NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 30, 2025
Nikola Jokic Out MVP Odds Favor Shai Over Luka
Merlin sees Nikola Jokić will miss a minimum of four weeks due to a hyperextended left knee, and he has fallen off FanDuel Sportsbook's MVP board. That absence puts his ability to reach the "at least 65 games played in order to qualify for awards and an All NBA nod" in doubt and turns the race to other stars, with Shai Gilgeous Alexander the favorite at minus 425 and Luka Doncic next at plus 430. Merlin notes the shift favors availability and team success. Shai is matching his MVP form while the Thunder sit atop the league with 28 wins and 5 losses. Luka leads the NBA in scoring but the Lakers' uneven play could cost him votes. With Jokić sidelined the market spreads wide, leaving long shots like Cade Cunningham and Victor Wembanyama trailing far behind. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nikola Jokić winning MVP this season: 8%.
LeBron James 41st Birthday: Lakers Call Him Unstoppable
Merlin sees the Lakers rolled out a birthday tribute for LeBron James as he begins his 23rd season, with coach JJ Redick and teammates Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber weighing in. Redick said "There is no explanation because it's never been done before." The video traced his career from rookie highlights to today and reminded fans of four championships, four Finals MVPs, four league MVPs and his status as the NBA all time leading scorer. Sciatica limited him to just 14 games last season, yet his presence still makes Los Angeles a dangerous playoff team. Merlin senses the engine that keeps LeBron moving is equal parts habit and basketball mind. Redick summed it up: "When you combine his commitment to his routine, his natural ability, his instincts, his IQ, that's the reason that he's been able to do this for so long and is going to go down as the greatest, or one of the greatest, ever." Health will write the next chapters. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron playing at least 50 regular season games this year: 60%.
Dec 30
Sacramento Kings Still Chasing Jonathan Kuminga From Warriors
Golden State is exploring trades for Jonathan Kuminga ahead of Feb. 5, and Sam Amick says the Sacramento Kings "do still have interest." Kuminga has not played since Dec. 18 and was a healthy scratch in a recent win. He averages 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 18 games. The Warriors re signed him to a two year deal so he cannot be moved until Jan. 15, and Amick adds "the price has gone down, it just has." Merlin sees a familiar chase. The Kings chased Kuminga in the summer and could add young length and upside to a roster craving defense and athleticism. Golden State appears willing to accept a smaller return than in offseason talks, so any deal may hinge on whether Sacramento parts with a veteran or a draft asset. Quiet moves are likely until January. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Sacramento acquiring Kuminga by Feb 5: 40%.
Dec 30
Austin Reaves Out Four Weeks, Lakers Likely Skip Chris Paul
Merlin sees the Lakers lost Austin Reaves to a Grade 2 gastrocnemius strain and he will miss at least four weeks. Los Angeles sits 20 10 and trade talk is growing as the team stalls. The Clippers said they were "parting ways" with Chris Paul, and his $2.3 million cap hit would fit the books, but sources say the Lakers are not pursuing Paul and prefer players under 30. Merlin warns a Paul addition would be a short term fix that does not address Los Angeles defensive problems or the long term plan around Luka Dončić and Reaves. The front office kept a roster spot open for flexibility and will hunt for a younger defense minded guard or wing at the trade deadline rather than a nostalgia move that "would practically be wasting a roster spot." 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Chris Paul joining the Lakers before the trade deadline this season: 5%.
Dec 30
Charlie Baker Bars NBA Contract Players From College Basketball
NCAA president Charlie Baker declared that players who signed NBA contracts will not be allowed to return to college basketball, saying the organization will refuse eligibility for those who took NBA deals. He warned that recent court orders that block long standing rules have been "widely destabilizing" and added, "I will be working with DI leaders in the weeks ahead to protect college basketball from these misguided attempts to destroy this American institution." Merlin sees a legal storm brewing. Courts have begun handing out surprise rulings that unsettle the old order, and Baker is trying to close the gate before more players test the line. Schools, agents, and athletes now face more uncertainty as lawyers and judges decide where power belongs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds a player who signed an NBA contract regains NCAA eligibility this season: 10%.
