NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 30, 2026
Ja Morant Hurt as Grizzlies Beat Blazers
Ja Morant’s first game against Memphis since the summer trade ended in a 124-103 Blazers loss. The Grizzlies moved to 5-0, handing Portland its first loss, and Morant left in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. He called it “just another basketball game on the schedule” and said, “Nothing harsh from me for Memphis.” Deni Avdija kept rolling through a strong start for Portland, while No. 4 pick Cam Boozer posted his first triple-double for Memphis. The young Grizzlies don’t look like a team planning to rebuild after this start. Portland gets another shot in February, when Morant returns to Memphis. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Cam Boozer will have another triple-double before the February rematch with Portland.
Darius Acuff Jr Makes Rookie History
Darius Acuff Jr. dropped 34 points and 14 assists in Sacramento’s 132-120 loss to New Orleans, joining Michael Jordan, Trae Young and Steve Francis as the only rookies with at least 34 points, 14 assists, six rebounds and a steal in one game. The No. 7 pick also threw down a one-handed transition dunk and played 41 minutes. The Kings are still 0-5, but Acuff has been the clear bright spot. He leads all rookies with 24.0 points and 6.6 assists per game, even while shooting 22.2 percent from three. Sacramento heads to Memphis on Saturday looking for its first win. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Acuff scores 25 or more and Sacramento snaps its five-game losing streak against the Grizzlies.
Oct 30
Knicks Decline Pacome Dadiet Option
The Knicks plan to decline Pacôme Dadiet’s $5.37 million fourth-year option, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. The move gives New York more cap room, though Charania said Dadiet and the Knicks could still talk about a reunion when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Dadiet has played one minute this season after averaging 4.7 minutes in 29 games last year. New York recently paused extension talks with Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart and others, so every bit of flexibility counts. Towns told The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III he was “very disappointed, to say the least.” Hart sounded calmer: “Everything is going to work out.” Dadiet hasn’t earned a regular rotation spot, and the Knicks are choosing future options over his guaranteed money. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Pacôme Dadiet will be on a different NBA team by the 2027-28 season.
Oct 29
Ben Simmons Vows Return After Achilles Tear
Ben Simmons tore his Achilles before playing a regular-season game for the Sacramento Kings, and he'll miss a second straight NBA season. He told Marc J. Spears of Andscape he still believes he belongs in the league: "I'm more than capable of playing in this league. I'm built for this." Simmons was once a 6'10" No. 1 pick with point guard skills, three All-Star nods, two All-Defensive First-Team spots and a 2019-20 All-NBA Third-Team selection with Philadelphia. Injuries and his shooting struggles changed the path after 2021, and his time with Brooklyn and the Clippers never got him back to that level. Now the comeback clock resets again. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Simmons won't play another NBA game before the 2027-28 season.
Oct 29
Rudy Gobert Downplays LaMelo Ball Tension
Rudy Gobert said there was no bad blood with LaMelo Ball after a bench moment during Minnesota’s 119-114 loss to Golden State. Video appeared to show Ball frustrated with Gobert, but Rudy told Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic he “didn't feel any animosity.” Gobert had one point and four rebounds in 20 minutes, while Stephen Curry scored 44 and Yaxel Lendeborg added 26. The Timberwolves have dropped two straight after starting 3-0, and Anthony Edwards’ knee injury leaves a major scoring hole for the foreseeable future. Minnesota needs more from Ball and Gobert while Edwards is out, especially with the West getting no easier. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Gobert will bounce back with a double-double in Minnesota’s next game.
Oct 29
Suns Players Frustrated Over Point Guard Void
Phoenix is off to a 1-2 start, and Chris Haynes says players are frustrated that the roster still lacks a traditional point guard. Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks are starting, while Booker has handled much of the playmaking. He scored 43 against Golden State, but had three points Tuesday against Oklahoma City. GM Brian Gregory wants Phoenix to create offense by committee with Booker, Green, Colin Gillespie, Koa Peat and Miles Bridges all able to push the ball. The Suns host Denver on Friday, and their ability to organize the offense could shape whether they look for backcourt help later this season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: By the trade deadline, Phoenix will add a point guard and Colin Gillespie’s rotation role will shrink.
