NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 29, 2025
Austin Reaves' 38 Sparks Lakers, Swaps Jersey With AD
Austin Reaves stole the show in the Lakers’ 129-119 win over the Mavericks, scoring a game-high 38 on 12-of-15 shooting and six 3s — then got a holiday treat swapping jerseys with former teammate Anthony Davis. Reaves called AD “one of the best players to ever touch a basketball” and admitted “I owe him a lot” after Davis’ first game since Oct. 29 (12 points, five rebounds, five assists). The win pushed L.A. to 14-4, a six-game streak, and clinched Western Conference Group B in the NBA Cup. Merlin sees symbolism in the jersey exchange: a young star’s rise blessed by a veteran who helped shape him. From undrafted in 2021 to 28.5 PPG and 6.7 APG, Reaves is now All-Star chatter — but Western depth and durability questions remain. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Austin Reaves making the All-Star team this season: 45%.
Reaves' 38 Helps Lakers Spoil Anthony Davis, Mavericks
The Lakers spoiled Anthony Davis' return, beating the Mavericks 129-119 in L.A. as Dallas fell to 5-15. Davis, back from a calf strain, finished with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists but couldn’t alter the result. Austin Reaves erupted for 38, while Luka Dončić had 35 and 11 assists in the loss. The win clinched West Group B for Los Angeles, improving them to 14-4. Merlin sees a telling snapshot: this was more than a single night — L.A.’s depth and Reaves’ scoring carried the day, and Davis showed rust common to first games back. Dallas’ slump isn’t Luka’s burden alone; it smells of defensive holes and roster unrest. The Mavericks’ back-to-back road test, starting with the Clippers, will reveal whether this is a hiccup or a deeper slide. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs this season: 12%.
Nov 29
NBA Cup Bracket Locked: Thunder, Knicks, Spurs
The eight NBA Cup quarterfinalists are set: Knicks, Magic, Thunder and Spurs won their groups, with the Suns and Heat advancing as the best second-place teams to complete the eight-team knockout bracket. Quarterfinals are Dec. 9–10, semifinals Dec. 13 and the championship is Dec. 16 in Las Vegas. Orlando earned East No. 1 and will host Miami; Toronto hosts New York; OKC hosts Phoenix; San Antonio visits the Lakers after an upset in Denver. Merlin sees Oklahoma City as the clear favorite — the Thunder are “playing the best basketball of any team in the NBA” — and their form plus last year’s runner-up hunger suit single-elimination stakes. The East is wide open: home-court and New York’s knockout experience could tip close games, and San Antonio’s shock win makes this bracket slippery. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Oklahoma City beating New York to win the NBA Cup: 45%.
Nov 29
Mets' Leadership Rift: Lindor vs. Soto
A New York Post report says the Mets’ locker room carried a personality split last season between Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. A “clubhouse source” told reporter Mike Puma relations “were chilly,” noting “Soto is very businesslike — all business, no fluff,” while Lindor leans into fashion. That uneasy leadership picture followed an 83-79 finish that missed the playoffs; Soto later called Starling Marte “actually the captain of this team.” Despite the friction, Soto (6.2 WAR) and Lindor (5.9 WAR) were the club’s top performers. Merlin sees that talent and contracts can’t paper over atmosphere. Lindor is midway through his 10-year deal and Soto just began a 15-year megadeal — both must buy into a shared clubhouse script. The Mets need clearer leadership and alignment or the star power may keep them loud but not winning. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mets making the playoffs next season: 40%.
Nov 28
LeBron Proud as Bronny Steps Up for Lakers
LeBron praised his son Bronny for stepping up in Year 2, saying he used time in the G League and Summer League to get more comfortable and handled consecutive 18+ minute outings on Nov. 2–3. Bronny has 11 appearances (8-for-28 FG, 3-for-12 3PT) with an offensive rating climbed to 107.9; he was sent to South Bay to learn "how to be effective off the ball." LeBron added Bronny must "walk his own journey." Merlin sees a young player on a steady climb. The shooting dip is a wrinkle, but the offensive-rating jump and poise in tougher moments show growth. With Anthony Davis expected back, Bronny’s window for minutes is tight — he needs consistent shooting, defense and off-ball intelligence to turn promise into a regular role. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny becomes a regular rotation player this season: 30%.
