NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Feb 23, 2026
Stephen Curry Tifo Floods Al Hilal Stadium
Al Hilal supporters rolled out a tifo honoring Golden State star Stephen Curry before their match with Al Ittihad. The banner depicted Curry shooting over a defender and included a quote attributed to the two-time NBA MVP. The display failed to lift the side as the game "drew 1-1," leaving Al Hilal in second place behind Al Nassr. Merlin sees the moment as proof of Curry’s global pull and of fans using celebrity to spark belief. Pageantry can rally a crowd, but it cannot replace consistency on the pitch. If Al Hilal want the title, they must turn that fan energy into tactical adjustments and roster moves. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Al Hilal reclaiming the top spot this season: 55%.
Lakers Could Create 80M Cap Room For Giannis
Merlin sees the deadline as a setup for July. With the league projecting a $166 million cap, the report lays out every team’s 2026-27 flexibility and shows that only a handful will have true cap room. Most clubs will be stuck using mid-level exceptions or the bi-annual exception. Key wildcards include a Clippers cap review tied to Kawhi Leonard and the Lakers’ looming choice on LeBron, either of which could reshape free agent chasing. The piece points readers to "Ranking the Top 30 Potential 2026 NBA Free Agents." Merlin senses front offices becoming alchemists, stretching salaries, trading picks, or waiving deals to manufacture July firepower. Expect a few big spenders like Chicago or a cleared-out Lakers, while most teams shop the MLE aisle. The lottery will tip several fates and prompt last-minute wheeling and dealing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers enter July with $60 million or more in cap room: 25%.
Feb 23
Shai, Jokic, Wembanyama: Wild 2026 MVP Chase
Merlin sees the 2025-26 MVP race as strangely wide open. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the clubhouse leader with elite scoring and efficiency, while Nikola Jokić posts historic triple-double numbers but risks disqualification if he misses two more games. Cade Cunningham, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Dončić and others linger as plausible challengers, their chances tied to narratives and team records as much as stats. Availability is the spell that will reshape the vote. Voters prize wins and stories, so if Jokić or Wembanyama fall short of 65 games, someone like SGA or Cunningham could surge. As JJ Redick said of Luka, "He's an engine that's fully on." Merlin expects late-season twists and tight margins. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning MVP: 50%.
Feb 23
LeBron James Praises Pat Riley at Lakers Statue
At the Lakers' ceremony unveiling Pat Riley's bronze statue, LeBron James greeted him and said he has the "utmost respect" for the franchise elder. Riley nodded to his past with the Heat, recalling the 'big three' and admitting, "I wish I had him for another six or eight years," a moment that framed their shared history and lingering what-ifs. Merlin sees more than a statue. LeBron's warmth at Crypto.com Arena reads like a salute to legacy and to the "business in the NBA" Riley mentioned when he accepted that players can leave. For a high school fan, it is a clear reminder that legacy and commerce are braided together. Expect legacy conversations to outlast the highlights. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron attending more legacy ceremonies this season: 70%.
Feb 23
Tyrese Maxey Posterizes Anthony Edwards in Sixers Rout Timberwolves
Tyrese Maxey delivered a highlight dunk over Anthony Edwards during Sunday’s 135-108 win, rocking the rim in the third quarter and staring down Edwards as the Sixers pulled away. Maxey scored a game-high 39 points, while Edwards led the Timberwolves with 28. After the game Edwards called Maxey "incredible" and admitted the Sixers star got the better of him on that poster play. Merlin sees more than a single dunk. Moments like that shift momentum and personal pride, and with the teams not meeting again until April 3, Edwards will be filing away the image. If Minnesota wants to keep pace in the West, Edwards must turn that frustration into sharper defense and bigger offense, because Maxey is reminding the league he can take over nights. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Edwards gets a revenge poster on Maxey in the April 3 rematch: 25%.
