NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 25, 2025
Lakers' Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves Roast Each Other
Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves keep their bond light and loud. Dončić said "it's a lot of trash-talking, lot of fun, lot of jokes" and Reaves called it "Chaotic." Since Luka arrived last February the pair have clicked on and off the court. Dončić is putting up 34.1 points 8.8 assists and 8.6 rebounds, Reaves is at 27.3 points 6.5 assists and 5.4 rebounds, and the Lakers are 19-9 heading into Christmas against Houston. Merlin sees the ribbing as team glue. Chemistry like this lets star play breathe and role players thrive under pressure. With LeBron anchoring the floor and Dončić playing MVP level basketball, Reaves gives the Lakers an added spark. The Christmas game will show if their jokes turn into consistent wins. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers finishing in the top three in the Western Conference this season: 40%.
Knicks' Dream of DiVincenzo Return Fades
Ian Begley of SNY reports Knicks fans hoping for Donte DiVincenzo to return should temper expectations. Begley said New York "would love to have" him back, but any deal is "highly unlikely." To make a move the Knicks would have to trade Josh Hart or Mitchell Robinson; the team is not trading Hart and sending Robinson out for a non big makes little sense. DiVincenzo helped the 2023 24 Knicks and now sits on a Minnesota team in playoff mode, so a deadline swap looks scarce. Merlin sees the roster math and the playoff chessboard. New York has created the spacing DiVincenzo loves, but the front office chose Karl Anthony Towns over keeping depth. Minnesota values a playoff ready role player more than draft assets. Expect silence at the deadline and a possible reunion only if circumstances change in summer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Donte DiVincenzo returning to the Knicks at the Feb. 5 trade deadline: 10%.
Dec 24
Kerr Stands Firm Keeps Draymond Green In Warriors Starting Five
Merlin sees a simple but telling scene in Golden State. Draymond Green told Steve Kerr "I'll go to the bench if you need me to," yet Kerr answered "That's not even a consideration for me right now." The coach is sticking with a starting five he calls exciting, because he wants Green beside Steph Curry. The Warriors sit 15 and 15 with a top three defense but a 20th ranked offense, so lineup tweaks hover in every staff meeting. Merlin notes the balance. At 35 and averaging 8.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists, Green still shapes identity more than box score. Moving him could help bench scoring but would risk the Curry Green chemistry that fuels their offense and defense. For now Kerr prefers continuity unless form or injury forces a change. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Draymond moving to the bench this season: 20%.
Dec 24
Luka Doncic Austin Reaves Bromance Sparks Lakers Christmas
Merlin sees Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves forging a quick friendship built on friendly wagers and constant competition. Doncic admits "I'm ducking him" when it comes to golf, while the pair argue over a bowling night where Doncic says "I won" and Reaves insists "I'm 3 to 0." Their back and forth ranges from foosball to cards and even a Vikings versus Cowboys bet. That spark off the court will be worth watching when the Lakers face the Rockets on Christmas Day. Merlin thinks this kind of bond matters. Playful rivalry builds trust and toughness in late game moments, and a teammate who pushes you in darts or bowling can push you on the court too. Still, small gaps in skills will show up, so chemistry will need real work to turn into wins. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of the Lakers beating the Rockets on Christmas Day: 60%.")
Dec 24
Kerr Calls Warriors Fading Dynasty Amid Draymond Spat
Merlin sees Steve Kerr speaking plainly about a team in flux. Kerr called Golden State "a fading dynasty" and confirmed a heated exchange with Draymond Green that left Green sitting out the final 20 minutes after he "made his decision to go back to the locker room to cool off." Kerr said they had a "good chat," apologized to each other and the team, and voiced that "I want nothing more than" for Green to finish his career in Golden State. Merlin notes the scoreboard matches the talk. At 15 15 and eighth in the West, the Warriors still have star power in Stephen Curry and Green, but margins are thin. If the apology turns into steady leadership and health holds, Golden State can still chase a playoff spot. If not, the cracks could widen quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Draymond Green finishing his career with the Warriors: 70%.
