NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
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Feb 26, 2026
LaMelo Ball, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic: NBA Starters Ranked
Bleacher Report graded every NBA starting five and found the chaos of tanking, load management, and injuries has produced some startling extremes. Some groups shine — Charlotte’s starters earn an A+ as the league’s most potent offense, Detroit and OKC also score elite marks — while others flounder, like Brooklyn’s experiment that grades out as an F. The snapshot shows rosters revealing their true aims across a league that feels, as the piece put it, "a real mess" on opening night. Merlin sees a shifting tapestry. Contenders will patch lineups around health, rebuilders will keep rotating youngsters, and a few surprise units will force coaches’ hands. Charlotte’s scoring feast looks magical now but may face a defensive reckoning. The Spurs’ small-ball around Wemby is a spell that could last. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Charlotte’s starters finishing as the league’s highest-scoring five-man unit: 60%.
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Aaron Gordon, Ryan Rollins: Most Underrated NBA Players
Merlin spots ten underrated players quietly outplaying their contracts and boosting wins. The list includes Naji Marshall, Jaylon Tyson, Aaron Gordon, Josh Hart, Ty Jerome, Toumani Camara, Peyton Watson, Ajay Mitchell, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Ryan Rollins. Each brings strong on/off marks, efficient scoring or defensive versatility on modest deals, creating extra value for their teams and shifting playoff math without much fanfare. Merlin notes the market will soon correct. Several of these players are on bargain deals that should force raises or bigger roles, while injuries and trades could change trajectories overnight. A handful look poised to become core pieces who trigger roster moves, and others will remain quietly essential in close postseason series. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds that at least three players from this list double their next contract: 60%.
Feb 26
Cade Cunningham MVP Case Grows vs Thunder
Cade Cunningham carried the Pistons to a 124-116 win over the Thunder, who were without reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Cunningham scored 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting, hit three of five threes, and added 13 assists, five rebounds, three steals and three blocks, though he had eight turnovers. Detroit erased a 34-22 first quarter hole with a 36-18 second quarter, built leads as large as 17, and closed it out with a Cunningham jumper and a Jalen Duren dunk. Oklahoma City still ranks No. 1 in defensive rating, so the victory stands out. Merlin sees a signature night. Beating the league's top defense while posting near-MVP numbers sharpens Cunningham’s case, especially as availability questions linger for Shai and Nikola Jokić under the 65-game rule. Turnovers are a caveat, but the Pistons now have a clear building block. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: "Odds of Cade Cunningham finishing top 5 in MVP voting this season: 30%."
Feb 26
Phoenix Suns' Mat Ishbia Offers $1M For Dunk, Three Point
Merlin sees Phoenix owner Mat Ishbia offering $1 million in prize money for winners of the Slam Dunk and Three-Point Contests and pledging another $1 million to charity for each event. Ishbia said, "Let's get the best guys in," and "Let's make it awesome." The pitch is meant to lure bigger names to All-Star Weekend, but league and players union officials told Brian Windhorst a $1 million prize would not work with the NBA’s current bonus structure, and Windhorst noted Ishbia did not clear this with the league first. Merlin senses a tussle between goodwill and rulebooks. The Three-Point Contest already draws stars like Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry, while the Dunk Contest has lacked headline names for years. Expect creative workarounds, heavy negotiating, and maybe charity-style incentives rather than a straight cash prize. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA approves a $1 million prize as proposed this season: 20%.
Feb 25
Former Heat Star Chris Bosh Reveals Blood Scare
Merlin sees Hall of Famer Chris Bosh reveal a sudden health scare in a social video, saying he woke up "covered in my own blood" and collapsed while getting ready for a date. He pointed to his eyes as still recovering and called it "a scary thing" that "came fast." Bosh’s career was already cut short by life-threatening blood clots in 2015 and 2016, and he officially retired in 2019 after a failed comeback. Merlin notes that past clotting makes any new episode more worrying. Bosh’s openness can shine a light on long-term risks for former players and push for better medical follow-up. Expect him to slow down, lean on family, and possibly use his platform to raise awareness as he reassesses priorities. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bosh will spearhead a public blood clot awareness effort within a year: 70%.
