NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 31, 2026
Timberwolves, 76ers Lead NBA Cup Race
The Timberwolves, Mavericks, 76ers, Celtics and several other contenders opened NBA Cup play with wins Friday. Minnesota beat the Clippers by 26 without Anthony Edwards as Jaden McDaniels scored 23, LaMelo Ball had 24 and Rudy Gobert grabbed 13 rebounds. Dallas handed Houston its first loss behind Kyrie Irving’s 35 points and Cooper Flagg’s 33. Philadelphia also beat the Knicks for the second time this season, improving to 5-1. Tyrese Maxey scored 27, while LeBron James posted 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Boston handled Chicago behind Payton Pritchard’s 30 off the bench. The 76ers and Celtics already look like the East’s Cup favorites, while Minnesota has early control in West Group B. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The 76ers will beat Boston in their next matchup and take control of East Group B.
Stephen Curry Leads Warriors Past Luka Doncic
Stephen Curry scored 31 points and hit eight threes as the Warriors erased a 23-point first-quarter hole to beat the Lakers 112-95 Friday. Yaxel Lendeborg struggled in the Luka Dončić rematch, finishing with six points, one rebound and a late foul-out. “I wet the bed,” Lendeborg told reporters, while crediting teammates for having his back. Dončić scored 21 points in the first quarter as the Lakers jumped ahead 38-15, but Golden State won the final three quarters by 40. The Warriors have won three straight after starting 0-3, with wins over the Lakers, Nuggets and Timberwolves. They host the Clippers on Sunday looking for their first four-game streak since Jan. 13-19 last season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Golden State beats the Clippers Sunday, and Curry posts his third straight 30-point game.
Oct 31
Every NBA Team's Worst Recent Trade
The Hawks trading Luka Dončić for Trae Young and a first-round pick that became Cam Reddish still tops Atlanta’s list of trade regrets. Young made an All-Star team, but Dončić became the kind of franchise player teams spend decades trying to find, while Atlanta got only two playoff series wins in his eight-plus seasons. That deal is a reminder that draft-night fit can’t outweigh talent. Dončić arrived with a EuroLeague MVP, a EuroBasket title and an advanced offensive game already in place. Atlanta chose Young’s style and immediate fit, then watched Dončić turn into a superstar elsewhere. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Atlanta won’t win another playoff series before its next major roster shakeup.
Oct 31
Stephen Curry Passes Dominique Wilkins in Scoring
Stephen Curry passed Dominique Wilkins for No. 18 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list Friday night against the Lakers, reaching 26,669 career points. Curry is now ahead of Wilkins, Tim Duncan, Paul Pierce, John Havlicek and Kevin Garnett. Oscar Robertson is next at No. 17 with 26,710 points, just 41 ahead of Curry. DeMar DeRozan sits No. 16 with 26,763 and will keep adding to his total with the Denver Nuggets. Curry entered Friday averaging 28.8 points per game despite missing major time in his career, including all but five games in 2019-20. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Curry passes Oscar Robertson for 17th on the all-time scoring list in his next game.
Oct 31
Dillon Brooks Ejected for Kick on Murray
Dillon Brooks was ejected from Phoenix’s NBA Cup opener against Denver after officials ruled his kick to Jamal Murray’s groin was “unnecessary and excessive.” The play came with 8:05 left in the third quarter, and Brooks’ offensive foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2. He finished with 22 points in 21 minutes as the Suns trailed 84-76. Brooks was scorching before the exit, hitting 9 of 12 shots and 4 of 6 threes. Phoenix entered Saturday at 1-2, with Chris Haynes reporting “frustration” over the team’s by-committee offense instead of using a traditional point guard. The Suns return to NBA Cup play Nov. 20 in Salt Lake City. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brooks scores 20-plus again in Phoenix’s next game and keeps his spot as the Suns’ top perimeter scorer.
Oct 31
Jalen Brunson Jokes Josh Hart Is Old
Jalen Brunson joked that Josh Hart is “old as s--t” after Hart said the Knicks are feeling fatigue six games into defending their 2026 NBA title. New York opened NBA Cup play with a 98-93 loss to the 76ers, dropping to 2-4. Philadelphia has beaten the Knicks twice already. Hart said the team has to fight through the physical wear from playing until mid-June last season. He’s also dealing with a finger injury that can’t be repaired until he retires. The Knicks get a chance to reset Monday against the winless Nets. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Knicks beat Brooklyn on Monday and Hart plays a bigger closing role as New York snaps its skid.
