NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Jan 5, 2026
Are Paolo Banchero, LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga Overrated?
Merlin sees a list naming five NBA players as overrated: Michael Porter Jr., Jonathan Kuminga, rookie McCain, Paolo Banchero and LaMelo Ball. The piece argues public hype outpaces actual impact. Porter posts big numbers but carries injury and defensive concerns and his trade value has returned "to neutral." Kuminga is athletic with limited playmaking and shooting. McCain's hot rookie month was a small sample. Banchero shows volume without star efficiency. Ball is flashy but has produced only about 1.5 points per 100 possessions for his career. Merlin senses the league prefers stories to steady work. The article even relays scouts saying Ball "doesn't take basketball seriously enough," a perception that can cost opportunities. Expect teams to probe trades for Porter and Kuminga while McCain and Banchero must earn consistency before praise sticks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds that at least one of these five is traded before next season: 55%.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic Fuel Lakers Rally Over Grizzlies
Merlin sees the Lakers rally from an 87-83 fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Grizzlies 120-114, led by LeBron James' 26 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists and Luka Doncic's game-high 36 with nine rebounds and eight assists. With Ja Morant sidelined, Memphis could not close and Los Angeles moved to 22-12, vaulting into fourth in the Western Conference. Merlin senses the chemistry between LeBron and Doncic can tilt tight games, while Jake LaRavia’s scoring burst hints at deeper rotation options. Memphis’ depth showed cracks without Morant, and the Lakers’ upcoming back-to-back in New Orleans and San Antonio will reveal whether this late-game magic is sustainable or a flash of brilliance. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers finish in the West top 4: 65%.
Jan 5
Jimmy Butler Calls Jonathan Kuminga Brother Amid Trade Rumors
Jimmy Butler made it simple and steady. He called Jonathan Kuminga his "brother" and said "His future, that's between him and whoever else," while urging Kuminga to "be the pro of pros" and "Come here and get your work done. Smile." Kuminga signed a two year, $48.5 million deal after a tense offseason, but he has dropped out of the rotation, meetings with Steve Kerr have not repaired the rift, and he becomes trade eligible on Jan. 15. The next move will shape Golden State’s rotation and Kuminga’s career path. Merlin sees loyalty and business traveling different roads. Butler’s public backing softens the narrative and may help Kuminga land with a team that values his upside. Still, fit, minutes and that contract make a trade likely unless the Warriors and player find quick common ground. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kuminga is traded by Jan. 15: 65%.
Jan 4
Lakers Covet Herb Jones, Trey Murphy At Deadline
Merlin sees the Lakers, sitting 21-11 and fifth in the West, hunting for a "two-way wing with size" before the trade deadline, per Marc Stein. The market looks thin, with New Orleans "still resistant" to moving Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III. Los Angeles has made it clear it will only give up summer flexibility if it can land a "real needle-mover." Their recent slide—seven losses in 13 games—adds urgency to any deadline move. Merlin predicts a cautious approach. Finding a true defensive wing without overpaying is rare, so the Lakers will weigh short-term help against costly long-term consequences. A smart rental could steady the ship; an aggressive swap could limit next summer’s options. Watch teams with excess wings for the most plausible fits. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers landing a two-way wing before the deadline: 30%.
Jan 4
Fred VanVleet Eyes Late Season Return for Rockets
Merlin sees a hopeful turn in Houston. What once looked like a season-ending knee injury for Fred VanVleet is not being "completely ruled" out, and "Word is VanVleet is working as hard as possible in his rehab to at least put a late-season return on the table." For a 21-11 Rockets club chasing wins, even the possibility of his return changes the equation. Merlin notes VanVleet brings All Star pedigree and 59 playoff games of savvy to a backcourt that has leaned on Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Aaron Holiday and even Kevin Durant to handle the ball. A late return would be a free veteran infusion and could make Houston less urgent at the trade deadline, though uncertainty remains like fog over a distant shore. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of VanVleet returning this season: 30%.
