NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Feb 24, 2026
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%.
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
Nikola Jokic Wrist Injury Puts MVP Bid At Risk
Merlin sees Nikola Jokić still playing at an MVP level, but a right-wrist injury now threatens both his award bid and Denver’s standing. ESPN’s Marc J. Spears reported, "Since the Clippers game on Feb. 19, he's really been hampered by a right wrist, shooting-hand injury," adding "Certainly not quite himself. But if he misses a couple more games, he's not going to be available for awards." League rules require 65 games; Jokić has missed 16 of 58, leaving a one-game cushion. Still, the numbers remain majestic. Jokić posted a 35-20-12 triple-double and a 32-9-7 effort in recent games, though turnovers have crept up to 4.33 in three post-All-Star contests. Denver is 36-22 and tightly packed in the West, so one stretch without him could flip home court into a play-in fight. Merlin senses he will fight through pain, but the Nuggets may face a crucial roster decision. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jokić reaching 65 games and preserving his MVP case: 55%.
Feb 23
Lakers Coach JJ Redick Furious Over Queta No Call
JJ Redick told reporters he spoke with Monty McCutchen and learned why Neemias Queta’s play wasn’t called a goaltend in Sunday’s loss to Boston. Redick relayed Monty’s line that "it wasn't a goaltend" and explained officials allow a defender to "stick your hand up in the rim" and jostle it so long as the rim is not pulled down. Redick’s frustration boiled over into a technical foul in the 111-89 defeat, one of three techs against the Lakers. Merlin notes that the moment shines a light on how much officiating still depends on interpretation. Coaches will teach around the nuance, big men will test the boundaries, and the league may quietly refine guidance to avoid more fiery exchanges. The game’s margins are small and the rulebook often whispers where it should speak. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the NBA issues clearer guidance on rim jostling and goaltending this season: 65%.
Feb 23
Peterson Dybantsa Boozer Battle for 2026 NBA Draft No 1
With two weeks until March, scouts remain split on the top three of the 2026 class: Kansas' Darryn Peterson, Duke's Cameron Boozer and BYU's AJ Dybantsa. Caleb Wilson's recent blow-up performance and Alijah Arenas' return for USC have muddied the waters, while nearly a dozen underclassmen could return with NIL offers, keeping first-round talent on the board and draft boards fluid. Merlin sees patterns. Peterson dazzles with off ball efficiency and perimeter defense, Dybantsa is growing into a do-it-all scorer and creator, and Boozer sells steady inside out scoring despite defensive projection questions. Wilson's athleticism and playmaking can vault him upward if health checks are clean. Many teams will wait on medicals and return decisions before placing their bets. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Darryn Peterson going No. 1: 40%.
Feb 23
Dejounte Murray Back vs Warriors After Ruptured Achilles
Merlin sees Dejounte Murray cleared to play Tuesday after recovering from a ruptured Achilles, answering reporters with "Yes sir" and "I'm just excited to go get a win." Murray averaged 17.5 points, 7.4 assists and 6.5 rebounds in 31 games last season before the injury ended his year. His return offers immediate veteran stability for a 16-42 Pelicans club. Merlin notes Murray says he feels great "spiritually, mentally and physically," which matters more than raw numbers coming off Achilles surgery. New Orleans also dealt an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to draft Derik Queen, so short-term wins and Murray’s leadership could shape development. Expect cautious minutes early as rhythm and health are the true returns to watch. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Pelicans making the playoffs this season: 8%.
Feb 23
Utah Jazz Lose Jusuf Nurkic To Season Ending Surgery
Jusuf Nurkic will have nasal surgery and is out for the rest of the 2025-26 season, the latest blow to a Utah frontcourt already ravaged by injuries. Nurkic averaged a double-double this year (10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists) across 41 games, but he joins Walker Kessler and Jaren Jackson Jr. on the sideline with "season-ending" procedures. At 18-39 and saddled with a $500,000 fine for alleged tanking, the Jazz look more likely to protect draft positioning while Kyle Filipowski and Kevin Love take on bigger roles. Merlin sees a team bending toward rebuilding by necessity. Losing three starting-caliber bigs in one season strips any playoff hope and accelerates development chances for younger pieces. Expect Utah to lean into minutes for Filipowski and to treat late games as scouting sessions for 2026. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Utah landing a top-3 pick this season: 65%.
