NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 16, 2025
Dončić Dominates: Lakers Rout Bucks 119-95
Luka Dončić poured in a game-high 41 points with nine rebounds and six assists to power the Los Angeles Lakers to a 119-95 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Dončić became “the first player in NBA history to record at least 344 points, 89 assists and 36 three-pointers in the first 10 games of a season.” Austin Reaves (25) and Deandre Ayton’s 20‑10 double‑double helped L.A. win comfortably despite missing LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent; Giannis finished with 32 and 10 but was Milwaukee’s lone big scorer. Merlin senses more than a single dazzling night—this game showed the Lakers can hum when role players step up and Dončić is in orbit, shooting efficiently as a team (49.4/39.4/91.0). The result raises questions for the Bucks about offensive balance and suggests Los Angeles could be peaking at the right time if health holds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers finishing top 3 in the West this season: 55%.
Timberwolves Return Prince-Inspired “Purple Rain” Jerseys
The Minnesota Timberwolves brought back their Prince-inspired purple City Edition uniforms Saturday, debuting matching "Purple Rain" center-court decals at Target Center. Created with Prince’s estate and Nike, the paisley-accented jerseys feature MLPS on the left leg and nod to the "Minneapolis Sound." Sounds of Blackness performed "Purple Rain" at halftime. The team will wear the purple set six more times this season, next on Dec. 19 against Oklahoma City. Merlin sees this as ritual as much as style: tying the franchise to Prince deepens the city’s identity, turns home games into cultural events and creates collectible moments for fans. Expect louder crowds, stronger merchandise pull and more themed nights — the court decal makes the homage feel built to last, not just an alternate uniform. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the purple jersey nights sell out: 70%.
Nov 15
Pelicans Weigh Borrego, Kevin Ollie for Head Coach
Merlin sees New Orleans move on from Willie Green after a 2–10 start and has begun weighing interim coach James Borrego and former UConn boss Kevin Ollie — Begley reports Borrego "will get consideration" and Ollie "will also be among those who get consideration." The decision matters: the Pelicans surrendered an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to move up for Derik Queen, so stabilizing the roster and salvaging the season carries real cost. Borrego brings the steadier NBA résumé (interim Orlando, four years in Charlotte; .458 winning rate vs. Green’s .441). Ollie brings a 2014 national title, NBA playing chops and recent Nets interim experience but carries collegiate compliance baggage. Merlin senses New Orleans leans to continuity now, though a dramatic cultural reset remains an open door. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds James Borrego gets the full-time job: 60%.
Nov 15
Rookies' "Welcome to the NBA" vs LeBron, KD, Luka
Bleacher Report gathered 13 players’ “welcome to the NBA” moments — the instant each felt they truly belonged or were humiliated by the league’s best. Tales range from getting posterized (“he dunked right on my head”), to guarding LeBron or Kevin Durant, to dropping 37 points in a breakout night. These snapshots matter because they show how facing superstar talent either humbles rookies or fuels their rise. Merlin sees these memories as rites of passage: a mix of pain and proof that for every lesson taken, confidence can follow. The anecdotes reveal the league’s swift schooling — one play can make a player fold or forge ahead — and hint which youngsters might temper talent with toughness. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds that at least one of these 13 players has a true breakout season next year: 65%.
Nov 15
Dirk Nowitzki: Mavericks Should've Fired Nico Harrison Sooner
Merlin sees Dallas clean house, firing GM Nico Harrison after the Luka Dončić trade and a 3-9 start. Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki said the move “should have” happened over the summer, didn’t want “negative energy” hanging over the Cooper Flagg era and declared it “time to move on now.” The roster is rattled: Dallas ranks last in points and offensive efficiency while Dončić is thriving in L.A. (34.9/9.1/8.9). Merlin whispers that this is a culture reset more than a quick fix. With Kyrie rehabbing a torn ACL and Anthony Davis mostly sidelined, the Mavs must lean on rookie Flagg (15.1/6.8/3.3) and smart roster moves. Nowitzki’s voice matters — it can steady the room — but wins will demand roster repairs and patience. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas making the playoffs this season: 20%.