Jan 4
Hawks Eye Anthony Davis Trade But Protect Zaccharie Risacher
Merlin sees the Hawks flirting with big moves. Atlanta is reportedly open to trading 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher in the right deal, but they do not view an in-season swing for Anthony Davis as fitting those terms. The Mavericks are willing to move Davis, and any deal "would likely come with his approval," so a last-minute February deadline swap looks complicated. Risacher is only 20 and the Hawks seem keen to let him develop while weighing Dallas’ price and Davis’ injury history. Merlin senses caution more than panic. Atlanta is 17-20 and tempted by star power, yet the club values future upside and assets over a risky quick fix. With reports that Rich Paul might favor Atlanta, talks could heat up into the offseason, but a trade that truly transforms the Hawks is far from assured. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Atlanta trading Risacher for Anthony Davis before Feb. 5: 12%.
Jan 4
Joel Embiid's First Dunk Sparks 76ers Win
Joel Embiid finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists and sealed a 130-119 road win over the Knicks with his first dunk of the season, a late slam with 24.9 seconds left. Embiid shrugged it off as "whatever" and called the dunk "an easy one," adding "I wish it would have been one off the backboard. ... That's the next step." He has played 16 of 33 games while the Sixers manage his return from last season’s knee surgery, and his limited availability has still helped Philadelphia sit at 19-14. Merlin sees more than a highlight. The dunk is a small but telling sign that strength and confidence are returning, and Tyrese Maxey already joked about lobbing him more after saying "I'm going to throw him a lob, and we're going to see how that goes." If Embiid stays healthy and gets more touches, the Sixers' ceiling rises quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Embiid dunking on a lob in the next game vs Denver: 30%.
Jan 4
Anthony Davis Staying With Mavericks, Eyes Kyrie Return
Merlin sees Anthony Davis brushing off trade chatter and locking into the present. In Dallas' 110-104 win over Houston he logged a season high 39 minutes with 26 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks, and told reporters, "Obviously, he's a hell of a player, a Hall of Famer. He changes the dynamic of our team. So, when he gets back, we will be an even better team." The Mavs sit 13-23. Merlin notes the original plan was Davis paired with Luka and Kyrie, but injuries and a rough start have left Dallas at a crossroads. The club could pivot around Irving and 2025 top pick Cooper Flagg or keep Davis to try to revive the season. Davis' calm stance and a big night make him both a stabilizing force and a valuable trade chip, so the story is far from over. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis being traded before the deadline: 35%.
Jan 4
Jaylen Brown Salsa Sparks 50 Point Night for Celtics
Jaylen Brown erupted for 50 points in Boston’s 146-115 win over the Clippers, shooting 18-of-26 while adding three rebounds and five assists. Brown said "I knew before the game" and even credited "some salsa lessons" for cleaner footwork. He also held Kawhi Leonard to 22 points. With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Boston sits 22-12 and Brown is pacing the team with career highs of 30.1 points and 5.0 assists. Merlin sees a player hunting edges. The salsa anecdote and Brown’s line "I seek those challenges" show a man polishing every detail to carry his team. Opponents will game-plan harder now, so coaching choices and load management will shape how long this heat lasts. If Brown keeps this form, the Celtics stay dangerous even without their star. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jaylen Brown scores another 50-point game this season: 20%.
Jan 4
Draymond Ejected as Curry Fuels Golden State Win
Draymond Green drew two quick technicals and was ejected in the second quarter of Golden State’s 123-114 win over Utah, but the Warriors rallied behind Stephen Curry’s 31 points and a 46-point bench outburst. Coach Steve Kerr and Jimmy Butler both stressed, "We need Draymond," while Golden State sits 19-17 and eighth in the West, with a slightly better net rating when Green is on the floor. Merlin sees a team that can survive short storms but still needs Green’s voice and bite to reach higher peaks. His defense and emotional leadership are not what they once were, yet they remain crucial as Curry’s clock winds down. If Green tempers the flash and the bench keeps producing, the Warriors can turn late-season noise into a real title push. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State finishing top six in the West: 30%.
