NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 14, 2025
Mavericks Cover Anthony Davis' Private Medical Team — Not Dončić
Merlin sees the Mavericks are footing the bill for Anthony Davis' personal medical staff — a perk Luka Dončić never received — a move born of Davis' age, injury history and the abrupt nature of the trade. Dallas even encountered a "disagreement" between Davis' doctors and team director Johann Bilsborough over a Nov. 8 return; governor Patrick Dumont chose to "err on the side of caution" and requested medical data. That tug-of-war matters because Davis' health shapes Dallas' rotations and his value as a potential February trade chip. Merlin senses prudence, not pampering. Paying for outside medical certainty protects the franchise’s asset and buys negotiation leverage, but continued clashes between camps could strain trust. Expect the Mavs to prioritize clearance over headlines as they weigh short-term wins against long-term risk. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Anthony Davis is traded before Feb. 5: 30%.
Draymond Fires Back: Warriors' Kuminga Benched for Knee Tendinitis
Merlin sees Draymond Green pushing back after Jonathan Kuminga was benched and then missed the second half with "knee soreness," later reported as bilateral tendonitis. Green called Kuminga "one of the most bought-in guys" and stressed he "wants to be an All-Star," rejecting narratives that the rookie sulked. The episode matters because it reshuffles the Warriors’ rotation and comes amid a two-year, $48.5 million deal built with a team-friendly option. Merlin predicts the next weeks will be revealing: with Moses Moody and Will Richardson set to start, Golden State can either grow without Kuminga—making his role smaller and trade talks louder—or Kuminga can return healthy and reclaim starter minutes. Green’s public defense eases optics, but health and performance will decide his path. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kuminga being traded this season: 35%.
Nov 14
Heat's Mitchell: Brunson Out Makes Knicks Dangerous
Davion Mitchell warned that New York might actually become "a little more dangerous" with Jalen Brunson sidelined by a Grade 1 right-ankle sprain, citing crisper ball movement and offensive rebounding as the Knicks’ new edge. Brunson, who led New York with 28 points and 6.5 assists per game and dropped 31/6 before exiting Wednesday’s loss, is out Friday and will be evaluated daily, leaving Miles McBride and others to pick up playmaking and defense. Merlin sees matchup chess: Miami can chase stops with Mitchell and its perimeter group, but the Knicks’ length and rebounding could punish a Heat squad that keyed on Brunson. Mitchell struggled guarding Brunson before — now he must corral different weapons and limit second-chance looks if Miami wants an edge. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks winning Friday without Brunson: 55%.
Nov 14
Atlanta Hawks Could Flip Kristaps Porzingis Before Deadline
Merlin sees the Hawks could shop Kristaps Porziņģis before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, per Forbes' Evan Sidery citing rival NBA executives. Porziņģis, in the final season of a two‑year, $60M deal, is averaging 17.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks while Atlanta sits 8-5 and rolling even without Trae Young. The choice matters: he helps the Hawks win now but can walk in free agency, so Atlanta must weigh present push versus future assets. Merlin senses a balance of urgency and caution. If Atlanta stays hot, they may keep Porziņģis as a short-term anchor; if a contender offers draft capital or young rotation players, the Hawks could flip him to avoid losing him for nothing. Expect trade chatter to grow as teams chase frontcourt length and shot-blocking. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Atlanta trading Porziņģis before Feb. 5: 30%.
Nov 14
Can Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Play 82 Games?
San Antonio has started 8-3 and Victor Wembanyama is asserting himself — 26.2 points, 13.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and a league‑leading 3.6 blocks with a 61.1 true‑shooting percentage. Still, league scouts are skeptical: "I'd bet on the Spurs falling off," one told ESPN, and "I'd be shocked if Victor plays 82 games. His body just isn't built for that." The Spurs look playoff‑bound, but their ceiling depends on Wembanyama’s availability. Merlin sees a fragile promise: add De'Aaron Fox and a hungry young core, and San Antonio can climb the West — if Wembanyama avoids another medical setback after 71 games as a rookie and just 46 last season due to deep‑vein thrombosis. Expect brilliance tempered by careful minutes; durability, not talent, will write their final chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Victor Wembanyama plays all 82 games this season: 10%.