Feb 25
Dejounte Murray Denies Trade Rumors, Season Debut For Pelicans
Dejounte Murray pushed back on trade chatter, posting that he was "locked in to come back" from a ruptured Achilles and never asked to be moved at the deadline. Reports suggested his camp preferred a new destination, but he stayed with New Orleans and made his season debut Tuesday, scoring 13 points in the Pelicans' 113-109 win. After the game he said, "I've been through a lot. I keep my chest out, chin up, smiling." Merlin senses the real story is fit and health, not headlines. Murray averaged 17.5/7.4/6.5/2.0 last year and the Pelicans, 17-42, will use the rest of the season to test him alongside rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. If he stays healthy and finds a defined role, the trade whispers will fade. If not, those whispers will return louder. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dejounte Murray requesting a trade this season: 15%.
Feb 25
How Jordan's Rejection Gave Kobe Bryant Black Mamba
Nike once sketched a black mamba campaign for the Air Jordan 19, but Michael Jordan balked. Nike exec Gentry Humphrey said, "You could just tell from the very beginning he was uncomfortable," and Jordan Brand president Larry Miller recalled, "MJ doesn't like snakes." One mamba ad ran in ESPN The Magazine, but the concept never took hold. Kobe Bryant later embraced the black mamba after Kill Bill, calling it "a perfect description of how I would want my game to be," and turned it into his signature persona and "Mamba Mentality." Merlin notes how a personal dislike rerouted basketball lore. A rejected ad left an image unclaimed, and Kobe seized that space to forge an identity. Small choices by stars and brands can reshape nicknames, marketing, and even how a generation remembers a player. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kobe would have become the Black Mamba if MJ had accepted the snake campaign: 10%.
Feb 25
Lakers Enlist Tony Bennett For NBA Draft Magic
Merlin sees the Los Angeles Lakers have added college coaching legend Tony Bennett as a draft advisor to GM Rob Pelinka. Bennett, who led Virginia to the 2019 national title and earned multiple Coach of the Year awards, retired in 2024 after saying, "I realized I'm no longer the best coach to lead this program in the current environment." He now brings a proven eye for fit and character to Los Angeles' draft room. Merlin senses the hire is about judgment and culture more than scouting volume. Bennett’s teams were defined by defense, spacing and players who buy in, so expect the Lakers to favor pro-ready, high-character prospects who fit a team-first system. His voice could nudge Pelinka toward safer, cleaner fits rather than boom-or-bust talent. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers draft a future All-Star in the next three drafts: 30%.
Feb 25
Giannis, Tatum, Banchero Become Beasts in NBA The Run
Merlin sees Play by Play Studios unveiling a new trailer for "NBA The Run" that puts Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum and Paolo Banchero together as the "Beasts in the East" trio. The title is a 3-on-3 arcade street basketball game set on legendary courts like Venice Beach, The Tenement in the Philippines and Rucker Park, with solo, team and online knockout modes coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam sometime in 2026. The reveal follows earlier teases that included Luka Dončić and LaMelo Ball and keeps the star-driven rollout moving. Merlin senses the choice of Giannis, Tatum and Banchero will shape early playstyles, trading pure power for versatile scoring and athleticism. The street setting promises a distinct, faster meta than simulation titles, and more trio reveals will define the game’s identity and buzz. Watch for roster leaks and mode demos next. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the "Beasts in the East" trio becomes the most-played group at launch: 65%.
Feb 25
LeBron James Free Agency: Lakers Cleveland Warriors Knicks?
LeBron James stands at a crossroads as his Lakers deal winds down. At 41 he still averages 21.7 points and remains an All-Star, but age, declining defense, and salary complications leave several paths open: a one-year farewell to "get his flowers," retirement, a hometown finish in Cleveland on a minimum deal, a reunion in Golden State or New York, or a complicated sign-and-trade. The Lakers are weighing a Luka Dončić future, and payroll rules make many moves difficult. Merlin sees the chessboard beyond the headlines. Money, legacy, and family will pull in different directions. A sign-and-trade could solve payroll puzzles but is rare. If LeBron keeps playing he will pick the stage that best fits story and comfort, and if he retires he could soon surface in ownership talks tied to NBA expansion. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron retires after 2025-26: 35%.
