wilkens, Sonics Legend, Dies at 88
Merlin notes that Lenny Wilkens, an NBA Hall of Famer as both player and coach, died at 88, "died peacefully, surrounded by family." Wilkens starred at Providence, was the sixth pick in 1960, averaged 16.5 points and 6.7 assists over 15 seasons, earned nine All-Star nods and an All-Star Game MVP, then turned to coaching — guiding the Seattle SuperSonics to the 1979 NBA championship, the franchise’s only title. Merlin sees a rare full-circle legacy: player, player-coach, title-winning head coach, and a three-time Hall of Fame inductee (player 1989, coach 1998, 1992 Olympic assistant 2010). His long runs in Seattle, Cleveland, Atlanta, Toronto and New York left a quieter imprint than flashier stars, but one of steady leadership and lasting influence on the modern game. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Seattle or the NBA unveiling a new tribute to Wilkens (statue, ceremony, or similar) within a year: 70%.
Daniel Gafford Could Be Mavericks' Deadline Chip
Dallas finds itself with a useful big who could draw interest at the deadline. Marc Stein reports Daniel Gafford “is sure to surface,” though Dallas has “not entertained the idea of trading him” while Dereck Lively II is sidelined. Gafford (8.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.4 BPG) started after an ankle issue and earned a three-year, $60M extension, but his role could shift when Lively returns. Merlin sees the chessboard: the Mavs are 3-7 and may retool if hiccups persist. Gafford’s shot-blocking and energy make him a tempting asset for contenders needing interior defense, but the contract and recent commitment add friction. If Dallas still stumbles by February, Gafford could be the kindling that sparks a larger move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Daniel Gafford being traded by the February deadline: 45%.
Luka Dončić Fallout Puts Mavericks' Nico Harrison on Hot Seat
Merlin sees the Mavericks’ rocky 3-7 start has magnified the lingering fallout from Luka Dončić and put GM Nico Harrison squarely on the hot seat. Marc Stein reports that "With the Mavericks already in a significant hole... the rising and virtually ceaseless negativity that surrounds the franchise is indeed wearing on and troubling ownership," and that Patrick Dumont "seemingly prefers to give Harrison more time" even as a midseason change becomes a real option given the backlash over the Dončić deal. This matters beyond wins and losses: a front-office move would be aimed at a vibe shift as much as a basketball fix, trying to calm fans and reset trust. Merlin senses ownership is torn—change could soothe the crowd but also deepen instability for a team that needs steadiness. Who they'd pick next is anyone’s guess, and the decision will shape Dallas’ short-term path. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nico Harrison being fired this season: 40%.
Sixers' Embiid Compares Trendon Watford to Ben Simmons After Triple-Double
Trendon Watford delivered a surprise triple-double (20 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists) in the 76ers’ 130-120 win over Toronto, prompting Joel Embiid to say Watford "reminded me of Ben Simmons tonight." That matters because Philadelphia’s title chase depends on Embiid and Paul George staying healthy, and a versatile, do-it-all forward stepping up gives the team needed depth and lineup flexibility. Merlin sees a promising spark, not a clone: Coach Nick Nurse called him a "hooper" and Tyrese Maxey called him "blessed." Embiid and Simmons' chemistry ended poorly, but the point is simple — instincts, playmaking and rebounding from the frontcourt can change matchups and preserve the stars. If Watford is consistent, the 76ers’ margin for error widens. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Watford remains a regular starter through the rest of the season: 65%.
Bronny James Finds Groove in Lakers Offense
Bronny James is getting extended minutes and beginning to find a place in the Lakers’ offense. He told reporters he's working "to be aggressive" and even finished a highlight alley-oop from Austin Reaves in Sunday’s 130-120 win. Coach JJ Redick has bumped his playing time (up from 6.7 to 11.8 minutes per game), yet his scoring has slipped (2.3 to 1.5 ppg) and his shooting is a concern at 21.4% on 2.3 attempts. Merlin senses a young player at a crossroads: flashes of playmaking (five points and six assists in 19 minutes) and recent availability in three straight games give hope, especially with Reaves sidelined. But without improved shooting and more consistent aggressiveness, Bronny will remain a depth piece rather than a steady rotation fixture. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny becomes a regular rotation player this season: 30%.
Ja Morant Debuts Memphis Grizzlies' Platinum City Edition
Merlin sees the Grizzlies unveiling new City Edition uniforms for 2025-26 in a video with Ja Morant, set to debut Nov. 20 vs. Sacramento. The update remixes the 2020-21 Stax/Isaac Hayes tribute, swapping black-and-gold for white and platinum as a nod from gold to platinum records. Memphis starts 4-6 with a No. 22 net rating; Morant is averaging 20.1 points and 7.9 assists but is shooting 37.9% overall (12.8% from three), while rookie Cedric Coward is a bright, efficient surprise. Merlin senses the new threads are meant to inspire a turnaround — a visual link to the season they first reached the playoffs with Morant. The true alchemy will be on-court: fixing Morant’s shot, smoothing relationships with the coaching staff, and turning Coward’s spark into team chemistry. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Memphis making the playoffs this season: 55%.