Nov 14
LaMelo Said "President" — Why Wolves Picked Anthony Edwards
Minnesota reportedly passed on LaMelo Ball with the No. 1 pick in 2020 after a pre-draft interview where Ball said he wanted to "be President of the United States." That moment helped push the Wolves to choose Anthony Edwards. Six years on, Edwards is a three-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA pick and a 23.9-point scorer who has powered Minnesota to back-to-back Western Conference Finals. Ball, taken third by Charlotte, averages 21.1 points, 7.5 assists and 6.0 rebounds but has been limited by injuries and the Hornets haven’t reached the playoffs. Merlin sees a clear split: Edwards has proven to be the safer, franchise-changing choice; Ball has star flashes and big ambitions but needs health and roster help to change the story. The "president" line was odd — a glimpse of Ball’s confidence — yet teams often pick for floor and fit, not poetry. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LaMelo finishes with a more decorated career than Edwards: 30%.
Nov 14
Pistons Lead East; Spurs Eye 50 Wins
Merlin sees the early season rearrange the map: Detroit sits atop the East on the back of Cade Cunningham and brutal interior defense anchored by Isaiah Stewart, San Antonio is suddenly elite thanks to Victor Wembanyama’s two-way dominance, Phoenix is better than expected under Jordan Ott, while Orlando’s shooting woes and injuries and the Clippers’ bench meltdowns leave them looking shaky. These surprises matter because they force teams to reframe expectations — some starts look sustainable, others are likely mirages. Merlin notes patterns: generational stars like Wembanyama lift teams beyond projection, while smoke (cold shooting, fluky defense) usually clears. Detroit’s paint power feels real; Orlando’s struggles feel correctable. As always, health and turnovers will tell the final tale — fortunes can flip by spring. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of San Antonio winning at least 50 games this season: 60%.
Nov 14
LeBron James Teases Return from Sciatica for Lakers
Merlin sees LeBron James quietly signaling a near return after posting an Instagram Story of himself stepping onto a court with an hourglass emoji. Out with right-side sciatica and having missed training camp, James recently practiced with the South Bay Lakers and did some five-on-five work — often the last step before a comeback. The Lakers are 8-4 without him, getting strong play from Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton; adding LeBron would instantly boost L.A.’s ceiling. Merlin notes that at almost 41, James will be eased back into action, with minutes and load carefully managed. The hourglass is a tease: if practice reports stay clean and pain remains absent, his return could shift playoff expectations, though the timeline will be guarded and fluid. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron returns to game action within two weeks: 70%.
Nov 14
Lakers’ Rebound Cure: Domantas Sabonis?
The Lakers have been one of the West’s best early this season even with LeBron sidelined by sciatica, but a 29-point loss to the Thunder revealed clear weaknesses. Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis — 15.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists — is drawing trade interest. As Sam Amick said, “there are at least a few teams that have raised their hand.” He would bring floor spacing and the rebounding boost L.A. badly needs. Merlin sees a practical upgrade: Sabonis’s feel and boards could mask the Lakers’ third-worst rebounding (40.3) and allow two-big lineups alongside Deandre Ayton (15.5/7.5). Salary constraints and Austin Reaves’ impending extension make a deal tricky, and Sabonis’s rim protection and dip in scoring this year are caveats — but he could tilt the balance. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers trading for Sabonis before the deadline: 25%.
Nov 14
Domantas Sabonis On Kings' Trade Block?