Feb 25
Luka Doncic Hesitates, LeBron James Misses Winner
Merlin sees the Lakers' 110-109 loss to Orlando hinge on one late moment. With 6.7 seconds left Luka Dončić said "I know I was open" but picked up his dribble, got double-teamed and passed to LeBron James, whose off-balance turnaround jumper rimmed out. The defeat dropped L.A. to 34-23, two games ahead of seventh and nudged them closer to the play-in danger. Merlin senses bigger questions. Dončić was 8-of-24 and 2-of-10 from three and admitted he "probably shouldn't have picked up the ball," while James offered "I thought he had a good look." With elite talent but recent inconsistency, the road tests at Phoenix and Golden State become must-win chances to steady the ship. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers fall into the play-in this season: 35%.
Feb 25
Lakers Left Reeling: LeBron James Misses Buzzer, Luka Doncic Criticized
The Lakers closed an eight-game homestand with a 110-109 loss to the Magic after LeBron missed a buzzer three. Los Angeles went 4-4 at Crypto.com Arena. The final possession saw Luka Dončić pass up what looked like an open shot on the inbounds with 6.7 seconds left, leaving LeBron to try and create against Jonathan Isaac. Dončić finished 8-of-24 for 22 points with 15 assists and nine rebounds; LeBron scored 21 but had five turnovers. Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 36, and the defeat dropped the Lakers to 34-23, sixth in the West. Merlin sees a team nudged by small errors more than by collapse. The defense held up, yet late-game chemistry and shot choice between two ball-dominant stars is the true puzzle. A day off gives space to reset, but consistency from Dončić and fewer LeBron turnovers must come quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers beat the Suns on Thursday: 45%.
Feb 25
Jonathan Kuminga Sparks Atlanta Hawks With 27 Points
Jonathan Kuminga debuted for the Hawks in style, pouring in a season-high 27 points (9-of-12 shooting) with seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in Atlanta’s 119-98 win over Washington. Back from a left knee bone bruise and his first game since Jan. 22, he provided instant bench juice, helping Atlanta build a 17-point halftime lead as the team improved to 29-31 and fights for play-in positioning. Merlin sees the trade as a reset. Kuminga’s inconsistent role in Golden State masked his upside; in Atlanta he found space to shoot, attack the rim and rebound without fitting into a veteran-heavy rotation. Consistency is the real test, but consecutive games against the Wizards give him a quick chance to prove this was no fluke and raise the Hawks’ ceiling. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jonathan Kuminga averaging 20+ points over his first 10 games with the Hawks: 45%.
Feb 25
Trae Young Choked Up at Hawks Tribute
Trae Young was visibly moved by the tribute video the Atlanta Hawks showed when he returned to State Farm Arena after being traded to Washington on Jan. 7. "It's been crazy, it's been different," he said, and added, "I just wanted the Hawks fans to know how much I love and appreciate them." He did not play as he recovers from a sprained right knee and bruised quadriceps, and the Hawks beat the Wizards 119-98. Merlin sees a bittersweet homecoming. Young left Atlanta after eight seasons and four All Star nods, averaging 25.2 points and 9.8 assists there, so the love from the crowd was earned. The moment feels like emotional closure more than a new beginning, and his recovery will shape how quickly he turns that feeling into performance for Washington. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Trae Young ever suits up for the Hawks again in his career: 12%.
Feb 25
Harden and Mitchell Torch Knicks in Cavs Win
James Harden and Donovan Mitchell powered the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 109-94 win over the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Harden had 20 points, four assists, and Mitchell added 23 points with three steals. Cleveland jumped early, led 60-54 at the half and then blew the game open when New York scored just 11 points in the third quarter, shooting 3-of-24. The Cavs held an 18-point lead into the fourth and both teams sit at 37-22 after Tuesday night. Merlin sees more than a single box score. Harden’s creation and Mitchell’s activity on both ends give Cleveland a clearer identity, while New York’s third quarter collapse and Towns’ turnovers raise questions about late-game resilience. If the Cavs tighten rotation and keep defensive pressure, they will be the steadier team down the stretch. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cleveland finishing with a better record than New York this season: 65%.