Dec 30
LeBron James Lights Up Kings in 2003 Debut
Oct 29 2003 was the night an 18 year old LeBron James stepped into the NBA and looked alarmingly athletic against the Kings. The league he entered was slow paced with low scoring and few three point attempts, ruled by players like Tim Duncan Tracy McGrady Kobe Bryant Kevin Garnett and Shaquille O Neal. TV was cable based salaries were tiny by today s standards and fashion was baggy. That debut is a tidy starting point for how far the game and LeBron himself have traveled. Merlin sees LeBron as a living bridge between eras. His rise tracks rule changes analytics and the global growth of the sport. The story is part nostalgia and part evidence that one player can span dramatic shifts in style money and audience. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron plays in the 2025 26 season: 65%.
Dec 30
Stephen Curry Challenges Luka Doncic To HORSE From Half Court
Stephen Curry said after the Warriors win that he would like to face Luka Dončić in a game of HORSE, telling reporters "I've seen Luka do some stuff, so probably me and him." Curry added "I don't have a go to shot, other than probably just a half court shot, knowing he's gotta make it." The idea pairs two of the league's most creative shooters and would be a fun, low stakes way to show off range and flair, even as the league looks for fresh events for All Star Weekend. Merlin sees two court magicians trading impossible shots like spells. A Curry versus Dončić HORSE would test imagination more than athleticism and could become a must watch TV moment if the league leans into shot making showcases. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Curry and Dončić playing HORSE at All Star Weekend this season: 30%.
Dec 30
Stephen Curry Rocks Sabrina Ionescu Shoes vs Nets
Merlin sees Stephen Curry tip his hat to Sabrina Ionescu by warming up in the SLAM x Nike Sabrina 2 30th anniversary shoes with his No. 30 on the heel before Monday’s game against the Nets. Curry has been trying different sneakers since splitting with Under Armour in November, and the gesture carries a neat backstory: he once recruited Ionescu to Under Armour, they met in the 2024 three point contest, and both are famed for launching threes from well beyond the arc. Merlin smells more than respect. Wearing an opponent’s signature shoe is both friendship and soft signaling to brands and fans. Expect Curry to keep sampling styles while teams and sponsors take notes, turning warm ups into a small market for his next move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Curry signs with Nike this season: 60%.
Dec 29
Nuggets Reeling Nikola Jokic Ruled Out
Nikola Jokić suffered a left knee injury Monday against the Miami Heat and has been ruled out after appearing to step on teammate Spencer Jones's foot. The three time MVP was enjoying an MVP caliber season, averaging 29.9 points while leading the league with 12.4 rebounds and 11.1 assists and shooting 60.4 percent from the field and 44 percent from three. He had 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists on Christmas Day. Denver was already without Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun, leaving Jamal Murray as the only regular starter on the floor when Jokić left. Merlin sees Denver at a crossroads. Jonas Valančiūnas can soak up minutes but cannot reproduce Jokić's blend of passing, scoring and gravity. The Nuggets will be tested on depth and defense, and their title tilt depends on how long the knee keeps the oracle sidelined and how well the bench answers the call. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jokić missing more than two weeks: 25%.
Dec 29
Kawhi Leonard's 55 Ties James Harden for Clippers Record
Kawhi Leonard exploded for a career high 55 points in the Clippers 112 99 win over Detroit, but he told coach Tyronn Lue to keep his fourth quarter minutes low, saying "I would rather play another game than go out there and risk it." The output tied the franchise single game mark held by James Harden and came as Leonard appears healthier after missing 10 games with ankle and foot problems. His scoring outburst helped extend a season best four game win streak for a 10 21 team. Merlin senses balance at work. Coach Lue noted "When he's healthy, he's one of the top guys in the league," and teammates praised the smooth efficiency. Leonard choosing preservation over a solo record signals long term thinking. If he can string together more nights like this while staying fresh, the Clippers could nudge out of their hole. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kawhi scores 30 or more in the next game against Sacramento: 45%.