Feb 23
Stephen Curry Honors Dikembe Mutombo With Adidas Retro 1s
Merlin notes Stephen Curry sat out Sunday’s 128-117 win over Denver but still made a statement from the sideline, wearing Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo’s "Adidas Mutombo Retro 1's." Since parting ways with Under Armour, Curry has been honoring NBA legends with his footwear, often choosing pairs tied to opponents. Even sidelined by a knee issue, his team improved to 30-27. Merlin senses this is part tribute and part theater. The shoe choices keep Curry connected to the league, spark conversation, and let him lead in a low-key way while rehabbing. As the Warriors head to New Orleans, fans should watch the sneakers as much as the box score; a new pick could be a wink to the Pelicans or a larger message about Curry’s mindset. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds Curry honors a Pelicans legend on Tuesday: 65%.")
Feb 22
Celtics Tight Lipped on Jayson Tatum Achilles Return
Joe Mazzulla is keeping quiet on Jayson Tatum as the star inches back from a torn Achilles. Mazzulla confirmed Tatum was at Celtics practice Saturday but refused to say if he took part. Tatum recently ran 5-on-5 with the Maine G League and noted, "Today is 39 weeks [since the Achilles tear] so it's been a long journey," adding that the session "doesn't mean that I'm coming back or I'm not." Boston sits 36-19 and is clearly pacing the recovery, yet Tatum’s playoff availability would be a big lift for a title push. Merlin sees caution and strategy at work. Tatum’s presence is a promising sign, not a promise. Boston will value a healthy, effective return over a rushed cameo. Watch the rehab steps and how the rotation adapts once the postseason draws near. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Tatum returning for the playoffs this season: 60%.
Feb 22
LeBron James Reaches 43,000 NBA Points for Lakers
LeBron James climbed past 43,000 career points during Sunday’s game against the Celtics, the first player in NBA history to hit that plateau. Now 41 and in his 23rd season, he’s averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 7.2 assists after missing time with sciatica, and he will keep adding to a record that already feels uncatchable as the Lakers nudge for playoff positioning. Merlin sees the headline as proof of craft and endurance. This is not just a number but a continuing influence on how the Lakers move and win. At this pace LeBron remains a primary scoring engine and a living bridge to multiple eras, and his every game nudges historical context a bit further. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron adds at least 1,000 points this season: 65%.
Feb 22
Lakers Unveil Iconic Pat Riley Statue
Merlin sees the Lakers unveiled a statue of Pat Riley on Sunday, honoring the coach who led the Showtime Lakers to four titles and seven Finals in nine seasons and who went 533-194 with the franchise. Riley is the first coach in Lakers history to be immortalized in bronze, joining Chick Hearn, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Jerry West and Shaquille O'Neal. The ceremony, held before a game against Boston, ended with Riley declaring, "The time has come to kick some ass, to kick some Boston ass." Merlin senses the statue does more than honor the past. It links the current roster to a winning identity and highlights Riley’s influence from Los Angeles to Miami, a reminder that legacy shapes expectations. A moment like this can lift a locker room mood and sharpen the franchise’s sense of purpose. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the unveiling produces a short-term morale bump for the Lakers this season: 30%.
Feb 22
Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Teases Slam Dunk Contest
Victor Wembanyama hinted he might one day enter the Slam Dunk Contest after a thunderous double-pump jam in San Antonio’s win over Sacramento, telling reporters he’ll do it "one day." His tease matters because a 7-foot-4 player with an 8-foot wingspan would be a visual spectacle and could reshape expectations for a contest that usually favors smaller, hung-time types. Merlin sees the pull of pageantry and the practical limits. Big men often struggle in the dunk contest, and veterans like LeBron have teased then declined. Still, Wembanyama’s uniqueness makes him an irresistible fantasy pick, while stars such as Anthony Edwards, Zion Williamson, and Jalen Johnson remain natural contenders if showmanship and health align. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of Victor Wembanyama entering the Slam Dunk Contest within the next three seasons: 30%.")