Jan 4
Warriors Star Stephen Curry, Dell Break NBA Games Record
Stephen Curry’s 1,052nd regular-season start pushed the Curry family to a new NBA record: 2,135 combined games played, topping Dolph and Danny Schayes’ 2,134. Dell Curry logged 1,083 games in a long career while Stephen is in his 17th season with Golden State. The milestone arrived as the Warriors sit 18-17 and No. 8 in the West, with Curry recovering from ankle trouble. Merlin sees more than a stat line. The record celebrates durability and legacy, but the real story is urgency. Golden State needs Curry healthy to turn stretches of inconsistency into a late-season run. His availability will decide whether this mark becomes a lucky charm or merely a bittersweet footnote. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State finishing top 4 in the West this season: 30%.
Jan 4
JJ Redick: DeAndre Ayton Needed To Fix Lakers Offense
Merlin sees Lakers coach JJ Redick admitting "I don't know what else to do" as Los Angeles slips to two wins in six and has been outscored by 84 points in four losses. Redick described players not following directions in practice and said only four of a dozen plays were run correctly after a timeout in the 128-121 win over Memphis. DeAndre Ayton has not scored more than 12 points in five straight starts and Redick called him "frustrated" and in need of earlier touches. With Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura out, the next game is suddenly more urgent. Merlin senses a holiday lull and a trust gap between passers and the post. Redick wants Ayton to "be active, and engaged, and assertive" and to get touches before the seven-minute mark. If the Lakers can translate simple play calls into cleaner execution and restore Ayton's confidence, the offense can rebound quickly. If not, the slump could deepen. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers win Sunday without Reaves and Hachimura: 40%.
Jan 3
Trae Young Luka Doncic NBA 2026 One Word Rundown
The article gives each NBA team a single word as a snapshot heading into 2026, teasing out trade drama, injuries, rookie rises and tactical shifts. It highlights the Hawks’ Trae Young quandary and his player option, Boston’s elite shot-making and scheme, Denver’s injury test without Nikola Jokić, San Antonio’s near-unfair advantages with Victor Wembanyama, and plenty of clubs defined by rebounding, defense or youth. Merlin sees the list as a map, not a verdict. Small slumps, health and deadline moves will redraw it faster than any headline. Even coaches admit the landscape is changing — Steve Kerr said, "We are no longer the 2017 Warriors dominating the NBA" — so expect teams with strong identities to hold while unsettled squads get noisy. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Trae Young being traded before the February deadline: 45%.
Jan 3
NBA Nixes Jalen Suggs Neck Headband for Magic
Merlin sees the NBA stepped in on Jalen Suggs' fashion move, informing him that "the headband needs to be on the head at tipoff." Suggs had worn it around his neck during warmups as "football drip," moving it up as games went on. He averages 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.9 steals, but missed seven games with a hip contusion and left Friday's loss with a knee issue. Merlin notes the change is small on paper but routines matter. A rule about a headband will not heal hips or knees. Orlando is 4-5 since Suggs' hip injury, so the real test is health and rhythm. Keep an eye on whether the league's style policing rattles his comfort or if Suggs shrugs it off and resumes his climb. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Suggs' production drops because of the headband rule and nagging injuries this season: 20%.
Jan 3
Russell Westbrook Becomes NBA Highest Scoring Point Guard
Merlin sees Russell Westbrook open the New Year by moving past Oscar Robertson into 15th on the NBA scoring list, reaching 26,711 career points and becoming the "highest-scoring point guard in NBA history," per NBC. He scored 17 points with nine rebounds and six assists in Friday's 129-120 loss to the Suns. Sacramento is 8-27 and Westbrook is on a one-year deal, so the Kings could become sellers at the trade deadline while he continues climbing the leaderboard. Merlin notes that Westbrook’s milestone is the product of durability and volume more than nightly efficiency. With just 236 points to overtake Hakeem Olajuwon for 14th, a steady role or a new home that gives him minutes makes that goal realistic. A deadline trade would change the story but not the chase. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Westbrook passing Hakeem Olajuwon for 14th this season: 70%.