Domantas Sabonis is drawing real trade interest around the league, with The Athletic’s Sam Amick saying, "As it relates to Sabonis, my understanding is there are at least a few teams that have raised their hand to say, 'Yeah, he's somebody we'd want to talk about.'" Sacramento’s 3–9 start, sagging Sabonis numbers and the club’s whispers of a rebuild make him their top movable piece — a veteran under contract through 2027–28 who could fetch a sizable return. Merlin senses a crossroads: Sabonis is a do-it-all big likened to Nikola Jokić in style, and trading him could kick-start a true retool while maximizing value. With LaVine and DeRozan also on the market radar, Sacramento must weigh patience against the chance to reset now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Domantas Sabonis being traded before the 2025-26 trade deadline: 45%.
Nov 14
Mavericks Rebuild Around Cooper Flagg — Trade Davis, Irving
Merlin sees Dallas leaning toward a teardown: an Eastern Conference exec told ESPN the Mavs should "absolutely" look to deal both Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving before the Feb. 5 deadline. At 3–9, last in points per game and 29th in offensive rating, Dallas lacks draft capital and must pivot to developing rookie Cooper Flagg. Davis (32) and Irving (33) carry huge, injury-tinged contracts that clash with a long-term rebuild timetable. Merlin notes the nuance: the duo has barely played together (one game) and Irving is still rehabbing, so keeping them isn’t indefensible. Still, with only a 2026 first-rounder until 2031 and pricey player options looming, the Mavericks should prioritize future assets and young pieces over short-term star fits as they reset around Flagg. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas trading at least one of Davis or Irving before Feb. 5: 65%.
Nov 14
Pacers Target Pelicans' Jose Alvarado After Haliburton Injury
Merlin sees Indiana casting about for point guard help with Tyrese Haliburton lost for the season. The team, 1-10 with a 29th-ranked offense, has reportedly kept Jose Alvarado "on its radar throughout his early stretch of the season." Alvarado wouldn’t replace Haliburton’s creation, but he could bring bench energy, perimeter defense and a needed spark behind starter Andrew Nembhard. Merlin notes the Pelicans are 2-9 and could be open to moves, and Alvarado’s 6.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and a steal per game fit the defensive, high-motor profile Indiana needs. This smells like a short-term patch — useful, but not a cure. If the Pacers are patient, this could buy time for a more decisive roster answer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Pacers acquiring Jose Alvarado this month: 40%.
Nov 13
Cousins Floats Anthony Davis-to-Warriors Trade
Merlin sees a spicy rumor: former star DeMarcus Cousins wrote “Ad to the warriors would be interesting” after The Athletic reported Anthony Davis “finds himself at the center of league-wide speculation” following the Mavericks’ firing of GM Nico Harrison. Dallas is 3-9, hurt by injuries, and Davis still averages 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds while carrying $54.1M this year and $58.5M next — the kind of contract that makes any trade complicated but newsworthy. Merlin senses both opportunity and obstacles: Golden State at 7-6 could use frontcourt help, but Davis’ massive salary and roster fit mean a deal would likely need multiteam creativity. With Dallas in flux and trade chatter growing, expect noise and exploratory calls rather than a quick, clean swap. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis landing in Golden State before the trade deadline: 10%.
Nov 13
Chris Finch Shades JJ Redick’s Lakers Hire
Merlin sees the league whispering about JJ Redick — a podcaster turned first-time NBA head coach who nevertheless guided the Lakers to a 50-32 finish and a playoff berth. Critics like Timberwolves coach Chris Finch sneered that podcasting, "it'll qualify you to coach the Lakers," yet Redick still led Los Angeles into the postseason and now has the team off to an 8-4 start. Merlin notes the tale is one of risk and optics: the Lakers bet on a fresh voice and got short-term gains, but a first-round loss to Finch's Wolves left doubters. If Redick sharpens in-game adjustments and earns the respect of veterans and peers, the skepticism will fade. If not, the league will remind him that regular-season wins are easy to dazzle with — playoff proof is the harder magic. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Redick remains the Lakers’ head coach through next season: 70%.