Oct 29
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Steve Kerr Wants NBA to Crack Down on Flopping
Steve Kerr wants the NBA to punish flopping more aggressively. Before Wednesday’s game in Minnesota, Kerr said the league should be the “No Bulls--t Association” and stop rewarding players for exaggerated contact. He said officials do a great job, but the league needs to stay ahead of “player grifting.” Kerr has already sent clips to the NBA office this season. Golden State didn’t have any flopping drama in its 119-114 win over the Timberwolves. Stephen Curry scored 44 points, while Yaxel Lendeborg added 26 points and nine rebounds. The Warriors have won two straight after an 0-3 start and can reach .500 Friday against the Lakers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Warriors beat the Lakers on Friday and Curry tops 30 points again.
Oct 29
Giannis Heat Start Season 1 and 4
The NBA’s first week has already flipped expectations. Houston, Memphis and Oklahoma City are unbeaten, while Philadelphia is 4-1 behind Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. Luka Dončić has the Lakers at 3-1, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Miami Heat are just 1-4. The defending champion Knicks are 1-3, with Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges struggling. Injuries are hitting early. Anthony Edwards could miss up to two months after right knee surgery, Tyrese Haliburton is out at least two weeks with a left hamstring strain, and Jalen Williams is expected to miss the season for Oklahoma City. The Thunder are still 4-0, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is carrying a bigger load. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Knicks will win at least five straight games before the end of November.
Oct 29
Yaxel Lendeborg Headlines 2026 Draft Steals
The 2026 draft is already producing real value outside the top 10. Golden State’s Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 11 pick, is averaging 21.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists through four games. Toronto’s Allen Graves has brought defense and hustle at No. 19, while second-rounders Trevon Brazile in Denver and Meleek Thomas in Cleveland have flashed immediately. Oklahoma City’s No. 12 pick Aday Mara just posted 11 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks in 19 minutes. Lendeborg has the biggest early workload, but every name here landed in a situation with a clear path to more minutes. Brazile’s rebounding could help Denver, Mara may benefit after injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace, and Thomas gave Cleveland a needed spark against Minnesota. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Meleek Thomas will be a regular part of Cleveland’s rotation by the end of November.
Oct 29
Yaxel Lendeborg Calls Out Luka Doncic
Golden State rookie Yaxel Lendeborg didn’t wait long to find NBA drama. He traded trash talk with Luka Dončić in his debut, picked up a technical foul, and said afterward he “lost all respect” for Dončić because he was “complaining the entire game.” Lendeborg also said he told Luka “he sucks.” The Warriors and Lakers meet again Friday, and Lendeborg says he’s ready: “Absolutely. Absolutely. Yes, I am,” he told reporters. The No. 11 pick has backed up his confidence with 21.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, including 31 points Monday and 26 against Minnesota on Wednesday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Lendeborg scores at least 25 points against the Lakers on Friday.
Oct 29
Jaylen Brown Denies Celtics Trade Demand
Jaylen Brown denied that he ever demanded a trade from the Celtics after Brian Scalabrine suggested otherwise. Brown told reporters Wednesday, “I never demanded a trade, never made a list of ultimatums. Nothing of the sort.” Boston traded Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George, and the Sixers are 4-1 after beating Indiana 114-109. Brown had 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block against the Pacers. He’s joining Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James and Joel Embiid on a loaded Philadelphia roster, while trying to win another title after getting one in Boston. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Jaylen Brown will be Philadelphia’s leading scorer in its next game.
Oct 29
Charles Lee Benches Naz Reid After Halftime
Charles Lee benched Naz Reid for the entire second half of Charlotte’s 97-89 loss to Detroit on Wednesday. Lee said Reid “didn't meet our standards” in the first half, despite Reid posting seven points, six rebounds and a block in 13 minutes. Royce O’Neale started the third quarter in his place as the Hornets gave up a 51-44 halftime lead. It’s a sharp message from Lee, especially after Charlotte acquired Reid in the LaMelo Ball trade this summer. Reid had averaged 19.5 points and 9.5 rebounds over his first four Hornets games, and his starting job doesn’t appear to be in danger. Charlotte gets Washington on Friday at 7 p.m. ET. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Naz Reid responds against the Wizards and is back in Charlotte’s closing lineup in the next game.
Oct 29
AJ Dybantsa Scores 19 In Wizards Debut
AJ Dybantsa scored 19 points in his NBA debut, but the Washington Wizards lost 121-111 to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. The No. 1 pick went 8-of-12 from the field, hit a lob dunk from Trae Young, and posted the most points by a Wizards rookie in a debut since 1992. Washington led 69-59 at halftime before Cleveland closed the game on a 13-2 run. The Wizards fell to 2-3 despite a season-high 31 assists. Their 8-of-32 shooting from three hurt them late. Cleveland moved to 3-1 and heads to Atlanta on Thursday, while Washington hosts Charlotte on Friday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Dybantsa scores 20-plus points against Charlotte and helps Washington snap its two-game losing streak.