Jan 3
Stephen Curry Rocks Angel Reese Reebok at Warriors Game
Merlin sees Stephen Curry courtside at Chase Center wearing Angel Reese’s Reebok shoe, the Angel 1 in the "Receipts Ready" colorway, while sidelined with a left ankle injury. The sight is striking because Curry split with Under Armour in November and the brand still plans to release the Curry 13 in February. Reese’s signature shoe launched last September and even appeared on the WNBA edition cover of NBA 2K26. Merlin notes a small moment with big signals. A superstar openly rocking a WNBA player’s signature shoe is a boost for Reese and for women’s basketball visibility. It also hints at Curry’s sneaker options now that his long run with Under Armour is over. Merch moves often foreshadow bigger deals, but gestures do not always become contracts. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Stephen Curry signs with Reebok within 12 months: 20%.
Jan 3
Jaylen Brown Snubbed as Jalen Brunson Wins Player of Month
Merlin sees Jaylen Brown publicly cool to Jalen Brunson winning Eastern Conference Player of the Month for December. Brown averaged 31.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists on 53.8 percent shooting while Boston went 9-3, yet the honor went to Brunson, who posted 30.6 and 7.1 assists and helped the Knicks to a 10-4 month and NBA Cup glory. Brown "wasn't impressed" with the choice. Merlin notes the hard facts. Brown had a 42 point season high in the teams meeting and superior shooting splits, but Brunson's Cup MVP and New York spotlight likely nudged voters. Brown still carries Finals MVP momentum and an All Star trajectory, so the argument is far from settled. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jaylen Brown winning an Eastern Conference Player of the Month this season: 55%.
Jan 2
LeBron James and Bronny James Spill the Tea for Lakers
Merlin sees LeBron and son Bronny trading jokes in a Lakers "Spill the Tea" clip, with LeBron admitting "I actually don't feel the residue or whatever, the leftover chalk dust" and calling media day his "welcome to the Lakers" moment. The exchange underscores their chemistry and the fact they became the first father son duo to share the court in 2024 25. On the court LeBron is still producing 20.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists, while Bronny has been efficient in the G League with 15.5 points and 5.0 assists on tidy shooting splits but has not carved out a steady NBA role. Merlin senses the smiles carry meaning. The family story boosts team culture and gives Bronny a rare mentor in real time. His G League numbers are a good omen, yet adapting to NBA defense and timing will decide if those sparks turn into real minutes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny earns a regular rotation spot this season: 35%.
Jan 2
Giannis and Bucks Say NBA Trade Deadline Will Fizzle
Merlin sees young fans waiting with bated breath but the league whispers a different tale. An Eastern conference executive said "I don't see an eventful trade deadline," and signs point that way. Giannis is the headline but not being shopped, and the Bucks are operating as buyers. Big salary players with injury risk like Anthony Davis are hard to move, and teams such as the Clippers have "no plans" to sell. Salary cap apron rules also clip the wings of obvious buyers. Merlin knows this piles pressure into the summer. With teams protecting picks and swap rights and avoiding salary headaches, expect fewer blockbusters before Feb 5 and more patient chess moves afterward. Small deals will happen, but the real fireworks may wait until teams have clearer room and appetite. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of an eventful trade deadline before Feb 5: 20%.
Jan 2
Rich Paul: Ben Simmons Was A Success
Rich Paul defended Ben Simmons on his Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman, saying "Everything that Ben wanted to happen for Ben happened for Ben." Paul pointed to Simmons' milestones: No. 1 pick, Rookie of the Year, three All Star nods, two All Defensive selections, All NBA honors and a max contract. Critics note injuries and the 2021 Game 7 non shot, but Paul reframes Simmons as a success rather than a bust. Merlin sees a tale of quick rise and stalled growth. Compared with peers like Markelle Fultz and Deandre Ayton, Simmons achieved more, yet the final chapters will decide his legacy. If he finds a clear role and adds a reliable jump shot, public opinion will warm. If not, the messy label may stick. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ben Simmons is remembered as more success than failure: 60%.