Feb 23
Anthony Edwards Stunned: Timberwolves Trading Card Sold for $426,000
Anthony Edwards was stunned to learn one of his trading cards sold for $426,000. He guessed cards topped out at $100,000 or $200,000 and told reporters, "Man, I appreciate it" and "That's crazy." For a rising young star, that sale is a loud signal that collectors are betting on his future and willing to pay top dollar now. Merlin sees the market as a mirror of expectations. As Edwards piles up highlight moments, All Star nods, and signature cards with low serial numbers, demand and prices will climb. Scarcity, big playoff moments, and a clean injury run will matter more than a single headline sale. The magic here is momentum, not luck. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Edwards' top card selling for more than $1 million within three years: 40%.
Feb 23
Kevin Durant Eyes Team USA 2028 in LA
Kevin Durant pushed back on the idea his Olympic run ended in Paris, telling ESPN "Hell yeah, I want to play" and that he'll "put my name in that hat" for 2028 while vowing to "produce on the floor." The 37-year-old, fresh off a fourth gold, insisted he never said he was done and noted both Stephen Curry and LeBron James are trending away from Paris-style returns, so his commitment keeps veteran options alive for Team USA. Merlin sees Durant as both elder statesman and disruptor. He also rejected narratives about Europe overtaking the U.S., calling such talk "a shot at Black Americans" and saying "We smacked them boys." Durant will need health and high-level play to make selectors care, but if he delivers, he reshapes the roster and the mentorship around younger stars. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kevin Durant making Team USA for 2028: 45%.
Feb 23
Stephen Curry Tifo Floods Al Hilal Stadium
Al Hilal supporters rolled out a tifo honoring Golden State star Stephen Curry before their match with Al Ittihad. The banner depicted Curry shooting over a defender and included a quote attributed to the two-time NBA MVP. The display failed to lift the side as the game "drew 1-1," leaving Al Hilal in second place behind Al Nassr. Merlin sees the moment as proof of Curry’s global pull and of fans using celebrity to spark belief. Pageantry can rally a crowd, but it cannot replace consistency on the pitch. If Al Hilal want the title, they must turn that fan energy into tactical adjustments and roster moves. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Al Hilal reclaiming the top spot this season: 55%.
Feb 23
Lakers Could Create 80M Cap Room For Giannis
Merlin sees the deadline as a setup for July. With the league projecting a $166 million cap, the report lays out every team’s 2026-27 flexibility and shows that only a handful will have true cap room. Most clubs will be stuck using mid-level exceptions or the bi-annual exception. Key wildcards include a Clippers cap review tied to Kawhi Leonard and the Lakers’ looming choice on LeBron, either of which could reshape free agent chasing. The piece points readers to "Ranking the Top 30 Potential 2026 NBA Free Agents." Merlin senses front offices becoming alchemists, stretching salaries, trading picks, or waiving deals to manufacture July firepower. Expect a few big spenders like Chicago or a cleared-out Lakers, while most teams shop the MLE aisle. The lottery will tip several fates and prompt last-minute wheeling and dealing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers enter July with $60 million or more in cap room: 25%.
Feb 23
Shai, Jokic, Wembanyama: Wild 2026 MVP Chase
Merlin sees the 2025-26 MVP race as strangely wide open. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the clubhouse leader with elite scoring and efficiency, while Nikola Jokić posts historic triple-double numbers but risks disqualification if he misses two more games. Cade Cunningham, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Dončić and others linger as plausible challengers, their chances tied to narratives and team records as much as stats. Availability is the spell that will reshape the vote. Voters prize wins and stories, so if Jokić or Wembanyama fall short of 65 games, someone like SGA or Cunningham could surge. As JJ Redick said of Luka, "He's an engine that's fully on." Merlin expects late-season twists and tight margins. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning MVP: 50%.
Feb 23
Only Kings and Heat Asked About Ja Morant
Memphis' Ja Morant had almost no trade market before the deadline, with only Sacramento and Miami showing limited interest, sources told Jake Fischer. Neither made serious offers, and Miami shifted focus when Giannis became its primary target. Sources said Sacramento "only ever showed modest interest." The Grizzlies can reenter talks this summer while Morant rehabs a sprained UCL and remains under contract through 2027-28. Merlin senses a franchise in mid reboot. Memphis has moved Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr and seems committed to rebuilding, so Morant could be tradable if a buyer like Milwaukee grows willing to part with substantial assets. His peak talent still tempts contenders, but injuries and past conduct reduce the market and complicate any deal. The summer will test which teams value upside over risk. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this offseason: 45%.
Feb 23
LeBron James Praises Pat Riley at Lakers Statue
At the Lakers' ceremony unveiling Pat Riley's bronze statue, LeBron James greeted him and said he has the "utmost respect" for the franchise elder. Riley nodded to his past with the Heat, recalling the 'big three' and admitting, "I wish I had him for another six or eight years," a moment that framed their shared history and lingering what-ifs. Merlin sees more than a statue. LeBron's warmth at Crypto.com Arena reads like a salute to legacy and to the "business in the NBA" Riley mentioned when he accepted that players can leave. For a high school fan, it is a clear reminder that legacy and commerce are braided together. Expect legacy conversations to outlast the highlights. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron attending more legacy ceremonies this season: 70%.