Dec 24
Kerr and Draymond Green Apologize After Bench Spat
Merlin sees Steve Kerr and Draymond Green publicly patching a bench blowup that stole the spotlight from a 120 to 97 victory over the Magic. Green left in the third quarter and did not return. Kerr admitted "Monday was not my finest hour" and said he and Green "apologized to the team." Green kept details private, saying "Tempers spilled over, and I thought it was best that I get out of there." Merlin remembers similar ruptures with Kevin Durant in 2019 and Jordan Poole in 2022 that echoed long after the dust settled. Kerr calling the Warriors "a fading dynasty" and Stephen Curry noting "the vibes of the questions are a little bit more negative than they should be" add weight to the moment. Green is a core veteran. If trust rebuilds fast the club stays dangerous. If not, the old cracks could widen. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds this spat becomes a season long issue: 25%.
Dec 24
Jayson Tatum Vows 2025 26 Celtics Comeback
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports that Jayson Tatum "is determined to play" in 2025 26 after undergoing surgery for a ruptured right Achilles on May 13. He was initially expected to miss eight to nine months but was back in on court workouts about four months after surgery and "hadn't yet eliminated the possibility he could return this year." Boston sits 18 11 in the East, which could accelerate a return if he is cleared. Merlin sees the balance between urgency and patience. Tatum averaged 26.8 points 8.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists last regular season and was even stronger in the playoffs, and the Celtics leaned on Jaylen Brown while Tatum continues rehab and team travel. He has said he feels "no pressure to return back any sooner than when I'm 100 percent healthy," and rushing could cost Boston more than a few games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Tatum returning this season: 35%.
Dec 24
Tyrese Maxey Rocks Unreleased New Balance in Sixers Loss
Tyrese Maxey turned heads by debuting an unreleased pair of New Balance sneakers during Tuesday night’s 114 106 home loss to the Nets. He scored just 13 points in that game, but still sits third in the NBA at 31.0 points per game. The Sixers are 16 12 as Maxey readies to face the Bulls on Friday. Merlin senses a young star juggling spotlight and responsibility. The shoe reveal underlines Maxey’s rising market value, yet one quiet night can expose a team that still needs consistency. Philadelphia will look to him for a return to form and steady leadership as they try to convert potential into wins. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Tyrese Maxey scoring 30 or more against the Bulls on Friday: 60%.
Dec 24
Lakers Star Luka Doncic Headlines Jordan Brand Luka 5s
Luka Dončić spent the festive season making amends as Jordan Brand dropped the Luka 5 on Christmas Eve. The release video features Dončić delivering mock apologies to retired insider Adrian Wojnarowski, former center Boban Marjanović and referees, and fans can buy the Luka 5 starting Jan. 8. The stunt is a clear personality play that builds buzz ahead of the launch and keeps Luka squarely in the conversation beyond the court. Merlin sees the move as smart theater. Turning chatter into charm lets Luka and Jordan Brand control the narrative, while the playful jabs guarantee headlines and resale interest. For a player already central to the league s marketing, the Luka 5 will be as much a cultural moment as a shoe drop. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Luka 5 selling out on release day: 85%.
Dec 24
Dillon Brooks Torches Lakers as Suns Rout
Merlin sees the Lakers slip into an odd chapter after a 132 108 loss to the Suns. At 19 9 they sit fourth in the West, yet all nine losses have been by double digits, the first time in 35 years. JJ Redick blamed effort, saying "We practice this stuff enough" and "it's making the choice." Phoenix shot 58.8 percent and hit 14 threes while Dillon Brooks led the way with a game high 25 points. Merlin notes the deeper wound is defense. Los Angeles ranks 24th in defensive rating at 117.6, and Austin Reaves flatly said "I think it's just a guard with five people every possession." With LeBron no longer the same two way force and opposing teams keying on Luka Dončić, trades before Feb 5 could help but fixes are not guaranteed. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers finishing top three in the West this season: 25%.