Nov 15
Wembanyama Shrugs Off Draymond; Warriors Win
Merlin sees the Spurs lose 109-108 to the Warriors, but the headline is Victor Wembanyama refusing to take Draymond Green’s bait on a fourth‑quarter inbounds play. Green muscled him for position, Wemby spun, caught the lob and had the dunk nullified by a foul — “you have to respond a certain way,” he said — and finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Merlin notes this is classic Green chess: get under a player’s skin to tilt the game; even Green admitted, “I respect the way he responded.” Wembanyama’s calm was a small prophecy of growth. These meetings (Feb. 11 and April 1 at Chase Center) will show if San Antonio can translate composure into consistent wins. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Spurs split the remaining two regular-season games vs. Golden State: 65%.
Nov 15
Pelicans Should Trade Zion Williamson Now
The Pelicans are sinking at 2-10 and questions are growing about whether Zion Williamson should be moved. An NBA exec told Brian Windhorst, "To be honest, their move might be a win-now trade, not a Zion trade. His trade value isn't there and they are facing some pressure to win." Zion is 109-110 when playing, 0-5 in starts this year, averaging 22.8/6.8/4.6 across five games while battling hamstring trouble and lingering conditioning and shooting concerns. Merlin sees a team at a crossroads: keep banking on Zion’s rare physical gifts or sell now while his star power still tempts contenders. Waiting for his value to rise looks risky; the wiser path may be a rebuild centered on younger pieces like Derik Queen and Trey Murphy II before the market cools. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of New Orleans trading Zion this season: 35%.
Nov 15
Pelicans fire Willie Green after 2-10 start; Borrego interim
Willie Green was fired after a disastrous 2-10 start and James Borrego will serve as interim head coach. The move matters because the Pelicans aren’t just losing — they’re injured and unmoored: Zion’s health, a last-place Western Conference net rating, four losses by 23+ and what Michael Scotto called the “sixth-worst point differential in NBA history.” Green finishes 150-190 with two playoff trips but never steadied this roster. Merlin sees blame scattered across coach, front office and fate. Borrego returns to a job with thin margin for error; he’ll need immediate defensive fixes, healthier stars and smarter roster moves to change the tide. New Orleans’ problems are systemic, and a coaching switch alone won’t be enough without shoring up talent and health. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Pelicans making the playoffs this season: 8%.
Nov 15
Curry's 49 Lifts Warriors Past Wembanyama, Spurs
Stephen Curry roasted the Spurs for 49 points as the Warriors snapped a game in West Group C, but the bigger story is balance: all five teams in that group are now 1-1, turning point differential into the tiebreaker. Golden State’s win matters because, despite the burst from Curry, they sit last in the group after a 25-point loss to Denver — so every margin matters from here on. Merlin sees a brewing gauntlet where single performances become destiny. Curry’s night keeps Golden State very much alive, yet consistent wins and smart score management will decide who emerges. San Antonio can still climb, but needs two road miracles. Elsewhere the West splits into clearer races and the East shows more separation — the next few group games will quickly reveal which teams can control margins and minds. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State winning West Group C: 25%.
Nov 15
Warriors' Stephen Curry Spotted in Nike After Under Armour Split
Stephen Curry warmed up in "Mambacita" Kobe 6s after parting ways with Under Armour, ending a 12-year run that launched Curry Brand. Under Armour will still release the Curry 13 as the final UA Curry shoe in February 2026, and Curry will gain full ownership of the Splash logo. The split appears amicable: "This move lets two strong teams do what they do best," UA CEO Kevin Plank said. Merlin senses this is a tidy divorce, not drama. Curry received 8.8 million UA shares (about $75M) and the presidency of Curry Brand, giving him real leverage to steer his own business. With four championships, two MVPs, 11 All-NBA nods and 27.1 points this season, he can choose reunion with Nike, a full independent rollout, or a new partner — all are on the table. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Curry re-signing with Nike within 12 months: 40%.
