NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 8, 2025
Bronny James' Late Cameo in Painful Lakers Loss
Merlin sees Bronny James finish the last seven minutes of a 126 105 loss in Boston as another small chapter in a slow season. With Luka Dončić out for personal reasons and LeBron sidelined by sciatica and foot joint arthritis, the Lakers were buried early and Bronny offered five points on 2 of 3 shooting, one assist, one steal and two turnovers, including a turnover into the Celtic bench. Fans were unimpressed and his season line sits at 32.3 percent from the field and 2.0 points in roughly 10 minutes across 13 games. Merlin remembers the promise behind the numbers. Bronny still has the G League resume to prove his scoring and playmaking instincts, and flashes like a clean dunk and a timely steal show the tools. The NBA game is harder and patience and coaching will matter more than a single quiet night. This is development, not a destiny. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Bronny becoming a regular rotation player by season end: 30%.
LeBron James Closing In On Kareem Win Record
LeBron James moved into second place all time in regular season wins with 1,015 after the Lakers beat the 76ers, passing Robert Parish. He needs 59 more wins to catch Kareem Abdul Jabbar at 1,074. Those close to James "have insisted that he remains undecided" on retirement, a key unknown as he chases another milestone. On Sunday he scored a season high 29 points with seven rebounds and six assists, showing he can still deliver big moments even while his season averages sit below his peak. Merlin senses the path is clear but not assured. With Los Angeles 17 6 and support from Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, James could gather the wins if he chooses to play at least one more full season and stays healthy. The question is desire as much as durability. If he keeps showing flashes like Sunday, history is only a matter of time. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of LeBron passing Kareem for most regular season wins in his career: 60%.")
Dec 8
Luka Doncic Triple Double, LeBron Leads Lakers Past 76ers
Luka Doncic posted a triple double with 31 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists as LeBron James scored 29 to lift the Lakers to a 112 108 road win over Joel Embiid and the 76ers. Los Angeles rallied after a half time deficit, outscoring Philadelphia by 10 in the third, and improved to 17 6, while the 76ers fell to 13 10. Tyrese Maxey had 28 and Embiid 16, but Philly could not hold the lead as Los Angeles starters carried the load and the bench managed only two points. Merlin sees a team finding balance when its elders take charge. Doncic looked a bit off from the field at 9 of 24 yet still filled the stat sheet, and LeBron remains a force of nature. The bench is a worry, but momentum and chemistry now tilt toward the Lakers as they head into a softer stretch. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers beating San Antonio on Wednesday: 75%.
Dec 7
Jonathan Kuminga Benched as Warriors Dominate Bulls
Jonathan Kuminga sat out as the Warriors cruised to a 123 to 91 win over the Bulls, a clear sign his role is shrinking. Steve Kerr called the situation "all that stuff is private" and noted other players fit Jimmy Butler better while praising Gui Santos. Kuminga has gone from frequent 30 minute outings early in the year to under 25 minutes in recent games, and his new deal with a club option for 2026 to 27 leaves his long term status unclear. Merlin senses a story he has seen before. Kuminga flashes star power yet struggles with steady impact, and a short length contract acts like a clock on patience. Golden State can hold him as a high ceiling reserve or trade him for a more reliable fit. For now he is a talented question mark on the bench. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded this season: 60%.
Dec 7
Ja Morant Trade Talks With Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have quietly weighed Ja Morant as a trade target, with Jake Fischer reporting Miami "have had internal discussions about" how their infrastructure could benefit him. Morant has been wrapped in drama since a suspension over comments about Memphis coaching that reportedly had "voices were raised" in the locker room. He is off to a poor start this season, shooting 35.9 percent and sidelined with a calf strain, so his trade value is murky and rival executives are openly wary. Merlin sees Miami as a tempting refuge for a player who needs repair more than a reset. The Heat offer structure, medical care and a hard nosed culture that could restore Morant if he can settle. But the risks are real: injury, dips in play and a big contract make this a gamble for any contender. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded to Miami this season: 18%.
Dec 7
Giannis Antetokounmpo Deadline: Bucks or Knicks?