Oct 29
Rudy Gobert Fires Back at Three Point Critic
Rudy Gobert fired back after a fan told him not to shoot another three for the Timberwolves following Minnesota’s 127-125 overtime loss to Cleveland on Monday. Gobert replied, “What you gonna do about it?” He missed both of his three-point attempts and finished with five points on 0-of-9 shooting, though he grabbed 20 rebounds. Gobert has never made a three in the NBA, going 0-for-24 across 14 seasons. His game has always lived around the rim, where he’s also built a Hall of Fame-level defensive resume with four Defensive Player of the Year awards. Minnesota is chasing a sixth straight playoff trip, and Gobert’s shot selection will stay under the microscope. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Gobert won’t attempt another three in Minnesota’s next game.
Oct 28
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Herb Jones Drawing Trade Interest
Herb Jones is barely playing as the Pelicans sit 0-3, despite New Orleans holding second-half leads in every loss, including a 23-point edge against Denver. Jones is at a career-low 17.0 minutes per game, and Shamit Dua reports teams are watching in case the Pelicans lower their asking price from nearly two first-round picks. New Orleans has reportedly turned down offers built around second-round picks, but Jones’ $14.9 million salary jumps to $20.8 million next year. Oklahoma City, Brooklyn and Golden State all make sense as possible landing spots, though the Pelicans may need to meet the market somewhere between two firsts and a pile of seconds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Herb Jones is traded before the deadline, and the Thunder land him for at least one first-round pick.
Oct 28
Kyrie Irving Drawing Trade Interest Around NBA
Several teams are monitoring Kyrie Irving as the 2026-27 season opens, ESPN’s Shams Charania said on the Pat McAfee Show. Irving is averaging 19.0 points on 51.2/32.0/100.0 shooting in his first three games back from a torn ACL. He’s making $39.5 million this season and holds a $42.4 million player option for 2027-28. Miami could be interested, but Charania doubts the Heat have enough to offer after sending three first-round picks, a swap and other assets for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Dallas is 2-2 and building around 19-year-old Cooper Flagg. If the Mavericks slide out of the West playoff picture, Irving talks could heat up before the Feb. 11 deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Kyrie Irving is traded before the Feb. 11 deadline.
Oct 28
Heat and Bam Adebayo Still Searching at 0 4
The Miami Heat are 0-4 after a rough start, and they posted a photo of Erik Spoelstra talking with Bam Adebayo with the caption, “Figuring it out.” Miami has not started 0-4 since Pat Riley’s final season as coach in 2007-08. The Heat’s minus-13.5 net rating is third worst in the NBA. The Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo pairing has been especially ugly, posting a minus-31.6 net rating in at least 70 minutes together. Bam is shooting 40.0 percent overall, 16.7 percent from three, and scoring 11.8 points per game. Miami gets its next shot at a win Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Miami snaps the losing streak against Atlanta, and Adebayo scores more than his 11.8-point season average.
Oct 28
Ernie Johnson Leaving Inside NBA in 2027
Ernie Johnson said Wednesday that he’ll step away from Inside the NBA after the 2026-27 season. He isn’t retiring. Johnson will still work March Madness and other TNT and CBS projects, while building his new production company, 32 Bowties. Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal reacted emotionally on the show, and Adam Silver praised Johnson’s 37 years as host. Johnson joined Turner Sports in 1989 and has become the steady hand behind Inside’s chaos. The six-time Sports Emmy winner will get one final season with the crew after the show’s move to ESPN. Replacing his balance, timing and ability to keep Shaq and Chuck moving will be a massive job. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Inside the NBA will use a rotating group of hosts after Johnson leaves, and none will fully lock down the chair by the end of the 2027-28 season.