Jan 2
LeBron James Crossroads: Lakers Free Agency Retirement
Merlin sees LeBron approaching a crossroads. With his Lakers contract expiring, league executives map three rational paths: take a discounted deal to stay, test free agency, or retire. His agent suggested a pay cut if the Lakers add an impact veteran, and LeBron has warned the end is "a lot sooner than later." A coach added, "LeBron is still averaging 20 points and shooting 50%. He can help a team win. You just have to find the right situation." Merlin notes the landscape has shifted since L.A. acquired Luka Dončić and cooled plans to build only around LeBron. Brooklyn is the lone team projected with cap space, yet owners would bend for the marketing lift LeBron brings. Loyalty and legacy pull him toward Los Angeles, but roster moves and his body will write the final chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron re signing with the Lakers next summer: 70%.
Jan 2
Kevin Durant: Don't Call Nikola Jokic Injury Prone
Merlin sees Kevin Durant defending Nikola Jokić after the Nuggets confirmed a left knee hyperextension that will sideline the three time MVP for an extended stretch. Durant urged fans not to brand Jokić "injury prone" after what he called a freak accident, saying "they started calling me 'injury prone' after that." The injury happened when teammate Spencer Jones stepped on Jokić's foot; he will be rechecked in four weeks. Merlin notes Durant speaks from experience, having survived similar knee trouble, and that Jokić was at an MVP rhythm, averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists. Denver now must lean on depth and shrewd minutes management to protect its standing while hoping this is a brief detour from Jokić's ironman reputation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jokić being labeled injury prone this season: 10%.
Jan 2
Rich Paul Nixes Lakers LeBron James To Warriors Rumors
Merlin sees Rich Paul close the door on the LeBron to Warriors chatter during Game Over with Max Kellerman. Kellerman raised Bill Simmons's speculation and a possible James for Jimmy Butler swap, but Paul said "Because I don't like to get into that. It's not going to happen. So why are we talking about things that are not going to happen?" Golden State reportedly called the Lakers multiple times, yet LeBron is age 41, missed the season start with sciatica and is averaging a career low 20.3 points in 15 games, making a splash reunion with Stephen Curry improbable right now. Merlin knows two legends teaming up would be a storybook ending, but timing and loyalty pull the other way. The Lakers seem committed to seeing LeBron and Luka Dončić through, and Paul is LeBron's stout defender. If health or production falls further the whispers will return, but for now the rumor mill cools. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron being traded to the Warriors this season: 5%.
Jan 2
Giannis Trade Clock: Bucks Likely To Wait Till Summer
Merlin sees a growing belief in the league that Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will wait until the offseason before pushing for a trade. Scouts told ESPN that "If he waits until the summer [to ask out], he'll have maximum leverage on what his future will be" and one added "They aren't trading him in-season." Milwaukee gave the Knicks an "exclusive negotiating window" in August but no deal came. Giannis returned from a calf injury and the Bucks sit 14-20, still within range of the play in with his presence clearly tied to their fortunes. Merlin notes Milwaukee publicly aims to improve the roster around Giannis even as whispers grow. With voices saying "The rubber is going to finally hit the road, one way or the other," the coming weeks will reveal whether talks stay muted or flare into deadline drama. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the Feb 5 deadline: 20%.
Jan 2
2025 Draft Steals: Kings Raynaud, Hornets Kalkbrenner, Pelicans Queen
The 2025 draft is already paying dividends well past the lottery. Several players picked outside the top 10 are outperforming expectations: Maxime Raynaud (No. 42) has seized minutes in Sacramento, a 7 1 center shooting 54.4 percent and finishing around the rim after Domantas Sabonis went down. Will Richard (No. 56) supplies scoring, threes and steals for Golden State. Ryan Kalkbrenner (No. 34) anchors the paint with rookie leading block numbers and a 78.7 percent clip. Cedric Coward (No. 11) steadies Memphis with 13.9 points and 6.5 boards. Derik Queen (No. 13) mixes scoring, rebounding and playmaking as a modern, positionless big. Merlin sees a pattern: opportunity plus fit can rewrite draft grades faster than a scouting report. Teams that found these players will profit now and at the deadline. If finishing and defense hold, a few of these names become foundational pieces rather than late surprises. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds that at least three of these five make an NBA All Rookie team this season: 70%.
Jan 2