Nov 28
Lakers Ditch "Unplayable" NBA Cup Court vs. Mavericks
Merlin sees the Lakers ditching the yellow NBA Cup court and reverting to their usual Crypto.com Arena floor for Friday’s Cup game vs. Dallas after league techs called the Cup surface “unplayable” and sent it back for repairs. Rui Hachimura admitted, “That was bad,” saying he felt it was “oily, slippery” and that “everybody was on the floor, falling.” The court had been used in a 135-118 win over the Clippers, and Luka Dončić had already raised safety concerns. Merlin notes this is more than a cosmetic swap: slippery surfaces affect shot rhythm, footing and injury risk, and the league’s quick pullback suggests vendor oversight will come under fire. A return to the normal floor steadies the Lakers but leaves questions about how many other alternate courts are fit for play. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the league orders wider inspections of alternate courts this season: 75%.
Nov 28
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DeRozan to Clippers? Bold Kings–Nets 3-Team Swap
Merlin sees a tempting trade web: The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported DeMar DeRozan “has some interest from the LA Clippers,” and Eric Pincus lays out a three-team swap that would send DeRozan to LA, a 24-point scorer named Porter to Sacramento, and draft assets to Brooklyn. It’s designed to replace injured Bradley Beal, give the Kings a scorer while Sabonis heals, and let the Nets clear salary for picks. Merlin knows the math and the mood: the Clippers are desperate to win now under Kawhi’s ticking clock and might mortgage future picks, while DeRozan adds immediate scoring and leadership at age 36. Sacramento gains spacing and hope; Brooklyn gets flexibility. Timing and trade exceptions (Dec. 15 rules, DPEs) make this unlikely but possible. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: “Odds of this three-team trade happening this season: 20%.”
Nov 28
Lakers Flop, Knicks Shine: Nike's 2025-26 City Editions
Nike’s 2025-26 city-edition jerseys landed and readers got a full worst-to-best pass — some teams played it safe, others flopped. Critics called the Lakers’ black rerun too “boring,” while clear winners include the Heat’s revived Vice, the Raptors’ flawless throwback (an easy A+), the Nets’ Bed‑Stuy splash, and the Timberwolves’ Prince‑purple. These designs matter: they shape team identity and drive merchandise sales. Merlin sees a split between comfy retreads that sell (Vice, Suns) and bold, place-driven concepts that win hearts — Portland’s jersey even leans into the airport carpet, a true “Keep Portland Weird” move. A few misses (Dallas, Celtics) prove color and story beat generic fonts every time. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Heat’s Vice becomes the top-selling city jersey this season: 45%.
Nov 28
LeBron Teases Endgame: Lakers Retirement Timeline Unknown
Merlin sees LeBron James back from sciatica and helping the Lakers in three games, yet still undecided about retirement. People close to him say he “remains undecided” after he opted in to the $52.6 million deal, and agent Rich Paul reminded everyone, "LeBron wants to compete for a championship." LeBron himself said he’s "excited about today," is "not waiting" on son Bryce, and that the end is "a lot sooner than later." Merlin notes the signs on the court are encouraging — efficient scoring (52.5%), 8.7 assists in limited action, and a 13-4 Lakers start — but age and legacy press on a 23-season veteran who turns 41 in December. His final chapters will depend on team readiness and the realistic shot at another title, not just stats. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron retires after this season: 35%.
Nov 28
Orlando vs Detroit, OKC vs Suns: NBA Cup Showdowns
Merlin sees Friday as the decisive night of the NBA Cup group stage: three groups are decided directly by head-to-head matchups — Orlando vs. Detroit (East B), OKC vs. Phoenix (West A) and Denver vs. San Antonio (West C). East Group C hinges on Knicks-Bucks at MSG (a Knicks win gives New York the group; a Milwaukee road win hands it to Miami). The remaining wild-card spots and hosting rights come down to a few tight point-differential calculations — Cleveland needs a big win over Atlanta to climb into contention, while Phoenix must protect its +35 cushion against Memphis and the Clippers. Merlin senses chaos in the small margins. One basket swings a group, and home-court fate for quarterfinals could turn on point totals more than headlines. Expect cautious coaching, late-game fouls and desperate offense as teams defend their Cup lives. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Orlando wins East Group B: 65%.