Feb 24
Megan Thee Stallion Manifesting Engagement to Mavericks Klay Thompson
Megan Thee Stallion told viewers in a Milan YouTube clip that she is "manifesting my engagement" to Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson after watching Team USA captain Hilary Knight’s Olympic proposal. The couple went public last July, and Megan has called Thompson "the nicest person I've ever met in my life" and said he makes her "genuinely happy." Her comment brings the relationship back into the spotlight and signals she is thinking about a deeper commitment. Merlin sees the moment like a late game where timing matters. The Olympic setting and athlete friends add romance and public pressure, while Klay’s calendar, health and desire for privacy will shape what comes next. For the high school NBA fan watching, this feels hopeful and realistic at once. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson getting engaged within 12 months: 30%.
Feb 24
Rick Carlisle, Pacers Clash With NBA Over Nesmith Fine
The Pacers were fined $100,000 after Aaron Nesmith sat out a game with a left hand strain, and coach Rick Carlisle called the process "ridiculous" on a radio appearance. Carlisle said he "didn't agree with it" and accused league investigators of suggesting the team consider medicating Nesmith to play. The NBA pushed back, saying "Coach Carlisle's description of the process that went into the decision to fine the Indiana Pacers is inaccurate," and that an independent physician led the review while team executives were interviewed. The Jazz were also hit with a $500,000 fine tied to alleged tanking as both clubs hover near the bottom of the standings. Merlin sees a clash of trust and optics. Public accusations about medicating a player cut to the heart of health and integrity. The league will defend its process, the Pacers will press their case, and fans should expect appeals, more statements, and scrutiny as the draft race heats up. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Indiana overturning the fine on appeal: 15%.
Feb 24
Anthony Edwards Praises Heat Culture, Commits To Minnesota Timberwolves
Merlin sees a casual All-Star weekend moment turn into a headline when Anthony Edwards asked Norman Powell how he was settling in Miami. Edwards remains firmly planted in Minnesota — a 24-year-old on a five-year, $244.6 million max extension, a four-time All-Star averaging a career-high 29.5 points as the Timberwolves chase their first NBA Finals. He has praised Heat Culture, saying, "He's been dope man, bringing a lot of energy and the 'Heat Culture,'" and added, "I see what they mean when they say Heat Culture." The exchange feels like admiration more than intent. Merlin notes Edwards respects Erik Spoelstra and Miami's system, but the contract and recent team success make a move unlikely. Small moments like this keep rumors alive, and they will grow louder if Minnesota falters or Miami keeps courting star players. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Edwards requesting a trade this season: 5%.
Feb 24
Dallas Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg Eyes 2028 Team USA Spot
Merlin sees USA Basketball already penciling in prospects for 2028, with Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg among the names getting early looks. ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill reports sources calling Flagg a competitor who “plays hard” and is “good at just about everything.” Flagg joined others like Chet Holmgren, Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley on lists of intriguing front-line or two-way options after showing well in a Team USA scrimmage. Merlin notes the timing helps these youngsters. The Paris roster was the oldest in U.S. history, and stars such as Stephen Curry and LeBron James will be in their 40s by 2028, opening roster space. Development curves, fit and defense will decide if a promising rookie becomes a reliable Olympic piece. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg making Team USA for 2028: 40%.
Feb 24
Why Kings Might Keep Domantas Sabonis This Summer
Sacramento shopped Domantas Sabonis before the Feb. 5 deadline but may not put him on the block this summer, Marc Stein says it is "not seen as a certainty." Teams including Toronto, Washington, Phoenix and Chicago showed interest while the Kings sought a first-round pick. No deal came, Sabonis was shut down for season-ending knee surgery, and he still has two years and $94.1 million left on his deal after averaging 19.0/13.1/6.9 in Sacramento. Merlin sees a clear crossroads. If the lottery fails to deliver a ready-made star, the Kings could cling to Sabonis for steady production and leadership. If they leap into the top selections, moving him for a high pick becomes tempting. With a 13-46 record and rare top-10 luck, Sacramento must choose between present strength and a rare swing at long-term upside. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Kings keep Sabonis this summer: 65%.