Oct 31
Maxey and LeBron Lead Sixers Past Knicks
Tyrese Maxey scored 27 and LeBron James added 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists as the 76ers beat the Knicks 98-93 in their first NBA Cup game. Philadelphia closed on a 9-3 run after New York took a one-point lead with 1:32 left. Anfernee Simons gave the bench 21 points, while Jalen Brunson had 24 and Karl-Anthony Towns posted 22 points and 12 rebounds for New York. The Sixers improved to 5-1 and 1-0 in East Group B despite missing Jaylen Brown with left patellar tendinopathy. Maxey is averaging 28.4 points per game, and LeBron just had his best game in a Philadelphia jersey. New York is now 2-4 and heads home to face Brooklyn on Monday, while Philadelphia visits Charlotte on Saturday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Philadelphia extends its winning streak to three games by beating Charlotte on Saturday.
Oct 31
Chet Holmgren Out 8 To 10 Weeks
Chet Holmgren will miss eight to 10 weeks after a biological treatment on a patellar tendon tear in his right knee. Cason Wallace had left shoulder surgery and will be re-evaluated before the end of the 2026-27 regular season. They join Jalen Williams, who had surgery for a broken left fibula and dislocated left ankle. All three last played Oct. 25 against the Clippers. Oklahoma City is suddenly down three starters, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Hartenstein the only remaining opening-night starters. Alex Caruso is also out Saturday in Houston with a right ankle sprain. The Thunder can use a hardship exception after signing Ochai Agbaji, while Jared McCain, Ajay Mitchell and Kenrich Williams could get more run. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Ajay Mitchell will be in Oklahoma City’s starting lineup by the end of this month.
Oct 31
Steve Kerr Surprised By Porzingis Absence
Steve Kerr said the Warriors were caught off guard when Kristaps Porziņģis didn’t show up for training camp after summer conversations suggested things were fine. Porziņģis signed a two-year, $40 million deal this summer, but Golden State listed him out indefinitely with a health issue on Sept. 28 and later called it a “health-related matter.” Shams Charania reported Oct. 21 that the Warriors had begun exploring trades as Porziņģis seriously considers his basketball future while dealing with lingering POTS effects. Kerr said he checks in occasionally, but the coaching staff is moving ahead with Graham Ike and Charles Bassey getting more chances. Porziņģis has played 15 games for Golden State since arriving in the Feb. 4 trade from Atlanta. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Charles Bassey will earn the bigger center role and stay ahead of Graham Ike in the Warriors’ rotation by the end of this month.
Oct 30
Giannis Has Big Start, Heat Begin 1 4
Giannis Antetokounmpo is putting up 27.6 points, 11.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, but the Miami Heat are 1-4 to start the 2026-27 season. He has 125 points and 50 rebounds through five games, the first player to hit those marks with a new team while losing four of those games. Miami paid a huge price to get Giannis and Bobby Portis from Milwaukee in June, sending out Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, a swap and a second-rounder. The early issue is spacing. Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins are struggling from deep, and the starting five has a minus-30.1 net rating in 53 minutes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Klay Thompson will be out of Miami’s starting lineup before the end of November.
Oct 30
Thunder Reportedly Back Off Ochai Agbaji Signing
The Thunder have backed off plans to sign Ochai Agbaji, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports, as the team re-evaluates its open roster spot after Chet Holmgren’s knee injury. Oklahoma City had targeted Agbaji after Jalen Williams suffered a fractured left fibula and dislocated ankle, while Cason Wallace tore his labrum. Holmgren will be re-evaluated in eight to 10 weeks after biological treatment for a small patellar tendon tear. Agbaji, who last played with the Nets after stops in Utah and Toronto, has averaged 7.2 points across 263 NBA games. The Thunder now have to decide whether they need another wing, guard depth, or frontcourt help more. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Oklahoma City adds a frontcourt player to that open roster spot before Holmgren’s eight-to-10-week re-evaluation window ends.
Oct 30
Jalen Brunson Wins Philly Athlete Award
Jalen Brunson was named the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association’s 2026 Professional Athlete of the Year on Friday. The New Brunswick, New Jersey native starred at Villanova before leading the Knicks to their first championship since 1973 and winning NBA Finals MVP last season. Brunson will be honored Jan. 11, 2027, at the 122nd annual PSWA Awards Banquet. The Knicks won’t get much time to celebrate, with the 76ers adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to become one of their biggest threats this season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brunson and the Knicks will beat Philadelphia in their first matchup this season.