Nov 28
Josh Hart Jokes After Knicks' Jalen Brunson Hit
Josh Hart teased teammate Jalen Brunson after Brunson took a basketball off the dome in the Knicks’ 129–101 win over the Hornets, posting “Way to use your head my boy @jalenbrunson1.” Brunson shrugged it off and finished with a game-high 33 points; his season numbers (28.6 PPG, 6.3 APG) have the veteran cruising as New York sits 11–6 and firmly in Eastern contention. The moment was small but telling — a snapshot of resilience on a team chasing consistency. Merlin sees this as more than a viral laugh. Brunson’s durability, leadership and hot scoring are the linchpin of the Knicks’ ceiling; chemistry moments like Hart’s jab underscore a locker-room that can endure bumps. If Brunson stays at this level, New York remains a serious threat, though depth and defense will shape their postseason fate. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jalen Brunson making the All-NBA team this season: 75%.
Nov 28
Jalen Williams' Season Debut Ignites Thunder vs Suns
Merlin sees Jalen Williams returning Friday against the Suns, per Shams Charania, after offseason wrist surgery and a follow-up procedure to remove an irritating screw. Williams played through a ligament tear in the Finals, averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists last season, and earned All-Star and All-NBA honors — his comeback matters because the 17–1 Thunder add elite two-way scoring to an already dominant lineup. Merlin remembers Williams’ playoff mindset — "I got 28 or 29 shots in my hand...That can't be for nothing" — and expects that clutch scoring, playmaking and defense to deepen OKC’s rotation. Early minutes will be managed, but his return makes matchups tougher and gives the Thunder more insurance for a long title defense. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Thunder repeating as champions this season: 30%.
Nov 27
Sixers' Tyrese Maxey Runs Dogs at National Dog Show
Tyrese Maxey spent Thanksgiving weekend guiding two dogs, Howie and Spike, through the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge on national TV and laughed, "It was really fun... I think I'm going to stick to staying on the court." The moment was charming, but it underscores a bigger story: Maxey is shouldering a massive 39.9 minutes per game for the injury-hit Sixers while putting up 32.2 PPG, 7.5 APG and 40.9% from three — a usage level that raises clear durability concerns. Merlin sees a bright comet in full burn. Maxey is carrying Philadelphia’s offense like a star quarterback carrying a team, but even stars need shelter. Expect the Sixers to start purposeful rest and minute plans to protect their core without blunting his scoring magic; the real test is balancing short-term wins with long-term playoff health. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Sixers cut Maxey’s minutes below 36 MPG before the All-Star break: 70%.
Nov 27
Kings Superfan Devlin Carter Ejected for Roasting Defense
Merlin sees Sacramento superfan Devlin Carter escorted out after he loudly called out the Kings’ defense during a 112-100 loss to Phoenix — captured on TV and followed by Instagram posts saying "at least the Kings fans feel me" and "we aint come here to watch yall not play defense." The outburst matters because it personifies the city’s anger: Sacramento is 5-14, ranks 28th in offensive rating and 24th in defensive rating, and risks a third straight year out of the playoffs. Merlin knows a heckler is never the whole story. The offense, oddly, has been the bigger rot, and Doug Christie’s group still needs an identity to calm the crowd and stop the slide. If scoring doesn’t improve and the home pulse stays frantic, management may feel pressured into roster fixes before the trade deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Sacramento making the playoffs this season: 20%.
Nov 27
Draymond, Butler Rip Warriors' 'Soft' Defense; Curry Hurt
After a 104-100 home loss to Houston, Warriors vets Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler tore into Golden State’s effort — Green called the defense “s--t” and said “We are individually f--king awful,” while Butler added, “We don't box out...We let anybody do whatever they want.” Stephen Curry exited late with a right quad contusion and will have an MRI. The Dubs dropped to 10-10, have lost four of five, and sit eighth in a crowded West, 2.5 games shy of a top-six seed. Merlin sees a proud team skidding on attitude more than metrics — Green’s line, “defense is about demeanor,” nails it. If Curry misses time, Butler’s warning that they’ll need to be “damn near perfect” becomes reality. This is a season hinge: cohesion or deeper slide. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Warriors finish outside the West top-six this season: 60%.