Dec 24
James Nnaji Heads to Baylor, Pistons Take Note
James Nnaji, the Nigerian center Detroit picked 31st in the 2023 draft who has been playing in Europe, is enrolling at Baylor and is doing so "with an eye toward suiting up for the Bears this season," according to DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony. The move shifts his development into the American college spotlight and could accelerate his path back toward the NBA while giving Baylor a long, athletic rim presence. Merlin sees a simple story of refinement. Baylor offers coaching, exposure and a cleaner showcase for scouts. If Nnaji lands on the floor, Baylor gets size and he gets a platform to prove he belongs in the next chapter. Eligibility and timing are the remaining spells to be cast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of James Nnaji suiting up for Baylor this season: 70%.
Dec 24
LeBron Reigns Quarter Century, Curry Is Best Shooter
Bleacher Report assembled All Quarter Century teams covering 2000-01 through 2024-25, crowning LeBron James as the era's best player and naming Stephen Curry the clear best shooter. The staff also handed specialty honors like Vince Carter as best dunker and Gregg Popovich as top coach. Their write up even said "it'd be hard to volunteer anyone but Stephen Curry with a straight face." Merlin sees an era remade by spacing and versatility. LeBron and Nikola Jokić show how playmaking and scoring can coexist at an elite level, while Curry rewrote the math on shooting with volume and efficiency that added nearly 1,879 extra points versus average. The list reads like a map of how roles, coaching and shot selection changed the game for a quarter century. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Stephen Curry is universally regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history by 2030: 95%.
Dec 24
Nikola Jokic Hails Cooper Flagg's Historic 33 9 9
Merlin sees rookie Cooper Flagg steal the spotlight. In a 131 130 win over the Nuggets he recorded 33 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to hit those numbers and joining Jason Kidd and Luka Doncic as the only Mavericks rookies with that kind of box score. Even Nikola Jokic took notice, saying "He was definitely a hot hand out there" and praising Flagg for playing with rare calm. Merlin senses more than a one game flash. That stat line and Jokic’s praise point to a player who already looks comfortable in pressure moments. If Dallas leans into his talent and keeps him in key minutes, Flagg could reshape the rookie race and the Mavericks’ ceiling. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg winning Rookie of the Year this season: 65%.
Dec 24
Cooper Flagg Tops Rookie Class as Hornets Pelicans Shine
Merlin sees the 2025 rookie class already reshaping the league after two months. Cooper Flagg is posting LeBron like early numbers at 18.8 points 6.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists and has quieted early doubts. Charlotte nailed its draft with Kon Knueppel leading rookies in scoring while Ryan Kalkbrenner and others provide real depth. New Orleans looks suddenly alive thanks to Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. VJ Edgecombe, Will Richards and Maxime Raynaud have also stood out. Several teams lean on G League minutes and injuries have sidelined key picks like Noa Essengue and Thomas Sorber. Houston has no rookie on its roster. Merlin notes the story is still young. Minutes, shot development and health will rewrite these grades. Flagg looks the most likely to carry a team headline to the finish, but surprises from role players could upend the race. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg winning Rookie of the Year this season: 65%.
Dec 24
Luka Doncic Out Sparks Suns Rout of Lakers
The Suns rolled past the Lakers 132 108 while Luka Dončić sat out with a calf contusion. Devin Booker had 21 points and 11 assists, Dillon Brooks scored 25, and Mark Williams added 18 and nine rebounds. Los Angeles, also missing Rui Hachimura and with Austin Reaves in a smaller role, could not stop Phoenix, which exploded for 45 third quarter points and exploited the Lakers defense that ranks 23rd. Merlin sees this as a warning light more than a surprise. Phoenix got hot from deep and Booker opened the floor, while the Lakers’ injuries and defensive lapses showed how thin the roster is. Health and defensive fixes will decide if Los Angeles recovers when they hope Dončić returns on Christmas. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers winning on Christmas if Dončić returns: 60%.