Feb 22
Suns Lose Brooks to Broken Hand, Booker Out
Dillon Brooks suffered a broken left hand and will be sidelined for an unspecified time after exiting Saturday’s home game against Orlando following contact on a contested jumper. He had five points in seven minutes before leaving. The injury comes with Devin Booker already out at least a week with a right hip strain and Haywood Highsmith still recovering from knee surgery, leaving Phoenix thin at their top two scorers while the Suns sit 32-24 and have lost four of five. Merlin sees a team suddenly forced to rely on depth and younger legs. Brooks is second on the team at a career-high 21.2 points per game, so Jalen Green must shoulder more offense while role players like Grayson Allen and Ryan Dunn take on larger minutes. A tough homestand next week versus Portland, Boston, and the Lakers will quickly show if Phoenix can hold its spot in the West. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Phoenix still makes the playoffs this season: 70%.
Feb 22
Scotty Pippen Jr Ejected After Myron Gardner Bump Heat Grizzlies
Merlin sees the late spark in Miami. Scotty Pippen Jr. hit a three with 1:59 left and said Myron Gardner "kind of hit me when I didn't see him" and called it "kind of a cheap shot." Coach Erik Spoelstra defended Gardner, saying "His heart is in a great place, and he's wired like us competitively." Both players were ejected and the NBA will review the play for possible discipline. Merlin notes the scene is familiar: a young, fiery player pushing boundaries and a veteran reacting when space is taken. The Grizzlies lost a bench scoring spark in a blowout, while the Heat risk a young player picking up a reputation. Expect a fine or warning more likely than a long suspension, but reputations form fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA fines Gardner but does not suspend him: 65%.
Feb 22
Contenders Slide: Warriors Nuggets Wolves Rockets Celtics
Merlin sees the All-Star break as the moment several hopeful teams began sliding instead of surging. Golden State faltered after Jonathan Kuminga slipped out of the rotation and injuries chipped away at their core, Denver has been hobbled by a cascade of absences that keep Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon from syncing, Minnesota has fallen into the familiar peaks and valleys possibly worsened by the Giannis chatter, Houston’s offense lost a superpower when Steven Adams went down, and Boston’s recent play trails the other top East squads. Merlin notes none of this is fatal. Health and timing will decide most outcomes. The Nuggets’ injury ledger is the heaviest omen, the Warriors’ window grows thin as Curry ages, the Wolves still have the pieces for a deep run if they find steadiness, and Houston must redefine its attack without Adams. Small shifts now could reshape seeding and confidence heading into May. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Denver Nuggets reach the conference finals this season: 30%.
Feb 21
LeBron Praises Kawhi Leonard Amid Clippers Struggles
LeBron James called Kawhi Leonard "one of the best players ever" after the Lakers edged the Clippers 125-122, a line that highlights just how dominant Leonard has been amid a tough season for Los Angeles. Leonard scored 31 in that game and has averaged 29.8 points on 49.4 percent shooting since Dec. 20, numbers that stand out given his long injury history. The Clippers sit 27-29 and have reshaped their roster, yet Leonard has appeared in 43 of 56 games and is pushing toward more availability. Merlin sees a rare mix of peak form and fragility. The team even issued, "we appreciate his resilience and relentless work ethic," which reads like both praise and a caution. If Kawhi keeps playing at this level, he can mask roster holes. If he slows, the Clippers' window tightens fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kawhi playing 60+ games this season: 55%.
Feb 21
NBA's Most Underrated: Tari Eason, Celtics' Neemias Queta
Merlin sees a team-by-team catalogue of 30 underappreciated NBA players — from Keaton Wallace’s lockdown defense and 40.5 percent three-point touch to Neemias Queta anchoring Boston’s defense and Tari Eason shooting 46 percent from deep. The piece spotlights young role players, late bloomers and former two-way guys whose efficiency, defense and cheap contracts are quietly swinging wins and shaping roster choices. Merlin senses a trend: franchises are finding value where casual fans do not look, turning overlooked pieces into rotation staples and playoff depth. Some names will parlay this into bigger minutes or contracts, others will stay buried behind stars. Keep an eye on injuries, trade season and summer free agency; those will decide which of these sleepers awaken. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds that at least five players from the list become full-time starters next season: 65%.
