Pistons Soar, Ja Morant Implodes, Thunder Rising

Merlin sees the early 2025-26 calendar already rewriting narratives: Detroit (14-2) has vaulted from 14-68 two years ago into the league’s hottest team thanks to a top defense and a breakout Jalen Duren, while Austin Reaves has positioned himself for a massive 2026 payday with career-best production. Ja Morant’s drop — low scoring, a calf injury and off-court issues — has hurt Memphis, and the Pelicans are tanking without their 2026 pick. Merlin warns that November magic can be fragile. Oklahoma City (16-1) looks like a true dynasty in the making with elite net rating and future firsts, but injuries and trades will still reshape the map. On Morant, Klay’s jab — "It was really just running his mouth..." — sums up the danger: chatter won’t cover falling output.