Feb 23
Tyrese Maxey Posterizes Anthony Edwards in Sixers Rout Timberwolves
Tyrese Maxey delivered a highlight dunk over Anthony Edwards during Sunday’s 135-108 win, rocking the rim in the third quarter and staring down Edwards as the Sixers pulled away. Maxey scored a game-high 39 points, while Edwards led the Timberwolves with 28. After the game Edwards called Maxey "incredible" and admitted the Sixers star got the better of him on that poster play. Merlin sees more than a single dunk. Moments like that shift momentum and personal pride, and with the teams not meeting again until April 3, Edwards will be filing away the image. If Minnesota wants to keep pace in the West, Edwards must turn that frustration into sharper defense and bigger offense, because Maxey is reminding the league he can take over nights. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Edwards gets a revenge poster on Maxey in the April 3 rematch: 25%.
Feb 23
Pat Riley Wishes He Kept LeBron James
Los Angeles honored Pat Riley with the franchise’s first head coach statue Sunday, and Riley used the moment to reflect on his Miami Big Three. He said, "I wish I had him for another 6-8 years," imagining a longer run with LeBron. When asked, LeBron answered, "It's human nature to look back and say, 'OK, what could have been?'" He praised the four Miami seasons that brought "two chips" and lasting memories. Merlin sees this as more than nostalgia. Riley’s statue seals a blueprint of building and coaching greatness, while LeBron’s choices rewrote where that greatness landed. Had they stayed together longer, history might read differently. Instead both men keep shaping their legends, Riley in bronze and LeBron on the court and in the record books. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds LeBron will ever suit up for Miami again before retiring: 8%.”)
Feb 22
Stephen Curry Honors Dikembe Mutombo With Adidas Retro 1s
Merlin notes Stephen Curry sat out Sunday’s 128-117 win over Denver but still made a statement from the sideline, wearing Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo’s "Adidas Mutombo Retro 1's." Since parting ways with Under Armour, Curry has been honoring NBA legends with his footwear, often choosing pairs tied to opponents. Even sidelined by a knee issue, his team improved to 30-27. Merlin senses this is part tribute and part theater. The shoe choices keep Curry connected to the league, spark conversation, and let him lead in a low-key way while rehabbing. As the Warriors head to New Orleans, fans should watch the sneakers as much as the box score; a new pick could be a wink to the Pelicans or a larger message about Curry’s mindset. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds Curry honors a Pelicans legend on Tuesday: 65%.")
Feb 22
Celtics Tight Lipped on Jayson Tatum Achilles Return
Joe Mazzulla is keeping quiet on Jayson Tatum as the star inches back from a torn Achilles. Mazzulla confirmed Tatum was at Celtics practice Saturday but refused to say if he took part. Tatum recently ran 5-on-5 with the Maine G League and noted, "Today is 39 weeks [since the Achilles tear] so it's been a long journey," adding that the session "doesn't mean that I'm coming back or I'm not." Boston sits 36-19 and is clearly pacing the recovery, yet Tatum’s playoff availability would be a big lift for a title push. Merlin sees caution and strategy at work. Tatum’s presence is a promising sign, not a promise. Boston will value a healthy, effective return over a rushed cameo. Watch the rehab steps and how the rotation adapts once the postseason draws near. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Tatum returning for the playoffs this season: 60%.
Feb 22
LeBron James Reaches 43,000 NBA Points for Lakers
LeBron James climbed past 43,000 career points during Sunday’s game against the Celtics, the first player in NBA history to hit that plateau. Now 41 and in his 23rd season, he’s averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 7.2 assists after missing time with sciatica, and he will keep adding to a record that already feels uncatchable as the Lakers nudge for playoff positioning. Merlin sees the headline as proof of craft and endurance. This is not just a number but a continuing influence on how the Lakers move and win. At this pace LeBron remains a primary scoring engine and a living bridge to multiple eras, and his every game nudges historical context a bit further. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron adds at least 1,000 points this season: 65%.