Merlin sees a clear deadline arriving for the Milwaukee Bucks. League talk says Giannis Antetokounmpo may only have until the end of the 2025 26 season before he needs to be on a team he thinks can win a title by the start of the 2026 27 season. Reports link him strongly to the New York Knicks, and Giannis called trade talk "like temptation." Doc Rivers pushed back with "there's been no conversations," even as Giannis averages 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists through 17 games and sits out with a right calf injury. Merlin senses urgency. With a 10 win 15 loss start, a looming Feb. 5 trade deadline and ongoing talks between Giannis and his agent, Milwaukee must show a clear plan or risk watching the calendar decide for them. New York waits, ready to pounce if the Bucks falter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 30%.
Dec 7
Magic Star Franz Wagner Out With Left Leg Injury
Franz Wagner was ruled out for the rest of Sunday’s game after a lower left leg injury on an alley oop attempt that left him on the floor in visible pain. The Magic said he will be re evaluated when the team returns to Orlando and that "he will undergo an MRI." Wagner averages 23.4 points and his absence is a major blow for a 14 9 club. Merlin sees cruel timing. Orlando is trying to build on consecutive playoff seasons and Paolo Banchero just returned from a groin issue. The MRI will tell the tale, but a prolonged absence would test the roster and could shift the balance in a wide open East as the Magic try to keep their momentum. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Franz Wagner misses more than two weeks: 40%.
Dec 7
Undrafted Pat Spencer Carries Warriors Past Cavs
Pat Spencer, an undrafted third‑year guard, scored 19 points and handed out seven assists to lift Golden State to a 99-94 road win at Cleveland with several stars sidelined (Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Al Horford). Spencer exploded for 12 points and two assists in the final 8:06 — including back‑to‑back threes that turned an 82-77 edge into 88-77 — and iced the game from the line. His recent surge (17.3 points and 5.7 assists over three games) matters because the Warriors need dependable depth while key players recover. Merlin senses that Spencer’s unusual journey from college lacrosse to the NBA is paying off at a perfect time. He’s playing with poise and could buy Golden State crucial margin, but tougher defensive tests will reveal if this is a lasting role or a hot streak. A trip to Chicago is the next proving ground. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Spencer remains a regular rotation piece through the end of the month: 65%.
Dec 7
Davis, Flagg Propel Mavericks Past Durant, Rockets
Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis powered the Dallas Mavericks to a 122-109 home win over Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets. Davis finished with 29 points and eight rebounds on 14-of-19 shooting, Flagg added 19 with five boards, two steals and two blocks, and Brandon Williams scored 20 off the bench. The Mavs rallied from a tied halftime, outscored Houston by 17 in the third, and improved to 9-16 after winning four of five. Merlin sees this as a confidence spark more than a turning point. Davis answered a poor night with efficient aggression, and Flagg’s two-way play hints at a rising young core. Dallas still needs health and lineup consistency to climb the West; Houston’s slide on the back-to-back is a reminder that standing pat won’t guarantee order. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs this season: 28%.
Dec 7
Clippers' James Harden Overtakes Carmelo, Joins NBA Top 10
Merlin sees James Harden climb another rung of the pantheon: Saturday he scored the 28,290th point of his career, passing Carmelo Anthony for No. 10 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Harden called the moment “No way that I got the opportunity to be a part of this list,” and it matters because it cements a career built on volume, craft and longevity — notable for a player who began his career coming off the bench and still averaged 26.5 points and 8.4 assists this season at age 36. Merlin notes the gap to No. 9 (Shaq) is catchable if Harden keeps his current role and health; the Clippers’ usage, his efficiency and veteran feel make another climb believable. This is a celebration of durability as much as talent — a scorer who keeps rewriting his ledger. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Harden reaches No. 9 before the end of 2025-26: 65%.