Dec 29
Luka Doncic and Giannis Dominate All Star Voting
Merlin sees Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo sitting atop the early All Star fan returns, with Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Victor Wembanyama also near the summit. With the game set for Feb 15 at the Intuit Dome and a new Olympic style format that sends two United States teams and one international team into a round robin, the voting leaderboard has turned into a map of international stars ready to suit up together. Merlin notes the irony and the opportunity. The league has never had so many non American superstars leading fan votes at once, so the international squad could be more than a novelty. Depth will still matter for the U S squads, but chemistry and star power give the internationals a real shot at the crown. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the international team winning the All Star tournament: 65%.
Dec 29
Bucks Chase Zach LaVine to Keep Giannis
Merlin sees Milwaukee scrambling to keep Giannis engaged by shopping the market for scoring help. The Bucks have shown interest in Zach LaVine and checked on Malik Monk and Jerami Grant as potential fits next to the two time MVP. Their problem is a thin cupboard. Sources say they have only one first round pick in 2031 or 2032 and they "do not believe they would" deal it unless a real star was on the table. Merlin notes Jon Horst has rebuilt this cast before. As one exec put it, "Give [general manager Jon Horst] credit for reinventing the wheel multiple times over the years." Still, rival teams may wait to see where Giannis lands before moving. The clock is ticking and the Bucks must choose boldness or patience. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Milwaukee landing a true star before the Feb 5 deadline: 25%.
Dec 29
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Deadline Watch, Bucks Stand Firm
Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo still not forcing a move even as trade chatter grows. Reports say he would have to make a "forceful" request to be moved before the Feb 5 deadline, and the Bucks insist "Our intent is to build this team and continue to add, not subtract." Milwaukee is 11th in the East at 13 19, and the franchise has limited draft capital to remake the roster quickly. Merlin notes the practical limits. Salary math and past trades make a blockbuster swap difficult, though names like Zach LaVine and Jerami Grant are on the radar. Giannis scrubbed his socials and told teammates it was to declutter, yet another early playoff exit could test his patience. The Bucks may try a midseason add to steady the ship, but the story is far from finished. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade this season: 20%.
Dec 29
Ben Simmons Pauses Career, Eyes Injury Free Comeback
Merlin sees Ben Simmons choosing patience. The three time All Star says he will pause his career until he feels physically ready, telling reporters "I'm about to be 30 years old, and I need to make the best decision for Ben Simmons." He wants his body to be "bulletproof" and notes his "shot finally feels good," but he will not rush back into playing if he cannot move and take contact the way he used to. Merlin remembers the fall from being a two way force after the 2021 playoffs, the surgeries for a herniated disc and the limited 51 appearances that followed. This is a long tune up, not a quick spell. If rehab restores mobility and confidence, a second act is possible. If not, the league may move on faster than he does. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Simmons returns to meaningful NBA minutes this season: 25%.
Dec 29
Why Clippers Can't Trade Kawhi Leonard or James Harden
Merlin sees the Clippers facing a thorny choice. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps said "there is not a trade market for Kawhi Leonard around the league, I don't think," and while Brian Windhorst thinks James Harden would draw interest, any return would likely not jumpstart a rebuild. Huge salaries, age, injury history and luxury tax limits make flipping those contracts very difficult even after a 10-21 start. Merlin senses the club can still chase the play in. Leonard and Harden are scoring near elite levels, so they help contenders but will not fetch the draft capital Los Angeles needs to rebuild. That makes patience tempting. If form holds and health returns, the Clippers may stay the course. If losses pile up, hard decisions will arrive. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Clippers trading Kawhi Leonard or James Harden before the deadline: Kawhi 5% , Harden 30%.