Oct 30
Thunder Eye Trey Murphy, Herb Jones
The Thunder are weighing trade options after Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace had surgery for injuries suffered against the Clippers on Oct. 25. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reports league executives see Pelicans wings Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones as possible targets, while Kings guard Nique Clifford is another name to watch. Clifford was originally drafted by Oklahoma City in 2025 before being sent to Sacramento. Sam Presti has eight first-round picks from 2027 through 2033, but Oklahoma City rarely parts with multiple picks and has major second-apron concerns ahead. New Orleans previously wanted “multiple first-round picks” for Murphy, while one executive called Herb Jones’ upcoming three-year, $67.6 million deal “a negative value contract.” The Thunder may first see what their young group can handle without Williams and Wallace. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Nique Clifford is back in Oklahoma City before the trade deadline.
Oct 30
Jalen Brunson Joins Law and Order SVU
Jalen Brunson is heading to Law & Order: SVU. A promo released Thursday shows the Knicks guard, and reigning NBA Finals MVP, playing Detective Madison alongside Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson. The episode airs Thursday, Nov. 5. Hargitay is a longtime Knicks fan and spent time with Brunson at Madison Square Garden during New York’s historic playoff run last season. Now their courtside connection is getting a TV crossover. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brunson’s SVU cameo becomes a bigger Knicks fan favorite than Detective Madison’s screen time deserves.
Oct 30
Kings Sticking With Doug Christie
The Kings are sticking with Doug Christie despite an 0-5 start and the West’s worst net rating. Sam Amick reports Sacramento’s front office believes Christie “deserves a fair chance to be evaluated” while the roster is shorthanded. Ben Simmons tore his Achilles before opening night, Maxime Raynaud is out with a knee injury, and Keegan Murray remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Christie is in the final guaranteed year of his deal, and the Kings can wait before deciding on their 2027-28 team option. The pressure is real after a 22-65 record since the start of 2025-26, but Darius Acuff Jr. has been a bright spot after dropping 34 points and 14 assists against New Orleans. Sacramento plays Memphis on Saturday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Darius Acuff Jr. will lead the Kings in minutes by the end of this month.
Oct 30
Thunder Target Herb Jones, Derrick Jones Jr.
Jalen Williams is out long term with a dislocated left ankle and broken fibula, while Cason Wallace is sidelined for months with a shoulder injury. Eric Pincus suggests Oklahoma City could chase Pelicans wing Herb Jones and Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. using trade exceptions, Thomas Sorber, two 2027 first-round picks, and second-rounders. Herb Jones would bring switchable defense and has fallen to 17 minutes per game in New Orleans. Derrick Jones Jr. adds another athletic wing defender on an expiring deal. The problem is cost: both moves would push Oklahoma City near $119 million in luxury-tax penalties and above the second apron. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Thunder make the cheaper Derrick Jones Jr. trade before the deadline and keep Herb Jones out of the $119 million tax bill.
Oct 30
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Rockets Rise Behind Alperen Sengun
Injuries have already flipped the 2026-27 NBA season, from Oklahoma City losing Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace to long-term issues to Minnesota losing Anthony Edwards for up to two months. The early power rankings still have Houston on top after quality wins over San Antonio, Dallas and Atlanta twice, while Boston, Philadelphia and San Antonio are right behind. Memphis is 5-0, Luka Dončić has the Lakers at 4-1, and Cooper Flagg is putting up huge numbers for Dallas. The Thunder's depth is getting its biggest test, while the Wolves now need LaMelo Ball to carry more offense. Houston looks real behind Alperen Şengün and a deep rotation, but the season is only a week old. Several teams are already trying to survive injuries before they can show who they really are. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Houston Rockets will finish October with the West’s best record.
Oct 30
Wembanyama, Holmgren Top NBA Beef Rankings
The NBA’s early 2026-27 season has already brought back real player beefs. Yaxel Lendeborg said he’d “lost all respect” for Luka Doncic after his debut, Jaylen Brown hit Jayson Tatum with a 🧢 emoji after Boston traded him to Philadelphia, and Dillon Brooks keeps trolling LeBron James through a Kalshi ad. The biggest clash is Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren after San Antonio ended Oklahoma City’s title defense in a Game 7. Wembanyama dunked on Holmgren early in that Game 7, then the Thunder and Spurs started scuffling again in their Oct. 20 opener. They’re young West contenders with recent playoff history, so this isn’t fading anytime soon. Draymond Green and Kevin Durant, plus Green and Rudy Gobert, still have history too, but the Spurs-Thunder tension is the one with the most on-court stakes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: San Antonio beats Oklahoma City again this month, and Wembanyama takes the West’s top rivalry crown for good.
Oct 30
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.
Oct 30
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