Dec 6
Warriors' Stephen Curry Likely Back Friday vs Timberwolves
Stephen Curry is on the mend from a thigh (quad) contusion, and coach Steve Kerr called it "it's realistic" that Curry could return next Friday against the Timberwolves. At 37, Curry has still been elite — 27.9 points and 39.1% from three — and his availability matters because the Warriors slipped to 10-10 amid a tough early schedule and other aches around the roster. Merlin sees the pulse of the team: Curry’s return would lift the offense and stabilize a club that “has a shot to make some noise” in the West, but this season will hinge on careful load management and health around players like Jonathan Kuminga. If Curry comes back smartly and stays steady, Golden State’s championship window stays open; if not, the climb grows much steeper. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Warriors make the playoffs this season: 60%.
Dec 6
Luka Doncic Welcomes Daughter Olivia; Lakers Await Return
Merlin sees the mystery: Luka Dončić missed two games for personal reasons because he and fiancée Anamaria Goltes welcomed their daughter Olivia, a birth the couple announced on Instagram. The Lakers had listed him out after Dec. 1; coach JJ Redick said his return will be "soon" and "possibly as early as Sunday" against the 76ers. The news matters because Dončić is leading the NBA in scoring (35.3) and the Lakers sit 16-6, third in the West — his availability directly shifts their ceiling. Merlin notes this is a gentle pause in a brilliant first full Lakers season — a family moment that also arrives at a convenient schedule hinge (road trip ending, five home games starting Christmas). Expect careful load management: the team wants him back, but healthy and focused. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Luka plays vs 76ers on Sunday: 75%.
Dec 6
Giannis' Instagram Purge Sparks Bucks-Knicks Trade Talk
Merlin sees Giannis quietly reshaping his public life more than plotting an exit. The two-time MVP told Chris Haynes he wants "to run through the wall, and make things work," and has deleted many Instagram posts — including photos of friends and family — after taking Michael B. Jordan’s advice about controlling your image. Talks between Giannis, his agent and the Bucks continue, with the Knicks the only other team confirmed to draw his interest; Giannis has not publicly asked for a trade. Merlin notes the truth sits between image control and leverage: the Bucks’ cap turmoil, ruined draft flexibility and slump (Giannis now out 2–4 weeks with a calf strain) make both staying and moving plausible. This purge is a signal of reinvention, not a definitive farewell — but the winds are shifting. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Dec 6
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder Rout Mavericks 132-111
Merlin sees the Thunder rip through the Mavericks 132-111, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pouring in 33 points, five rebounds and six assists as OKC improved to 22-1 and a league-best mark. Dallas fell to 8-16; Cooper Flagg scored 16 but offered limited impact elsewhere, and fans blasted the Mavericks after starters sat with 7:44 left while Oklahoma City cruised to a 24-point fourth-quarter lead and a perfect 11-0 home record. Merlin knows this matters: the Thunder’s balance and home dominance turn a hot start into a credible title whisper, and SGA’s steady ceiling strengthens an MVP storyline. For Dallas, Flagg’s flashes are promising, but the Mavericks need veteran support and effort on consecutive nights if they hope to stop the slide. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning MVP this season: 35%.
Dec 6
Chris Paul Eyes NBA Return After Clippers Split
Chris Paul hasn’t ruled out a comeback after the Clippers’ abrupt split. He told Chris Haynes, “I’m just staying ready. I’m hooping right now,” and admitted, “I don’t [know] what’s next. I’m still scarred by it all… But I’m staying ready.” The Clippers said they are “parting ways” and will “work with him on the next step of his career,” but roster and salary rules complicate any immediate move: he can’t be traded until Dec. 15, waiving him carries cap costs, and the Jan. 7 deadline for partially guaranteed deals could open spots for suitors. Merlin sees this as equal parts emotion and chess. At 40 Paul still offers elite playmaking and veteran calm, but teams will time interest around roster math and the Jan. 7 churn. Whether this ends in a retirement, a midseason locker-room lift, or a calculated pickup depends on Paul’s desire and front offices’ cap patience. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul returning this season: 30%.