Dec 29
Trae Young Trade Looms Over Atlanta Hawks
ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon says the Hawks are signaling they want an exit ramp for Trae Young, noting they "did not make any attempt to get him signed to an extension." That message, plus a weak trade market similar to what LaMelo Ball and Ja Morant face, puts Young on a short leash. He just returned from a nearly two month absence with a sprained MCL while Atlanta slides at 15 18 and has lost six straight. Merlin sees a team at a crossroads. Trading a face of the franchise is rare, but a poor market and Young's fit and health will set the price. The next few weeks will reveal whether Atlanta accepts an imperfect return or clings to hope that Young can restore value. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Trae Young being traded by Feb 5: 55%.
Dec 29
Bucks Trade Myles Turner to Warriors to Keep Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee is flirting with a five team trade that would send Myles Turner to Golden State and bring back Darius Garland plus role players, using future firsts to quickly reshape the roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo. The idea trades draft capital for immediate depth and guard play to give Giannis more reason to remain in Milwaukee. Merlin sees clever intent and clear risk. Cleveland would reclaim picks and clear cap room, Golden State would add a floor stretching center, and the Nets and Pacers make the salaries legal. Fit is messy and coach Doc Rivers would face a tricky puzzle on offense and spacing. As Steve Kerr said, the Warriors are a "fading dynasty" and might gamble for a redo. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of Milwaukee completing this five team trade by the trade deadline: 15%.")
Dec 29
Anthony Davis Trade Deadline Looms Mavericks Need His Say
Merlin sees the Mavericks racing the Feb. 5 trade deadline but likely needing Anthony Davis to bless any move. As ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said, "they're going to have some say in the matter." Golden State has shown interest, yet Marc Stein reports they "do not appear to be actively doing so" with questions around Davis size of contract and injury history. Merlin notes that when healthy Davis is a title changer, so suitors must offer a clear plan and probably a contract extension to win him over. That gives Dallas leverage and limits frantic deals. Expect teams to court Davis quietly while the clock winds down, looking to align roster fit with his personal wishes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Davis being traded by Feb 5: 30%.
Dec 29
LeBron and Doncic Ignite Lakers Rout of Kings
Merlin sees LeBron James and Luka Doncic take center stage as the Lakers rolled to a 125 101 home win over the Kings. Doncic led with 34 points, five rebounds and seven assists while James was 11 of 13 for 24 points. The victory snapped a three game skid, pushed Los Angeles to 20 10 and moved them into fourth place in the West. Sacramento fell to 8 24 as DeMar DeRozan scored 22 and Russell Westbrook had 13 with six turnovers. Merlin senses the night was more than a box score. The LeBron Doncic partnership produced both scoring and showmanship, highlighted by a vintage James reverse dunk that electrified the crowd. The Lakers looked cohesive late, but sustained depth and defense will determine if this is a durable climb. The Kings must fix fundamentals before fortunes change. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers staying a top four seed in the West this season: 70%.
Dec 29
Hawks Pursue Anthony Davis, Mavericks Wait for Kyrie
The Hawks are "very intrigued" by a possible trade for Anthony Davis, but Dallas may slow any deal until it sees Kyrie Irving back on court with Victor Flagg and Davis together. As Marc Stein reported, "the Mavericks have yet to see Flagg, Davis and Irving play together for one second," and Irving is still on the comeback trail from an ACL surgery. Davis carries a $54 million cap hit and carries injury history, which complicates trade talks. Merlin senses a delicate balance of risk and reward. Dallas sits 12 and 21 and could pivot if Irving does not return by the Feb 5 trade deadline, yet patience could reveal whether the trio has chemistry. Atlanta could emerge as a real suitor, and names like Zaccharie Risacher linger as possible bait. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: “Odds of the Hawks landing Anthony Davis by the Feb 5 trade deadline: 20%.”