Feb 21
Tyler Herro Rocks NFL Style Flak Jacket for Heat Return
Tyler Herro is set to return from a rib injury wearing an NFL-style flak jacket sewn into his jersey. He joked "I look like a football player almost out there" and said he "feels good" after returning to practice; Herro has not played since Jan. 15 because of a costochondral issue but is available Friday vs. Atlanta. The Heat, 29-27 and eighth in the East, need his 21.9 points per game and All-Star scoring down the stretch. Merlin senses the vest is part armor and part peace of mind. The extra padding may change his feel, but if pain stays away Miami regains a primary creator and spacing threat. With only 11 games this season durability and rhythm are concerns, so expect cautious minutes that could grow quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Herro plays Friday and scores 15 or more points: 65%.
Feb 20
Lacob Denies Warriors Offered Draymond For Giannis Antetokounmpo
Merlin hears Warriors governor Joe Lacob insisting Draymond Green was "never discussed" in talks for Giannis, echoing GM Mike Dunleavy's claim that Green's name only came up when teams called to ask. That pushback aims to quiet trade chatter and affirms Golden State views Green as a core piece, especially after Green said the rumors took a toll but he was happy to remain with the club he has always played for. Merlin notes ESPN’s report that Green was "involved in the framework of available offers" and others saying an "emphatic 'no'," so some wiggle room exists between reporting and front office denials. At 35 with a $27.7 million player option for 2026-27, Green’s situation could flare again this summer, even if the Warriors prefer continuity for now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Draymond Green being traded this summer: 20%.
Feb 20
Lillard Curry Booker Klay Eye 2027 Three Point Contest
Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry are already lining up for the 2027 Three-Point Contest. Lillard posted a screenshot of a chat with Curry confirming he intends to enter. Lillard just won his third title with a 29, tying the all-time record and beat Devin Booker, who said "This one hurt a little bit. I wanted this one bad." Curry said he is "100 percent" prepared to compete for an eighth time. Klay Thompson is likely to join, leaving four more spots to fill. Merlin sees a headline showdown forming. Lillard's comeback from a torn Achilles, Curry's veteran craft, Booker's hometown pull and Thompson's return would make the event must watch and force the league to pick from rising sharpshooters for the remaining slots. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds all four headline shooters enter in 2027: 70%.
Feb 20
Lakers Build Around Luka Doncic, LeBron James Uncertain
Jeanie Buss told CNBC the Lakers' sale to Mark Walter was meant to bring "stability" as the franchise looks to build around Luka Dončić, and she added she "never say never" when asked if 2025-26 could be LeBron James' last season. Merlin notes James is on an expiring deal, the Lakers did not offer an extension before he picked up his option, and his camp has stressed he wants a "realistic chance of winning it all." Rumors of a homecoming to Cleveland and James' line "Once my body goes, then it's a wrap" make his future anything but certain. Merlin sees a franchise shifting gears. Building around Dončić signals a long term plan that may not center on a 41-year-old superstar forever. In the short term Los Angeles will chase a playoff run with both stars, but one big offseason move or health swing could rewrite the map. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron leaving the Lakers after 2025-26: 40%.
Feb 20
Bronny James Shuttled to South Bay Lakers G League
Bronny James will head to the G League’s South Bay Lakers after the All-Star break, the Lakers announced. It is his seventh stint with South Bay this season. He has played 10 G League games, averaging 12.0 points on 46 percent shooting, 5.0 assists and 3.2 rebounds, while in 29 NBA appearances he averages 2.2 points and 1.2 assists. His most productive NBA night came Feb. 10 with 12 points and six assists. South Bay has a back-to-back in Frisco and Bronny could rejoin the NBA club as early as Sunday. Merlin sees this as routine seasoning rather than exile. The Lakers are managing minutes and testing his playmaking in live games. A strong G League showing in the back-to-back could win Bronny more NBA minutes during a crowded post All-Star stretch against the Clippers, Celtics, Magic, Suns and Warriors. If he turns that 12-point, 5-assist G League line into steady bench production, the shuttle may slow. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny appears on the Lakers' active roster this month: 65%.