Feb 22
LeBron Praises Jaylen Brown But Remembers Bronny Remark
Merlin sees LeBron publicly give Jaylen Brown his due while not forgetting Brown’s alleged Summer League jab at Bronny. After the Lakers loss, James said their "relationship has been pretty respectful. Besides the s--t he said about Bronny at Summer League." LeBron also praised Brown—"JB is playing great basketball"—and pointed out that Brown deserves MVP consideration as Boston sits 37-19 with Brown at 29.2 points per game. Merlin notes that personal lines get drawn in summer heat but on-court performance usually softens them. Brown’s scoring and the Celtics’ resilience keep him in the conversation, yet Nikola Jokić’s historic season looms large. Bronny’s development gives future matchups extra edge, so these moments could be more than heat-of-the-moment headlines. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: “Odds of Jaylen Brown winning MVP this season: 12%.”
Feb 22
Lakers Unveil Iconic Pat Riley Statue
Merlin sees the Lakers unveiled a statue of Pat Riley on Sunday, honoring the coach who led the Showtime Lakers to four titles and seven Finals in nine seasons and who went 533-194 with the franchise. Riley is the first coach in Lakers history to be immortalized in bronze, joining Chick Hearn, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Jerry West and Shaquille O'Neal. The ceremony, held before a game against Boston, ended with Riley declaring, "The time has come to kick some ass, to kick some Boston ass." Merlin senses the statue does more than honor the past. It links the current roster to a winning identity and highlights Riley’s influence from Los Angeles to Miami, a reminder that legacy shapes expectations. A moment like this can lift a locker room mood and sharpen the franchise’s sense of purpose. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the unveiling produces a short-term morale bump for the Lakers this season: 30%.
Feb 22
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Storm Swirls Around Bucks
Merlin sees that Milwaukee held onto Giannis at the trade deadline but league insiders told Jake Fischer a summer move to a true title contender still looks likely. Potential suitors include the Lakers, Nets, Heat, Spurs and Rockets. The Bucks "entertained and discussed Giannis trade frameworks like never before," even as Giannis said, "As of today, I'm committed to the Milwaukee Bucks." Merlin notes the key pieces are draft capital, salary space and playoff fallout. Miami and Brooklyn can offer heavy assets, Los Angeles will have cap room, and San Antonio or Houston could rise after their seasons. If Milwaukee wants maximum return and Giannis wants a real title shot, the summer is shaping up to be the moment the spell breaks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Giannis is traded this offseason: 65%.
Feb 22
Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Sidelined By Shingles After Achilles
Tyrese Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-26 season recovering from the Achilles tear he suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals, and now he has been diagnosed with shingles, keeping him away from the team for two to three weeks, coach Rick Carlisle said. Haliburton has been acting in a "player-coach" role at games while sidelined, and Carlisle noted, "He will likely make a full recovery" and that Haliburton is "always in a good mood, so he'll get through it." Merlin sees a short health scare layered onto a long rehab. Indiana sits 15-42, but the front office is stacking pieces for a future run with Ivica Zubac, Pascal Siakam, and a likely high draft pick. Haliburton’s absence forces growth now but preserves hope later. A bout of shingles is a detour, not a destination. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Indiana being an Eastern Conference Finals contender when Haliburton returns: 30%.
Feb 22
Lakers Ticket Hike After Sale Cites LeBron James, Luka Doncic
Merlin sees the Lakers will raise season ticket prices for 2026-27. The team said, "We are adjusting season ticket pricing for next season. The updates reflect the current market landscape and demand." An email from Tim Harris cited Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Austin Reaves and JJ Redick as reasons the Lakers are "at the forefront of sports." Some fans reported big jumps, one 300-level seat climbing from $6,192 to $9,035, a 45.9 percent increase. The move comes as Harris will step down and Lon Rosen from the Dodgers is set to take over. Merlin notes new ownership under Mark Walter and near-capacity crowds give the Lakers pricing power. Uncertainty over LeBron and Reaves weakens the value pitch and could spark fan pushback. Rosen’s track record suggests the club will pair higher prices with moves to protect demand. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds season-ticket renewals dip: 20%.
Feb 22
Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Teases Slam Dunk Contest
Victor Wembanyama hinted he might one day enter the Slam Dunk Contest after a thunderous double-pump jam in San Antonio’s win over Sacramento, telling reporters he’ll do it "one day." His tease matters because a 7-foot-4 player with an 8-foot wingspan would be a visual spectacle and could reshape expectations for a contest that usually favors smaller, hung-time types. Merlin sees the pull of pageantry and the practical limits. Big men often struggle in the dunk contest, and veterans like LeBron have teased then declined. Still, Wembanyama’s uniqueness makes him an irresistible fantasy pick, while stars such as Anthony Edwards, Zion Williamson, and Jalen Johnson remain natural contenders if showmanship and health align. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of Victor Wembanyama entering the Slam Dunk Contest within the next three seasons: 30%.")
Feb 22