Dec 29
Kawhi Leonard Career High 55 Electrifies Clippers
Kawhi Leonard exploded for a career high 55 points, including 26 in the third quarter, to carry the Los Angeles Clippers to a 112 99 win over the 24 7 Detroit Pistons. He also grabbed 11 rebounds, added five steals and three blocks, tied the Clippers single game franchise scoring record, and shot 17 of 26 from the field, 5 of 10 from deep and 16 of 17 from the foul line. The outing capped a stretch where he averaged nearly 34 points across three games and pushed the Clippers win streak to four. Merlin sees a champion in rhythm. After a 41 point game earlier this week Leonard looks comfortable and efficient, the kind of anchor that can mask roster gaps. Opponents will try to slow him, but the Clippers ride momentum into Tuesday at the Inuit Dome against Sacramento. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kawhi scoring 30 or more against Sacramento Tuesday: 70%.
Dec 29
Scottie Barnes Triple Double Lifts Raptors Past Warriors in OT
Scottie Barnes had a Sunday to remember, making NBA history with a 23 point, 25 rebound and 10 assist triple double as the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 141 to 127 in overtime. He shot 11 for 17 and added three steals and a block, becoming just the ninth player ever with that stat line. Barnes’ all around game helps explain why Toronto sits at 19 wins and 14 losses and in early playoff position. Merlin sees a young star growing into a game changer. The tying tip and the defensive clamp in overtime showed Barnes can swing outcomes on both ends. If he keeps conjuring nights like this, opponents will have to scheme around him and the Raptors could ride his versatility deep into spring. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: one sentence forecast (Odds of Toronto making the playoffs this season: 70%.)
Dec 28
Hawks Chase Anthony Davis Will Trae Young Stay?
Merlin sees the Hawks circling Mavericks star Anthony Davis while league insiders doubt Trae Young would remain if Atlanta pushes for him. Marc Stein called it "hard to imagine" the Hawks keeping Young, and Chris Haynes said Atlanta "remained very intrigued" but any deal "would not involve Trae Young." Huge cap hits and player options for both men mean a trade would likely require multi team maneuvering before the Feb 5 deadline. Merlin calls this a contract puzzle wrapped in health concerns. Both stars have missed time this season, which will tweak their trade value as the deadline nears. Talk of five team packages and moves around Kristaps Porzingis shows how messy the path to Davis could be. If Atlanta truly wants Davis, Merlin thinks Trae will likely be the coin they spend or the chase will end. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Atlanta trades Trae Young if they pursue Anthony Davis this season: 65%.
Dec 28
Alvarado and Williams Suspended After Heated Pelicans Suns Scuffle
The NBA suspended New Orleans guard Jose Alvarado two games and Phoenix center Mark Williams one after a Saturday scuffle sparked by a pick. Both threw elbows and punches and were ejected as Phoenix won 123 114. Coach Jordan Ott said "They got tangled up, and obviously, they both got thrown out." The clash came the second night of a back to back, amid New Orleans 8 25 slide toward the lottery while Phoenix sits 18 13. Merlin sees the shove as a symptom, not the whole story. New Orleans is fraying under pressure and roster uncertainty while Phoenix is finding unlikely cohesion after moving on from Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Small eruptions like this show which clubs have steam to burn and which are running low. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Pelicans and Suns having another on court altercation this season: 25%.
Dec 28
Atlanta Hawks Go All In For Anthony Davis
The Hawks are reportedly ready to go all in to land Anthony Davis. Marc Stein writes Atlanta is "willing to surrender Zaccharie Risacher in the proverbial right scenario," and could package Risacher with expiring contracts from Kristaps Porziņģis and Luke Kennard to woo Dallas. That kind of offer signals Atlanta is prioritizing immediate title contention over holding young upside. Merlin sees a bold gamble. Risacher was the No. 1 overall pick just 18 months ago, so trading him is a clear signal the Hawks want proven star power now. Dallas will drive the price and likely demand more draft compensation, so any deal will ripple across the trade market and test Atlanta’s resolve. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Hawks land Anthony Davis this season: 20%.
Dec 28