Dec 24
Cooper Flagg Outduels Nikola Jokic as Mavericks Win
Merlin sees a holiday thriller. Dallas beat Denver 131 130 after Nikola Jokić found Peyton Watson for a corner three that rimmed out on the final possession. Rookie Cooper Flagg was the star with 33 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, and Anthony Davis added 31. Jokić still filled the stat sheet with 29 points and 14 assists, but the last pass did not fall and the Nuggets slipped to 21 8 while the Mavericks improved to 12 19. Merlin senses emerging identities. Flagg announced himself with scoring, playmaking and physicality, while Jokić showed why he is a three time MVP, taking over the third quarter with masterful passing. Injuries have thinned both rosters, so depth and durability will shape the rematch stories to come. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg making the All Star team this season: 35%.
Dec 24
Cameron Johnson Knee MRI Alarms Denver Nuggets
Cameron Johnson will undergo an MRI after hurting his right knee late in Tuesday’s game, the Nuggets said. He exited with 9:18 left and did not return, listed as "questionable with a right knee sprain." That loss stings more because Denver is already without Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, and Johnson’s 11.8 points and 42.3 percent from deep are key to keeping space for Nikola Jokic. Without him the Nuggets fell 131 130 when Peyton Watson’s final corner three rimmed out. Merlin sees how fragile margins are. Jokic and Jamal Murray delivered big nights, but spacing is the quiet engine of Denver’s offense. A minor sprain and the team weathers it. A worse diagnosis forces unfamiliar late game roles and could tilt tight contests against them. The MRI will shape the next chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Johnson missing more than two weeks: 40%.
Dec 24
Ben Simmons Buys Into South Florida Sails Eyes NBA Return
Ben Simmons quietly bought a stake in the South Florida Sails Angling Club as he treads the waters toward a possible NBA return. He said, "I have always believed that investing in what you love means you have a responsibility to help move it forward." The move comes after a 2024 25 season split between Brooklyn and Los Angeles, lingering back issues and low counting numbers, and his comment that he hopes to be on a roster "maybe halfway through this year, if not next season." Merlin sees more than a fishing hobby. Ownership signals planning beyond the court and a desire to control the narrative while rehabbing. Teams weighing his talent and health might view this as maturity or as evidence he is diversifying away from a playing first focus. Either way the oracle expects interest to materialize if his body and timing align. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ben Simmons signing with an NBA roster by midseason this year: 45%.
Dec 24
Luka Doncic Out Vs Suns Could Play Christmas Vs Rockets
Merlin sees Luka Dončić ruled out for Tuesday’s game vs the Phoenix Suns with a left calf contusion, though ESPN’s Dave McMenamin says there is still “a very real possibility” he will play Thursday on Christmas against the Houston Rockets. The Lakers plan “some sort of wrap or perhaps padding” to protect his leg. Dončić leads the NBA at 35.2 points per game and his absence deepens a roster already missing Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura. Saturday he left the Clippers game after being “visibly limping” and finished with 12 points in 20 minutes after starting 0 for 16. Merlin notes this echoes a similar October contusion that cost him time. If he returns on Christmas expect limited minutes and cautionary protection while the Lakers try to get healthier around him. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Luka Dončić suits up on Christmas vs the Rockets: 65%.
Dec 23
Draymond Green Walks Out on Steve Kerr No Discipline
Merlin sees a spark between Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr that boiled over during a third quarter timeout, sending Green to the locker room. He did not play the final 20 minutes of Golden State’s 120 to 97 win over Orlando. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported Green spoke with GM Mike Dunleavy Jr and "I don't expect there to be any further discipline." Kerr said Green "had it out a little bit" and "made his decision to go back to the locker room to cool off." Green called it about basketball, saying "Tempers spilled over" and he wants to "move forward." Merlin notes Green, now in his 14th season, remains a key voice as the Warriors sit at 15 wins and 15 losses. Kerr said the team "need Draymond" on the court. This felt like a familiar flare of intensity rather than a full rupture. If managed calmly it will likely pass, but repeated flashes could strain a team already searching for consistency. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Draymond being suspended this season: 10%.