Feb 20
Donovan Mitchell Eyes LeBron Reunion With Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell called it "special" to imagine playing with LeBron James if the superstar returns to Cleveland next season. Mitchell noted Tim MacMahon's report of talk around the league about a Cavs reunion, but said he is focused on the 2025-26 Cavaliers after the deadline pickups of James Harden, Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis and on trying to "get a ring." The Cavs are 10-1 since Jan. 21 and have won three straight since Harden joined on Feb. 7. Merlin sees two stories at once. The siren of a LeBron homecoming is real, but real gains come from fit and balance. Mitchell’s steady answer signals a leader who wants clarity, not headlines. Adding Harden and Schröder makes Cleveland deeper and more dangerous, yet integrating stars and minutes will decide if they become title contenders or merely louder noise. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron returns to Cleveland next season: 20%.
Feb 20
Adam Silver Hints NBA Expansion: Las Vegas Seattle Favored
Adam Silver used All-Star weekend to lay out multiple front-burner items. Expansion will be discussed in March with Las Vegas and Seattle viewed as favorites, while relocation is "not on the table" and Silver said "I don't want to tease cities." He warned "we're getting awfully close to the 11th hour" on the WNBA CBA, which remains deadlocked on salary structure and revenue sharing ahead of April 19 training camps. Silver also said he has "not come to any decisions yet" on the Clippers probe, noted the league is watching prediction markets like sports books, and called tanking "behavior" this year "worse" than in recent memory as fines hit the Jazz and Pacers. Merlin sees a league juggling growth, labor pain, integrity questions, and new betting-era risks. Expansion and a CBA deal could reshape calendars and paychecks, while a tightened draft lottery or clearer prediction market rules look likely if tanking and player investments keep surfacing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the WNBA reaches a new CBA before training camps open April 19: 40%.
Feb 20
Embiid Davis Towns Lead NBA's Worst Contracts
Merlin sees the 2026 trade deadline as proof that teams now fear overspending. With higher taxes and harsher penalties, several good players moved for what would have been bargain returns years ago. The article names five huge deals that look dangerous on paper: Zach LaVine, Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, Paul George, and Joel Embiid, each criticized for mismatch between pay and production, health, or defensive limits. Merlin whispers that payroll pain will reshape roster building. Teams will prize flexibility and durability over star shine. Shooter gifts, scoring flashes, and past laurels no longer excuse long, costly deals. Expect cautious trades, buyout markets, and creative short-term fixes as franchises try to avoid tax traps. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Joel Embiid averages 60+ games per season from 2026 to 2029: 20%.
Feb 20
Cameron Payne Signs With 76ers Midseason Boost
Merlin sees veteran guard Cameron Payne returning to the NBA to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers after finalizing his exit from Partizan Belgrade. He will earn the prorated veteran's minimum for the rest of 2025-26. Payne adds backcourt depth after the Jared McCain trade and is a more natural backup to Tyrese Maxey than Quentin Grimes. Across 10 NBA seasons he averages 7.8 points and 3.2 assists and shoots 36.8 percent from three. As the article put it, "Payne isn't a headline-grabbing addition for Philadelphia." In a tight cap world, a seasoned buyout guard who can handle the ball and knock down triples is valuable. Merlin senses Payne will steady the second unit, spell Maxey when needed, and offer a modest offensive boost rather than a dramatic upgrade. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Payne becomes a regular playoff rotation player for Philadelphia this season: 45%.
Feb 20
Kawhi Leonard Trade Talks Shake Clippers
Merlin hears the Clippers kept Kawhi Leonard past the trade deadline, but rival teams were quietly checking in. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said teams were "investigating" and "I believe there were trade talks with Kawhi. I don't know if anything ever got serious. But I know teams called." Salary size and injury history made any midseason deal difficult. Merlin senses Leonard is having perhaps the best season of his career at 27.9 points on 49.1 percent shooting, so he is a rare high-risk, high-reward prize. If the Clippers choose a full rebuild, moving him this summer when his $50.3 million contract expires is logical. If they pivot, they could use Pacers assets to try building around him. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kawhi is traded this summer: 30%.
Feb 20