Feb 24
Khris Middleton Holds Keys to Mavericks Future
Merlin sees Dallas handing veteran Khris Middleton the choice to "decide if he wants to stay with his new team for the rest of the season or seek a buyout." With the Mavs 20-36 and out of title contention, a buyout would free Middleton to join a contender. Dallas has told him it "will certainly still have a need for shooting next season," and he recently led the club with 25 points in a win. Merlin notes the tug of war inside a veteran's heart. Middleton can chase a shot at a second ring now or stay as a steady voice for rookie Cooper Flagg and Dallas’s rebuild. Teams hunting perimeter scoring will watch closely, and Middleton’s choice could reshape several playoff benches. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Khris Middleton accepting a buyout this season: 65%.
Feb 24
Jalen Brunson: No Plans To Leave Knicks
Merlin sees Jalen Brunson quietly ending trade talk after a Vanity Fair profile stirred attention. The three-time All-Star told reporters, "I would love to be here for the rest of my career," and said he "sacrificed" by taking a four-year, $156.5 million deal. That discount gave the Knicks cap flexibility to sign Mikal Bridges and stay under the second apron, helping fuel their run to the Eastern Conference Finals and the current 37-21 record. Merlin warns the bargain has risk. Brunson passed on a larger five-year option and must hope for the big extension his agent promises in 2028 or 2029. He is New York's best player, averaging 26.8 points and 6.2 assists, and is unlikely to be moved while the club competes. Still, a short playoff run could reshape the roster. Merlin senses Brunson wants stability, not drama. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of Jalen Brunson requesting a trade this season: 5%.”)
Feb 24
NBA 2026 Biggest Flight Risks LeBron Harden McCollum
Merlin sees a league-wide roster map pointing straight at next summer. The story grades every team’s likeliest 2026 free-agency flight risk by two tests: who is most likely to leave and how much damage that would cause. Names range from veteran ring-chasers like CJ McCollum and Norman Powell to rentals such as Nikola Vučević, breakout restricted candidates like Peyton Watson and Sandro Mamukelashvili, and health or cap headaches like Kristaps Porziņģis and Mitchell Robinson. Merlin whispers that the real summer fights will come over mid-tier breakouts and expiring deals. Teams over the tax or short on Bird rights will be squeezed; clubs with young cores must choose between paying role players or preserving room for stars. Watch restricted players who suddenly flashed this season and the teams that mispriced them — those signings will rewrite several rosters. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Peyton Watson signs elsewhere in 2026: 60%.
Feb 24
LiAngelo Ball Drops Backyard Ball After Tweaker Goes Platinum
Merlin sees LiAngelo Ball drop "Backyard Ball," a new single off his album League of My Own that leans on basketball imagery. After his hoop career stalled, the 27-year-old found traction in music: "Tweaker" went platinum and hit No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. He told Billboard, "I always told myself I would be great at something, even if the hoops don't work" and "I just never knew it would be rap, and I just ran with it." A Def Jam and Universal deal reportedly worth up to $13 million shows this is no hobby. Merlin smells real crossover potential. The court gives him a built-in story and credibility, and a platinum single plus a big label check buys time to grow. Still, lasting success will require more hits, touring, and a sharpened image. Expect more singles, collaborations, and a push to turn curiosity into a music career. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LiAngelo scoring another top 40 hit next year: 40%.
Feb 24
Drake Powell, Taylor Hendricks, Kasparas Jakucionis Demand Minutes
Merlin sees a midseason inventory of players who deserve bigger roles. The article points to Drake Powell in Brooklyn, whose defense and rim finishing outweigh a cold three point stroke; Taylor Hendricks in Memphis, still regaining mobility but valuable as a versatile big; Kasparas Jakučionis in Miami, whose passing and 45 percent three point mark demand more pick and roll looks; Mohamed Diawara in New York, a 41.3 percent long-range shooter who can defend; and Vit Krejčí in Portland, a 42 percent shooter who should push for 25 to 30 minutes. Merlin whispers that the pattern is clear. Teams craving shooting, switchable defense, or a developmental edge will hand out minutes if coaches want quick gains. Small bets on these players could yield outsized returns down the stretch if opportunity meets consistency. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Drake Powell averaging 25+ minutes by season end: 70%.
Feb 24