Nov 27
Mavericks Keep Kyrie Irving — Anthony Davis Trade Looms
Merlin sees the Mavericks aren’t ready to part with Kyrie Irving despite a rocky 5-14 start and his ongoing ACL rehab — ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said "the Mavericks do not want to trade him." That matters because Dallas’ ceiling clearly rises with Kyrie healthy; without him and with Anthony Davis largely sidelined, the team has leaned on rookie Cooper Flagg but lacks consistent veteran scoring and playmaking. The oracle also notes a darker turn: MacMahon called trading Anthony Davis a "real possibility" and even a "likelihood," hinting Dallas may rework its frontcourt while protecting the backcourt. If Kyrie returns strong, he’s the nucleus; if injuries linger or a big offer appears, the Mavs could pivot quickly. The board is set — pieces will move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kyrie being traded this season: 12%.
Nov 27
NBA Cup Final Showdown: Knicks, Suns, Denver, OKC
Twelve clubs still eye the final NBA Cup knockout berths as the last group-stage games decide three group winners and several “best second-place” slots. Winner-take-all showdowns — Orlando-Detroit, OKC-Phoenix and Denver-San Antonio — will send victors through; East Group C hinges on Milwaukee vs. New York, which also reshuffles who can chase the best second-place spot. Merlin sees the magic boiling down to margins as much as wins. Cleveland holds the clearest path to the East’s top second slot but must beat Atlanta and widen the point gap; Miami’s +49 is a locked benchmark. In the West, Denver’s loser is already dusted, leaving Phoenix, Memphis and the Clippers in a tight, differential-driven scramble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cleveland advancing as the East’s best second-place team: 60%.
Nov 27
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 40, Thunder Top Timberwolves 10th Straight
Oklahoma City pushed its winning streak to 10 with a 113-105 home victory over Minnesota, improving to 18-1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 40 points, six rebounds and six assists, Chet Holmgren hit a clutch three late, and SGA closed it at the line. The Thunder are a perfect 9-0 at home and 3-0 in NBA Cup Group Play, while Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 31 points in a losing effort. Merlin sees this as more than a hot run — it’s a statement. SGA’s elite scoring, Holmgren’s growing poise and a hostile home floor give Oklahoma City momentum and confidence. Still, depth and playoff defense remain questions; streaks are powerful, but the long season will demand adjustments. Friday’s meeting with the Suns is a true measuring stick. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Oklahoma City reaching the NBA Finals this season: 25%.
Nov 27
Stephen Curry Rocks Travis Scott Air Jordan vs Rockets
Stephen Curry’s shoe free agency tour rolled on Wednesday: arriving in Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Lows and playing in the Puma HALI 1, Curry is using his post–Under Armour freedom to honor teams and moments. He’ll still release one final Under Armour signature in February, but for now he’s rotated Way of Wade, Reebok, Air Pennys, the “Flu Game” Jordan 12s and Sabrina 3s — saying he wants to “honor certain eras, moments in the game, current athletes” and that “Everybody should be on alert.” Merlin sees more than fashion here: this is a public audition and a negotiation spell. By wearing tributes tied to opponents and stars, Curry builds goodwill, tests fits on-court, and raises his market value. Brands watching get a live portfolio; fans get theater. The next move will reveal whether he picks legacy, innovation, or total creative control. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Stephen Curry signs a new long-term shoe deal within a year: 70%.
Nov 26
Trade Deadline Tease: Jazz's Nurkić, Blazers' Williams, Magic's Isaac
A trio of big men — Jusuf Nurkić, Robert Williams III and Jonathan Isaac — could be on the move, per Jake Fischer. Merlin sees Nurkić “has performed well enough in Utah that he's also expected to generate some interest” as he plays out a $19.3M expiring deal (7.5 pts, 9.6 rebs). Portland is said to be “more willing to move Robert Williams III” after lowering its ask, despite a long injury history. Fischer also notes that “rival cap strategists are thus increasingly pinpointing Isaac as a potential salary casualty” in Orlando. Merlin senses motive: Utah can flip an expiring contract for assets, Portland may trade Williams while his defensive upside still intrigues contenders, and Orlando might shop salary to protect future payroll around Paolo Banchero. Each move carries risk — health for Williams, fit for Nurkić, and matching salary headaches for Isaac — so expect careful, market-driven deals ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds any of the three are traded before the deadline: 65%.