NBA Fix: Tre Johnson Free Throw Corrects Cavs-Wizards Score
The NBA corrected a scoring error from Friday: a Tre Johnson free throw in the second quarter had been logged as a miss, nudging the final from 148–114 to 148–115 and lifting Johnson to 19 points. Such score changes are rare — the league made a similar fix after an early-season Warriors blowout — and the update didn’t affect Cleveland’s dominant victory, which featured a 72–55 second half. Merlin notes the tweak matters more for a rookie’s ledger than the game’s outcome. The No. 6 pick has been a bright spot for a 1–8 Wizards club, averaging 12.3 points on 44.1/39.6/83.3 shooting; tidy box-score accuracy shapes minutes, narratives and front-office decisions. Cleveland needed no clerical help, but Washington will watch Johnson closely as its small hope for a turnaround. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Tre Johnson averaging 15+ PPG this season: 22%.
Draymond Green: "Our Defense Sucks" — Warriors Struggling
Draymond Green didn't mince words after Friday's 129-104 loss to Denver, bluntly saying "our defense sucks," and Jimmy Butler echoed the call for "some more effort." Golden State is 5-5, sits 16th in defensive rating with a 0.0 net rating, has allowed 120+ points five times already, and has endured a tough early slate that included two games vs. the Nuggets. This matters because defense was the Warriors' identity late last season — a 23-8 stretch that carried them to elite defensive numbers — and these lapses threaten that foundation. Merlin senses a correction, not a collapse. With Stephen Curry expected back soon and the team’s recent defensive blueprint still in the locker room memory, the Warriors can tighten help defense and communication quickly. But the window is narrow: cure the effort and rotations now, or this promising club risks drifting into a long slog. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State making the playoffs this season: 75%.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: "Didn't Like" How Thunder Won
Merlin sees Shai Gilgeous-Alexander refusing to celebrate quietly — he “didn’t like the way we won,” and he’s using that dissatisfaction to push himself and the Thunder. That matters because Oklahoma City isn’t just defending a title on reputation: they’re 9-1 with a league-best +13.6 net rating, and SGA is scoring 33.0 points on 52.3% shooting. Early form suggests this team means business. Merlin remembers the Finals’ turning point — Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury — and knows one hard truth: champions are tested by how they respond to discomfort. If SGA channels that critique into relentless focus, and if health holds, the Thunder’s mix of star efficiency and depth could make them the team to beat. Small cracks or injuries, however, will change the prophecy. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Oklahoma City repeating as champions this season: 35%.
Dirk Nowitzki Calls Mavericks' 2-7 Start 'Disaster'
Dirk Nowitzki called the Mavericks’ 2-7 opening a “disaster start,” saying they’re “tough to watch” because they “can’t shoot.” Dallas sits last in points (106.0), offensive rating (103.2) and three-pointers made, while injuries — Kyrie Irving still rehabbing a torn ACL and others sidelined — have left the offense sputtering and the roster thin around rookie Cooper Flagg. Merlin sees the big picture: Flagg is learning to be a primary ball‑handler at 18, averaging 14.1/6.6/2.7 in a role he’d never played, and Dirk’s advice — “try to keep a positive attitude,” that “things will be okay” — is the steadying spell the young core needs. Improvement is likely when health returns, but questions about the roster’s fit linger. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas making the playoffs this season: 40%.
Anthony Edwards Ignites Timberwolves-Thunder NBA Cup
Minnesota and Oklahoma City have stamped themselves as the favorites in a tight West Group A race after opening-night blowouts — Minnesota’s 40-point dismantling led by Anthony Edwards and OKC’s 31-point win created an early gap over the rest. Their Nov. 26 meeting in Oklahoma City now looks like the group’s deciding moment, with point differential and the best second-place spot carrying real playoff weight. Merlin sees a classic clash of star fire and young depth: Minnesota’s elite scoring versus OKC’s balanced attack. The Bucks’ hot start and Toronto’s surprise in the East add pressure across the tournament—expect head-to-heads and point margins, not just wins, to shape who advances. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Minnesota winning West Group A — Minnesota 48%, Oklahoma City 40%, others 12%.
Dallas Mavericks' Nico Harrison Faces Job Heat
The Mavericks’ rocky start has turned a whisper into a question: after Friday’s 118-104 loss to Memphis, Dallas sits last in the West and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon called it “absolutely a legitimate question” whether Nico Harrison can keep his job. Harrison, who signed a multiyear extension in June, has faced the “Fire Nico” chorus since the Luka Dončić trade; league whispers and Marc Stein’s reporting that governor Patrick Dumont once stood by him no longer quiet the chatter as Dallas posts the NBA’s worst offense (103.2) despite a strong defense (sixth in rating). Merlin sees the pieces that could shift the tale — rookie Cooper Flagg’s growth and Kyrie Irving’s eventual return — but time is a clever enemy. If the offense doesn’t awaken soon, the extension may feel like a thin shield against a mounting narrative that “it is the first question that people are asking.” 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nico Harrison losing his job before the All‑Star break: 30%.