Dec 5
Kevin Durant Hits 31,000, Rockets Take Revenge Over Suns
Kevin Durant made history while leading the Houston Rockets to a 117-98 win over his former team, the Phoenix Suns in a true "revenge game." Durant poured in 28 points on 65% shooting with four rebounds, eight assists and three steals, becoming the eighth player to reach the 31,000-point milestone in regular-season play. Phoenix was without Devin Booker (right groin strain; re-evaluated Dec. 10), and Dillon Brooks paced the Suns with 23. Merlin sees more than a milestone — he sees a team finding identity. Houston (15-5) combined Durant’s steady scoring with strong defense (Phoenix managed just 14 third-quarter points) and contributions from Amen Thompson. That balance makes the Rockets dangerous, but tomorrow’s second night of a back-to-back in Dallas will reveal if this is lasting momentum or a bright moment. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Rockets beat the Mavericks on the second night of a back-to-back: 40%.
Dec 5
Griffin Calls Out Clippers After Chris Paul Exit
Blake Griffin called the Clippers’ surprise release of Chris Paul “disappointing,” saying he was shocked that Paul — who "brought a winning culture" to L.A. — had no conversations with coach Ty Lue or owner Steve Ballmer about the move. That lack of communication matters because Paul is more than a backup guard; his departure highlights internal friction and a swift, public reshaping of the roster that reverberates through the locker room. Merlin sees the split as both personal and practical. Reports say Paul’s leadership “clashed” with staff, and his on-court numbers (2.9 points, 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes) were minimal; yet optics bite harder than stats. The Clippers may have fixed a fit, but they risk alienating veterans and fans — and Paul’s next step (retirement or a soft landing) will be watched like a spell being cast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Chris Paul signs with another NBA team this season: 25%.
Dec 5
Giannis, Bucks Hit by Calf Setback — Out 2–4 Weeks
Merlin sees Doc Rivers confirm Giannis Antetokounmpo will need roughly four weeks to recover from a right calf strain suffered early versus Detroit, with Rivers urging that "we should learn is with calves — make sure they're healthy." Shams Charania had pegged the absence at two to four weeks; Giannis also missed time earlier this season with a left groin issue. Losing a 28.9/10.1/6.1 player who shoots 63.9% immediately forces lineup and minutes changes for a 10-13 Bucks club. Merlin senses this stretch could define Milwaukee’s next moves: Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis will see bigger roles, coaching will manage Giannis’ load, and the injury — amid trade-talk about his future — could accelerate roster choices or sharpen Giannis’ thinking. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 25%.
Dec 5
LeBron Ruled Out vs. Celtics — Foot Arthritis Sidelines King
LeBron James has been ruled out for Friday’s matchup at Boston with "left foot joint arthritis" and lingering sciatica, Shams Charania reports. That absence matters: James is the Lakers’ engine, his veteran minutes are being managed this season and his streak of 10+ point games just ended. Austin Reaves will carry the offensive load while Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber and Jake LaRavia see expanded roles against a hostile TD Garden crowd. Merlin sees the season as a long chess match with LeBron’s body as a key piece that must be preserved. At 40 and in his 23rd year, James’ minutes will be rationed and the Lakers will lean on structure and depth rather than heroics. This is a test of coaching, bench resilience and whether role players can tilt a tight contest. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers winning at Boston tonight: 35%.
Dec 5
Lakers' LeBron James Jokes About $5.2M Rookie Card
LeBron James recently learned his most expensive trading card — a 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection RPA parallel — sold for $5.2 million in April 2021. One of just 23, it includes his signature and a piece of his rookie-season jersey, prompting LeBron to joke, “Might need to go into that vault.” The sale highlights how his on-court legacy (21 All-Star nods, four MVPs, four titles) has huge off-court value, even as he’s appeared in only six games this season while managing right-side sciatica. Merlin sees this as a telltale relic: the market prices memory and myth as much as statistics. Collectors and clubs both profit when a living legend’s brand stays hot — so while LeBron’s minutes are guarded, his memorabilia will keep appreciating, and every game he plays becomes a little more precious. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron’s rookie card tops $6M within two years: 40%.