Nov 15
Kings' Westbrook Joins LeBron in 25K-10K Club
Russell Westbrook just joined LeBron James as one of only two players with "25,000 points and 10,000 assists," a milestone he reached early Friday when a Domantas Sabonis pick-and-roll produced his fifth assist of the night. That mark also makes him one of eight players ever with 10,000+ assists, joining names like Magic, Stockton and Chris Paul. The moment matters because it locks Westbrook’s legacy as a rare blend of scorer and passer across an 18-season, trophy-rich career. Merlin sees a career that has been stormy and spectacular. Westbrook’s nine All-NBA selections, MVP and four triple-double seasons guarantee a place in the history books; what remains is how this chapter in Sacramento reshapes his late-career story — leader, spark, or veteran teacher. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Russell Westbrook being elected to the Hall of Fame: 99%.
Nov 15
Mavericks Cover Anthony Davis' Private Medical Team — Not Dončić
Merlin sees the Mavericks are footing the bill for Anthony Davis' personal medical staff — a perk Luka Dončić never received — a move born of Davis' age, injury history and the abrupt nature of the trade. Dallas even encountered a "disagreement" between Davis' doctors and team director Johann Bilsborough over a Nov. 8 return; governor Patrick Dumont chose to "err on the side of caution" and requested medical data. That tug-of-war matters because Davis' health shapes Dallas' rotations and his value as a potential February trade chip. Merlin senses prudence, not pampering. Paying for outside medical certainty protects the franchise’s asset and buys negotiation leverage, but continued clashes between camps could strain trust. Expect the Mavs to prioritize clearance over headlines as they weigh short-term wins against long-term risk. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Anthony Davis is traded before Feb. 5: 30%.
Nov 14
Draymond Fires Back: Warriors' Kuminga Benched for Knee Tendinitis
Merlin sees Draymond Green pushing back after Jonathan Kuminga was benched and then missed the second half with "knee soreness," later reported as bilateral tendonitis. Green called Kuminga "one of the most bought-in guys" and stressed he "wants to be an All-Star," rejecting narratives that the rookie sulked. The episode matters because it reshuffles the Warriors’ rotation and comes amid a two-year, $48.5 million deal built with a team-friendly option. Merlin predicts the next weeks will be revealing: with Moses Moody and Will Richardson set to start, Golden State can either grow without Kuminga—making his role smaller and trade talks louder—or Kuminga can return healthy and reclaim starter minutes. Green’s public defense eases optics, but health and performance will decide his path. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded this season: 35%.
Nov 14
Heat's Mitchell: Brunson Out Makes Knicks Dangerous
Davion Mitchell warned that New York might actually become "a little more dangerous" with Jalen Brunson sidelined by a Grade 1 right-ankle sprain, citing crisper ball movement and offensive rebounding as the Knicks’ new edge. Brunson, who led New York with 28 points and 6.5 assists per game and dropped 31/6 before exiting Wednesday’s loss, is out Friday and will be evaluated daily, leaving Miles McBride and others to pick up playmaking and defense. Merlin sees matchup chess: Miami can chase stops with Mitchell and its perimeter group, but the Knicks’ length and rebounding could punish a Heat squad that keyed on Brunson. Mitchell struggled guarding Brunson before — now he must corral different weapons and limit second-chance looks if Miami wants an edge. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks winning Friday without Brunson: 55%.
Nov 14
Atlanta Hawks Could Flip Kristaps Porzingis Before Deadline
Merlin sees the Hawks could shop Kristaps Porziņģis before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, per Forbes' Evan Sidery citing rival NBA executives. Porziņģis, in the final season of a two‑year, $60M deal, is averaging 17.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks while Atlanta sits 8-5 and rolling even without Trae Young. The choice matters: he helps the Hawks win now but can walk in free agency, so Atlanta must weigh present push versus future assets. Merlin senses a balance of urgency and caution. If Atlanta stays hot, they may keep Porziņģis as a short-term anchor; if a contender offers draft capital or young rotation players, the Hawks could flip him to avoid losing him for nothing. Expect trade chatter to grow as teams chase frontcourt length and shot-blocking. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Atlanta trading Porziņģis before Feb. 5: 30%.
Nov 14
Can Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Play 82 Games?