Dec 23
Jerami Grant Trade Watch: Lakers Bucks Cavaliers
Merlin sees Portland wing Jerami Grant drawing steady trade interest as the Feb 5 deadline nears. Jake Fischer reports "external curiosity persists about Portland's willingness to part with" Grant. After a bounce back year he is averaging 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists while hitting 38.9 percent from three. The Lakers, Bucks and Cavaliers are all mentioned as likely landing spots. Merlin notes Portland is 12 17 and still in rebuild mode, so moving a veteran for future assets fits the club story. Grant is a two way minded wing who helps on both ends of the floor and would boost a title chase or shore up injured contenders. If he keeps producing and stays healthy, the heat around him will grow as teams sharpen offers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jerami Grant being traded by Feb 5: 60%.
Dec 23
Clippers Won't Trade James Harden or Kawhi Leonard
Merlin sees Los Angeles faltering. The Clippers began 7 wins and 21 losses, yet sources tell Jake Fischer the team is not planning to make James Harden or Kawhi Leonard available right now. Harden is producing 25.8 points 8.2 assists and 5.2 rebounds after signing a two year 81.5 million deal; Leonard is at 25.2 points but has missed 10 games and is signed through 2027. Still, one executive expects Harden "to wind up in trade play at some point this winter" and talk of accelerating cap plans persists. Merlin knows roster stories are written in both box scores and balance sheets. A scout calls Harden "maybe a neutral value" and Leonard "negative value." Age and injury history complicate any market. The Clippers can cling to veterans and hope chemistry heals or turn toward youth and cap flexibility. The calm now feels fragile. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Clippers trade either Harden or Leonard this season: 30%.
Dec 23
Guard Carousel Brewing: Morant Young Ball Garland Harden
Multiple star point guards are drawing serious trade chatter as the deadline approaches. Jake Fischer reports Ja Morant, Trae Young, LaMelo Ball, Darius Garland and James Harden "all are being monitored in various front offices." Morant has been the flashpoint after a suspension and saying he "did not have joy playing basketball," while Cleveland’s heavy payroll makes Garland a candidate to move. Merlin senses a slow burn, not a whirlwind. Ball brings upside but carries injury risk, Young looks unlikely to be shopped according to Michael Scotto, Harden may stay put in Los Angeles, and Morant’s form and recent calf time lower his market value. Expect targeted calls rather than blockbuster panic. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of at least one of these five point guards being traded by the deadline: 45%.
Dec 23
Ben Simmons Targets Midseason NBA Comeback
Ben Simmons remains unsigned but intends to keep playing. He told Marc J. Spears that "the original time we were just approaching a lot of my rehab wrong," citing mobility and a nerve running from his back into his leg. He hopes to return "maybe halfway through this year, if not next season." Simmons says he can play now but wants to thrive, not merely occupy a roster spot. Merlin sees a talented veteran at a fork in the road. At 29 years old Simmons still carries All Star and All Defensive cachet and could help teams needing size and playmaking. The real test is whether a new rehab approach turns availability into impact. If he nails that, the league will take notice; if not, questions will remain. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ben Simmons signing with an NBA team this season: 45%.
Dec 23
Celtics Could Flip Anfernee Simons At Deadline
The Celtics are weighing what to do with guard Anfernee Simons ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, with Jake Fischer reporting Boston "could very well elect to keep Simons." His $27.7 million expiring salary gives flexibility, and the team would ideally flip him for a rotational upgrade that also lowers the luxury tax. Simons has not raised his stock, averaging 13 points and shooting 36.9 percent from three. Merlin sees a club caught between prudence and ambition. Boston trimmed payroll and tax exposure and sits third in the East, so Brad Stevens will not accept a weak offer just to clear salary. If a true frontcourt upgrade shows up at fair cost, the move will come. Otherwise Simons remains useful now and as cap relief later. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Celtics trading Simons before Feb 5: 30%.
Dec 23