Dec 5
Clippers Could Snatch Zach LaVine From Kings
Merlin sees an NBA whisper turning into a concrete possibility: a Western Conference scout asked ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, "What about Zach LaVine?" as a hint that the Los Angeles Clippers could absorb LaVine’s $47.5M salary (and near-$49M 2026‑27 player option). Clippers' movable pieces — John Collins, James Harden, Bogdan Bogdanovic — could create short-term cap room, letting Los Angeles take on LaVine while sending the Kings assets and clearing Sacramento’s future payroll headache. Merlin notes both clubs are sellers (Clippers 6–16, Kings 5–17) and the fit is logical: LaVine’s 19.8 PPG, 48.6% FG and 37% 3PT provide immediate backcourt punch, and the Clips would be free of the contract by 2027–28 when they seek cap flexibility. The trade is plausible but not inevitable — it hinges on how much the Kings demand and how many expiring contracts L.A. can move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Zach LaVine landing with the Clippers before the deadline: 30%.
Dec 5
Pistons' Jalen Duren Eyes $185M Payday
Detroit center Jalen Duren is having a breakout in his fourth season and is lining himself up for a "huge payday," league execs told ESPN — possibly in the neighborhood of Alperen Şengün’s five-year, $185 million deal. Duren, a restricted free agent next summer, is averaging 19.0 points on 65.7% shooting and 11.5 rebounds while driving a 17–5 Pistons start, making his contract talk crucial for Detroit’s young core. Merlin sees a rising star sharpening his craft. Duren admitted, "When I first came in, people had me pegged as a pick-and-roll, dunker's spot, lob threat... I got a lot more to my game," and at 22 he has All-Star and MIP upside; as a restricted free agent Detroit can match offers, but expect serious suitors. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Duren signs $150M+ deal next offseason: 65%.
Dec 5
Ex-Teammate: Zion Williamson Lacks 'Love' — Pelicans' Dilemma
A former teammate told Marc J. Spears that Zion Williamson’s talent “is so big that it's actually LeBron James-like talent,” but followed with a blunt caveat: “But he doesn't love it like LeBron James.” That skepticism — and the teammate’s answer, “If they asked me, I'd tell them not to” — lands as Zion is listed out “indefinitely” with a Grade 2 right hip adductor strain (at least three weeks) and a long history of missed time. New Orleans is 3-20 and 15th in the West, and the Pelicans’ ability to rebuild via a tank is limited after trading an unprotected 2026 pick. Merlin sees a gilded star dimmed by durability and doubt. Teams prize availability and hunger; elite flashes alone won’t overcome recurring injuries and questions about commitment, so New Orleans is likelier to ride the hope of a comeback than to extract value in a February deal. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Pelicans trading Zion before the February deadline: 10%.
Dec 5
Clippers Plot Cap-Space Reset: Harden, Kawhi
The Clippers are openly weighing a dramatic reset: after moving on from Chris Paul, Los Angeles could try to shed or trade James Harden and Kawhi Leonard sooner to push cap flexibility from 2027 to 2026 and chase a richer free-agent summer. That matters because turning expensive, aging talent into cap room would be the quickest path to remaking a 6–16 club that lacks first‑round picks until 2030 and currently has no obvious way back to contention. Merlin sees the obstacles: Harden has "maybe neutral value" while Leonard is deemed "negative value" by scouts, and partners will balk at huge salaries and injury risk. As one exec said, "There are a lot of ways to use cap space" — but the Clippers must decide whether to endure short-term pain for a cleaner future or keep gambling on this core. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Clippers trade Harden by 2026: 60%; Leonard by 2026: 25%.
Dec 5
Harden Said No — Clippers Cut Chris Paul
The Clippers cut Chris Paul after just 16 games, a move that echoes locker-room friction and roster misfires. Sources say James Harden was "opposed" to the Paul signing and was "one of the guys who was like, 'Eh, I'm not so sure here,'" while team president Lawrence Frank insisted, "No one is blaming Chris for our underperformance. I accept responsibility." Paul’s limited role (14.3 minutes, 2.9 points) and reported clashes with coaches and players made him expendable as L.A. tries to arrest a 6‑16 slide. Merlin sees a team caught between star expectations and fragile chemistry. Moving on from a legend won’t cure defensive lapses or scoring inconsistencies; it simply shifts the leadership burden onto Harden and Kawhi Leonard and forces Ty Lue to reweave rotations. Expect more tinkering before clarity returns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers making the playoffs this season: 20%.
Dec 5