Oct 28
Thunder Could Reunite With Former Player
The Thunder are down Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace indefinitely, and the injuries could push Oklahoma City toward a trade. ESPN’s Bobby Marks said the Thunder usually target players who fit their locker room and style, while Brian Windhorst hinted they could acquire someone who has already played there. Jared McCain and Ajay Mitchell started in Monday’s 125-114 win over the Suns. Mitchell had 30 points and five assists. McCain scored 18 with four assists and four threes. They can fill in, but OKC’s bench is thinner now, and the team has plenty of future picks to use. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Thunder trade for a former OKC player before the trade deadline to add depth behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
Oct 28
Warriors Pessimistic Kristaps Porzingis Will Return
The Warriors are preparing like Kristaps Porziņģis may never play for them again. ESPN's Anthony Slater reports an "extreme level of pessimism" inside the organization, while Golden State explores trades for the 31-year-old. Porziņģis has been out indefinitely since Oct. 14 because of a "health-related matter." He signed a two-year, $40 million deal in the offseason and is making $20 million this season. His 2027-28 player option is only guaranteed for $3 million until July 7, 2027, which could make his contract useful in a trade. Porziņģis played 15 games for Golden State last season, averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Warriors trade Porziņģis before the 2027 trade deadline.
Oct 28
Thunder Lose Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace
The NBA’s opening week has already brought wild games, huge comebacks, injuries and a lot of early surprises. Houston is 4-0 behind Alperen Şengün, Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet. The Lakers are scoring at a ridiculous rate with Luka Dončić carrying a 42.3 usage percentage. Meanwhile, the defending champion Knicks are winless, and Oklahoma City lost Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace to major injuries. There are real warning signs elsewhere. Miami is struggling after trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Denver has two double-digit losses, and the Nets are 0-3 while Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle dominate touches. Early records can lie, but injuries to Edwards, Williams, Wallace, Jaren Jackson Jr. and others could reshape the season fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Houston stays undefeated through its next game and takes over the early West conversation.
Oct 28
Dominique Wilkins Named Alabama State GM
Dominique Wilkins is Alabama State’s new college basketball general manager. The Hall of Famer joins the Hornets ahead of their season opener next Tuesday against Texas A&M, giving Chris Wright a huge name in the front office as he starts his first season as head coach. Alabama State reached the NCAA tournament in 2025 and won its first tournament game, beating Saint Francis in the First Four. Tony Madlock left after last season’s 10-22 record to become Memphis’ associate head coach. Wilkins played at Georgia, but his presence could still give the SWAC program a boost in recruiting and attention. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Alabama State will make the SWAC Tournament final in Wright’s first season.
Oct 28
Jaren Jackson Jr. Out Six To Eight Weeks
Jaren Jackson Jr. has a torn MCL in his right knee and will miss six to eight weeks, the Utah Jazz announced. ESPN's Shams Charania and Tim MacMahon reported he won't need surgery. Jackson got hurt Monday against Memphis after posting six points, three rebounds and two assists in 10 minutes. Lauri Markkanen also left that game with a wrist injury and is day-to-day. It's another rough break for Jackson, who was limited to three games last season after knee surgery. He opened this year averaging 19.7 points and 5.7 rebounds through three games. Utah will lean on Jaxson Hayes, Kyle Filipowski and Mo Bamba at center, with Bamba coming off 14 points, seven rebounds and four blocks against the Grizzlies. The 1-3 Jazz face the 1-2 Spurs on Wednesday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Mo Bamba keeps the starting center job through Jackson's return window.
Oct 27
Kawhi Leonard Out Weeks With Knee Swelling
Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss weeks with swelling in his left knee, Shams Charania reported. An MRI showed no structural damage, and the Raptors will reevaluate him in one week. Leonard missed Sunday’s loss to Minnesota after playing fewer than 30 minutes in each of Toronto’s first two games. Ja'Kobe Walter started in Leonard’s place against the Timberwolves. Toronto still has Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett for Wednesday’s home game against Orlando, but Kawhi’s availability will shape how high this team can climb in the East. He signed a two-year, $115 million extension in September. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Ja'Kobe Walter stays in Toronto’s starting lineup through Leonard’s reevaluation next week.
Oct 27
Jaylen Brown Denies Celtics Trade Demand
Jaylen Brown’s representative denied that Brown demanded a trade from the Celtics, calling the claim “10000% a lie,” according to ESPN’s Kris Rhim. Brian Scalabrine had said Brown pushed Boston to meet demands or trade him, with Milwaukee as his preferred spot. Brown instead landed in Philadelphia in the Paul George and draft-pick deal after Giannis Antetokounmpo went to Miami. Scalabrine later walked back the trade-demand wording, saying he didn’t know the exact ultimatum. Brown also stirred things up with a “cap” emoji after Jayson Tatum said he was caught off guard by the trade. Philly is 3-1 and Boston is 2-1, with their first meeting set for Nov. 10 in Philadelphia. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brown scores 25 or more in Philadelphia’s Nov. 10 win over Boston.
Oct 27