San Antonio has started 8-3 and Victor Wembanyama is asserting himself — 26.2 points, 13.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and a league‑leading 3.6 blocks with a 61.1 true‑shooting percentage. Still, league scouts are skeptical: "I'd bet on the Spurs falling off," one told ESPN, and "I'd be shocked if Victor plays 82 games. His body just isn't built for that." The Spurs look playoff‑bound, but their ceiling depends on Wembanyama’s availability. Merlin sees a fragile promise: add De'Aaron Fox and a hungry young core, and San Antonio can climb the West — if Wembanyama avoids another medical setback after 71 games as a rookie and just 46 last season due to deep‑vein thrombosis. Expect brilliance tempered by careful minutes; durability, not talent, will write their final chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Victor Wembanyama plays all 82 games this season: 10%.
Nov 14
LaMelo Said "President" — Why Wolves Picked Anthony Edwards
Minnesota reportedly passed on LaMelo Ball with the No. 1 pick in 2020 after a pre-draft interview where Ball said he wanted to "be President of the United States." That moment helped push the Wolves to choose Anthony Edwards. Six years on, Edwards is a three-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA pick and a 23.9-point scorer who has powered Minnesota to back-to-back Western Conference Finals. Ball, taken third by Charlotte, averages 21.1 points, 7.5 assists and 6.0 rebounds but has been limited by injuries and the Hornets haven’t reached the playoffs. Merlin sees a clear split: Edwards has proven to be the safer, franchise-changing choice; Ball has star flashes and big ambitions but needs health and roster help to change the story. The "president" line was odd — a glimpse of Ball’s confidence — yet teams often pick for floor and fit, not poetry. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LaMelo finishes with a more decorated career than Edwards: 30%.
Nov 14
Pistons Lead East; Spurs Eye 50 Wins
Merlin sees the early season rearrange the map: Detroit sits atop the East on the back of Cade Cunningham and brutal interior defense anchored by Isaiah Stewart, San Antonio is suddenly elite thanks to Victor Wembanyama’s two-way dominance, Phoenix is better than expected under Jordan Ott, while Orlando’s shooting woes and injuries and the Clippers’ bench meltdowns leave them looking shaky. These surprises matter because they force teams to reframe expectations — some starts look sustainable, others are likely mirages. Merlin notes patterns: generational stars like Wembanyama lift teams beyond projection, while smoke (cold shooting, fluky defense) usually clears. Detroit’s paint power feels real; Orlando’s struggles feel correctable. As always, health and turnovers will tell the final tale — fortunes can flip by spring. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of San Antonio winning at least 50 games this season: 60%.
Nov 14
LeBron James Teases Return from Sciatica for Lakers
Merlin sees LeBron James quietly signaling a near return after posting an Instagram Story of himself stepping onto a court with an hourglass emoji. Out with right-side sciatica and having missed training camp, James recently practiced with the South Bay Lakers and did some five-on-five work — often the last step before a comeback. The Lakers are 8-4 without him, getting strong play from Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton; adding LeBron would instantly boost L.A.’s ceiling. Merlin notes that at almost 41, James will be eased back into action, with minutes and load carefully managed. The hourglass is a tease: if practice reports stay clean and pain remains absent, his return could shift playoff expectations, though the timeline will be guarded and fluid. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron returns to game action within two weeks: 70%.
Nov 14
Lakers’ Rebound Cure: Domantas Sabonis?
The Lakers have been one of the West’s best early this season even with LeBron sidelined by sciatica, but a 29-point loss to the Thunder revealed clear weaknesses. Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis — 15.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists — is drawing trade interest. As Sam Amick said, “there are at least a few teams that have raised their hand.” He would bring floor spacing and the rebounding boost L.A. badly needs. Merlin sees a practical upgrade: Sabonis’s feel and boards could mask the Lakers’ third-worst rebounding (40.3) and allow two-big lineups alongside Deandre Ayton (15.5/7.5). Salary constraints and Austin Reaves’ impending extension make a deal tricky, and Sabonis’s rim protection and dip in scoring this year are caveats — but he could tilt the balance. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers trading for Sabonis before the deadline: 25%.
Nov 14
Domantas Sabonis On Kings' Trade Block?