G League Breakouts: Hawks' Toppin, KJ Simpson
Every NBA club now has a G League pipeline and the article peels back the map, naming one prospect from each affiliate most likely to become an NBA rotation piece. It highlights why: specialists like Taelon Peter (elite spot-up shooting), scorers like Jacob Toppin (37.1% on 5.7 threes) and Trey Alexander, stretch bigs such as Tristan Vukčević, and playmakers like Ryan Nembhard and KJ Simpson all offer clear roles—floor spacing, defense, or play creation—that teams will covet when minutes open. Merlin sees a league where opportunity matters more than draft pedigree. Two-way deals, injuries, and fit will be the gates these players walk through; shooters and versatile defenders have the shortest road, bigs who can stretch or finish will be in demand, and high-IQ playmakers will be the sneaky long-term winners. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds that at least eight of these named prospects earn regular NBA rotation minutes this season: 60%.
Wembanyama, Spurs Shatter Durant's Rockets' Win Streak
San Antonio snapped Houston’s five-game run with a 121–110 victory, Victor Wembanyama pacing the Spurs with 22 points and eight rebounds and Harrison Barnes adding 24. Kevin Durant scored 24 but had eight turnovers, and Alperen Şengün’s 25 couldn’t tip the balance. The win gave the Spurs a 6–2 start and their first NBA Cup group-play victory, while the Rockets fell to 5–3. Merlin sees this as a meaningful tune-up: San Antonio’s late defense and Champagnie’s clutch threes mattered as much as Wembanyama’s finishes. The Spurs are carving an identity; Houston must clean up turnovers before facing Milwaukee. This game feels like a turning point for both teams — one building momentum, the other searching for steadiness. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (Odds San Antonio beats New Orleans Saturday: 65%.)
Ja Morant Tops Cooper Flagg; Fans Slam Nico Harrison
Merlin sees Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks fall 118–104 to Ja Morant and the Grizzlies at home, dropping Dallas to 2–7 and a fourth straight loss. Memphis snapped its skid and earned its first NBA Cup group win as Morant posted 21 points, 13 assists and three steals; Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17. Rookie Flagg finished with 12 points and six rebounds, Max Christie led Dallas with 18, and Klay Thompson went 0‑for‑6. A runaway third quarter left the Mavs buried and fans directing blame at GM Nico Harrison. Merlin senses more than a bad night — a veteran roster that should do better is showing schematic and effort cracks. Flagg’s growth is a long game, but Dallas needs quick fixes on defense and rotations. Saturday’s game vs. Washington is a small test that will reveal if adjustments stick or the pressure rises. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nico Harrison being fired this season: 15%.
Nets' Cam Thomas Hamstring Strain — Out 3–4 Weeks
Merlin sees that Cam Thomas will miss at least three to four weeks with a left hamstring strain, suffered on a first-quarter jumper in Brooklyn’s 112–103 win over Indiana. It matters because Thomas is averaging 21.4 points, was limited to 25 games last season by left hamstring trouble, and the Nets sit 1–7. Coach Jordi Fernández warned, "Unless you're a doctor or you saw the film, I don't know if it's the same injury or not." Merlin senses this is more than a short hiccup. Brooklyn will lean on Tyrese Martin and Terance Mann, but hamstrings are tricky and prone to recurrence; Thomas’ rehab timeline will affect his trade value and Brooklyn’s fragile season trajectory. Watch the next scans and practice reports for the real answer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Thomas misses more than four weeks: 40%.
Fox Returns: Spurs' Playmaker Back vs Pelicans
Merlin sees De'Aaron Fox poised to make his season debut Saturday after a hamstring recovery, per Shams Charania. The timing matters: the Spurs have dropped two straight after a 5-0 start and already face thin backcourt depth with rookie Dylan Harper sidelined. Fox’s playmaking and scoring can immediately change San Antonio’s offense and help their bid to end a long playoff drought. Merlin senses this outing is a barometer — Fox can start “weaving pick-and-roll spells” with Victor Wembanyama and create easy lobs or take over scoring when needed, but rust and managed minutes could limit the immediate impact. If he snaps in quickly, the Spurs regain traction; if not, watch how rotations and health determine their course. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Fox playing and starting Saturday: 80%.
Mac McClung Cut by Pacers — Mavericks or Nets?
Mac McClung’s oddball ride took another twist: after signing a multiyear deal, he was cut by the Pacers just over a week later, leaving the 26‑year‑old G‑League MVP and three‑time dunk contest winner searching for a new path. It matters because McClung’s 25.5 points and 6.5 assists in the G‑League show real offensive upside, and several NBA teams (Dallas, Brooklyn, Orlando) could use cheap, high‑energy backcourt scoring and playmaking. Merlin sees a crossroads: a slim NBA door remains if he tightens shooting and defense, especially as a second‑unit spark for a needy team; the safer routes are a return to the G‑League for another run or a lucrative, stable career overseas. This story is not finished. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds McClung lands an NBA roster spot this season: 40%.