Nov 26
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Mo Bamba, Seth Curry Spark NBA Free-Agent Frenzy
Merlin sees a crowded market: several quality free agents remain unsigned early in the 2025–26 season, but injuries, trades and shifting salary room will create openings. Teams will mix low-cost veterans (like Seth Curry, who’s expected to re-sign once the veteran minimum prorates) with G League scorers and defensive wings — names to watch include Mychal Bamba, Malik Beasley, Ben Simmons, Mac McClung and Jaden Springer. Merlin notes the pattern: playoff contenders want steady defense and spacing, rebuilding clubs will pull from the G League, and midseason roster churn usually decides who sticks. Expect a trickle of 10-day deals and a few full contracts as teams chase depth, shooting and lockdown role players. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of at least five players from this list signing NBA deals before the regular season ends: 70%.
Nov 26
Anthony Davis Reacts to Mavs' Nico Harrison Firing, Luka Fallout
Anthony Davis reacted to the firing of GM Nico Harrison, who was dismissed Nov. 11 after a 3-8 start and who had traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers on Feb. 1 in the deal that brought Davis back to Dallas. The trade looms large: Dončić is averaging 35.2/9.2/8.8 for the 13-4 Lakers, while Davis has played just 14 games for the struggling 5-14 Mavericks and is sidelined with a left calf strain — he says he’d like to return Friday in Los Angeles for the NBA Cup matchup. Merlin sees a club split by a seismic trade, injuries and Kyrie Irving’s lingering absence (torn ACL). Davis remains a Hall‑of‑Fame talent when healthy, but his comeback would be more about steadying a shaken locker room and buying time for the front office than an instant fix to Dallas’s season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Anthony Davis plays Friday vs. Lakers: 30%.
Nov 26
Domantas Sabonis Unhappy as Sacramento Kings Eye Rebuild
Merlin sees Sacramento’s season taking a sour turn: after a 5-13 start and rebuild whispers, star big Domantas Sabonis is reportedly unhappy. League sources told Michael Scotto that Sabonis “has been disappointed with Sacramento's downward trajectory since reaching the playoffs and his usage at times under coach Doug Christie.” He’s also sidelined with a partially torn meniscus after averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 11 games—details that make him both prized and a difficult roster decision for the Kings. Merlin remembers Sabonis as the engine that ended the 16-year drought, so a teardown would be a heavy crossroads for Sacramento. If the front office truly leans into a reset before Feb. 5, Sabonis could be the centerpiece to fetch a haul — health and fit will determine suitors and valuation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Domantas Sabonis being traded before Feb. 5: 45%.
Nov 26
Bucks Rekindle Zach LaVine Trade Talk
Merlin says Milwaukee has done some "background due diligence" on Kings guard Zach LaVine, though Michael Scotto warned "nothing is imminent." Sacramento is 5-13 and 27th in net rating; LaVine remains an efficient scorer (20.5 PPG, 49.8% FG, 38.6% 3PT) and even dropped 31 on the Bucks on Nov. 1. Still, he’s a poor defender, on pace for a career-low 2.2 assists, and carries a $47.5M salary plus a $49M 2026–27 player option — all complicating any trade. Merlin’s take: the Bucks (8-10) are wobbling and possess few assets, so revisiting LaVine now — when his price may be lower — is sensible. Yet acquiring a high-volume scorer who won’t fix defense or playmaking is a gamble; fit and cost will decide if this is a patch or a real upgrade. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Bucks trading for Zach LaVine this season: 20%.
Nov 26
Mavericks' Anthony Davis Could Seek $70M Extension
Merlin sees trouble brewing: Marc Stein reports that if Anthony Davis is traded, he and Klutch Sports would likely push for a contract extension — "the first year... would be worth more than $70 million." Davis is on year one of a three-year, $175M deal (2026-27 cap hit $58.4M, $62.8M player option in 2027-28). The Mavericks, 5-14 and retooling after front-office changes, are also wrestling with Davis’ injury issues — he’s played just five games this season. That price, plus age and a recent calf history, cools the market; sources "struggled to produce a deep list of suitors," and returns could resemble the Kevin Durant swap — players and picks, not a haul of first-rounders. Merlin senses Dallas wants assets to build around Cooper Flagg, but finding a partner willing to re-sign Davis will be a tough bit of sorcery. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas trading Anthony Davis this season: 25%.
Nov 26