Domantas Sabonis is drawing real trade interest around the league, with The Athletic’s Sam Amick saying, "As it relates to Sabonis, my understanding is there are at least a few teams that have raised their hand to say, 'Yeah, he's somebody we'd want to talk about.'" Sacramento’s 3–9 start, sagging Sabonis numbers and the club’s whispers of a rebuild make him their top movable piece — a veteran under contract through 2027–28 who could fetch a sizable return. Merlin senses a crossroads: Sabonis is a do-it-all big likened to Nikola Jokić in style, and trading him could kick-start a true retool while maximizing value. With LaVine and DeRozan also on the market radar, Sacramento must weigh patience against the chance to reset now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Domantas Sabonis being traded before the 2025-26 trade deadline: 45%.
Nov 14
Mavericks Rebuild Around Cooper Flagg — Trade Davis, Irving
Merlin sees Dallas leaning toward a teardown: an Eastern Conference exec told ESPN the Mavs should "absolutely" look to deal both Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving before the Feb. 5 deadline. At 3–9, last in points per game and 29th in offensive rating, Dallas lacks draft capital and must pivot to developing rookie Cooper Flagg. Davis (32) and Irving (33) carry huge, injury-tinged contracts that clash with a long-term rebuild timetable. Merlin notes the nuance: the duo has barely played together (one game) and Irving is still rehabbing, so keeping them isn’t indefensible. Still, with only a 2026 first-rounder until 2031 and pricey player options looming, the Mavericks should prioritize future assets and young pieces over short-term star fits as they reset around Flagg. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas trading at least one of Davis or Irving before Feb. 5: 65%.
Nov 14
Pacers Target Pelicans' Jose Alvarado After Haliburton Injury
Merlin sees Indiana casting about for point guard help with Tyrese Haliburton lost for the season. The team, 1-10 with a 29th-ranked offense, has reportedly kept Jose Alvarado "on its radar throughout his early stretch of the season." Alvarado wouldn’t replace Haliburton’s creation, but he could bring bench energy, perimeter defense and a needed spark behind starter Andrew Nembhard. Merlin notes the Pelicans are 2-9 and could be open to moves, and Alvarado’s 6.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and a steal per game fit the defensive, high-motor profile Indiana needs. This smells like a short-term patch — useful, but not a cure. If the Pacers are patient, this could buy time for a more decisive roster answer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Pacers acquiring Jose Alvarado this month: 40%.
Nov 13
Cousins Floats Anthony Davis-to-Warriors Trade
Merlin sees a spicy rumor: former star DeMarcus Cousins wrote “Ad to the warriors would be interesting” after The Athletic reported Anthony Davis “finds himself at the center of league-wide speculation” following the Mavericks’ firing of GM Nico Harrison. Dallas is 3-9, hurt by injuries, and Davis still averages 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds while carrying $54.1M this year and $58.5M next — the kind of contract that makes any trade complicated but newsworthy. Merlin senses both opportunity and obstacles: Golden State at 7-6 could use frontcourt help, but Davis’ massive salary and roster fit mean a deal would likely need multiteam creativity. With Dallas in flux and trade chatter growing, expect noise and exploratory calls rather than a quick, clean swap. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis landing in Golden State before the trade deadline: 10%.
Nov 13
Chris Finch Shades JJ Redick’s Lakers Hire
Merlin sees the league whispering about JJ Redick — a podcaster turned first-time NBA head coach who nevertheless guided the Lakers to a 50-32 finish and a playoff berth. Critics like Timberwolves coach Chris Finch sneered that podcasting, "it'll qualify you to coach the Lakers," yet Redick still led Los Angeles into the postseason and now has the team off to an 8-4 start. Merlin notes the tale is one of risk and optics: the Lakers bet on a fresh voice and got short-term gains, but a first-round loss to Finch's Wolves left doubters. If Redick sharpens in-game adjustments and earns the respect of veterans and peers, the skepticism will fade. If not, the league will remind him that regular-season wins are easy to dazzle with — playoff proof is the harder magic. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Redick remains the Lakers’ head coach through next season: 70%.
Nov 13