Nov 13
Cavs Gamble With Mitchell-Mobley Core, Embrace Second Apron
Merlin sees the Cavs sitting stubbornly above the NBA’s second apron but refusing to let that cap figure shrink their timeline. League sources told Fred Katz, "The Cavs aren't working under any type of mandate. There is no demand that they must win a title or make the Finals to justify the long-term price tag." Cleveland is prepared to keep Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen together and treat next season as part of a longer run aimed at a 2027 peak. This choice matters because the second-apron status reduces roster flexibility; most teams avoid lingering there. Merlin senses confidence from the front office — patience over panic — but also knows scrutiny will grow if the Cavs stumble again. Any changes, he predicts, will be about finding a better mix of stars, not just ducking the apron. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Cavs keep the core through 2027 if they miss the title this season: 65%.
Nov 13
Doug Christie Erupts After Kings' 133-100 Loss to Hawks
The Kings were flattened by the Hawks, 133-100, slipping to 3-9 and marking a fourth straight double‑digit loss. Head coach Doug Christie blasted the effort as "shameful" and said, "I was embarrassed," after Sacramento was out‑rebounded 45‑35, allowed 33 fast‑break points and shot just 39.1 percent. The public rebuke matters because it exposes a team struggling on the glass, in transition defense and with mounting frustration early in the season. Merlin sees a pattern, not an accident: when fundamentals fail and the coach's patience shows on the bench, locker‑room answers must arrive quickly or the season will drift. Christie’s bluntness can wake a roster or widen a divide — the coming weeks will reveal which. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Sacramento making the playoffs this season: 28%.
Nov 13
End of an Era: Warriors' Stephen Curry, Under Armour Split
Merlin sees a major split: after more than a decade together, Stephen Curry and Under Armour are parting ways. Under Armour says it will "develop new UA Basketball products and continue to support athletes and programs across every level of the game." The Curry 13s remain scheduled for February 2026 as the final Curry Brand shoe under this partnership, with colorways through October 2026 — a clear bookend for an era in basketball footwear. Merlin senses both risk and opportunity. Curry’s global pull makes this more than a business breakup; it resets the sneaker market and Curry’s own brand path. Buyers will hunt the last UA Curry drops, while brands and Curry weigh next moves — another giant partner, equity stake, or a fully independent label are all on the table. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of Stephen Curry signing with Nike within 12 months: 40%.")
Nov 13
Ja Morant, Grizzlies: Frustration, But No Trade Market
Merlin sees a restless Ja Morant but not an imminent breakup. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said, “I have not heard that Morant is available,” and the market backs that up: Morant’s production has fallen off a cliff (18.9 PPG, 35.2% FG, 16.7% 3PT) after injuries and off‑court issues, and executives believe only about seven or eight teams might even be candidates for an upgrade at point guard. That combination of declining interior scoring and limited trade partners makes a move unlikely right now. Merlin senses the tension like a storm on the horizon. Teams are wary of a superstar whose burst and paint scoring have faded, and Memphis would struggle to secure a return matching Morant’s ceiling. This storyline will simmer toward February — improvement or fresh interest could flip the script, but for now the Grizzlies hold the cards. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded before the February deadline: 20%.
Nov 13
Sixers' Jared McCain Sent to G League for Revival
Merlin sees the Sixers sending Jared McCain to the Delaware Blue Coats so he can "get minutes and continue acclimating" after returning from thumb and knee surgery. McCain, who averaged 15.3 points in a promising rookie year cut short by a torn meniscus, has struggled in three brief NBA appearances (0-for-9 shooting) while adjusting to a "bulky left knee brace," so a G League stint buys game reps and confidence. Merlin wagers this is a wise, low-risk reset: rhythm and confidence come in games, not treatments. If McCain rediscovers his shot and moves comfortably without the brace, he becomes valuable depth behind Tyrese Maxey and alongside VJ Edgecombe. Watch his Blue Coats minutes for real signs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jared McCain reclaims a regular Sixers rotation spot by mid-December: 45%.
Nov 13
Anthony Davis Trade Looms: Mavericks, Bulls in Talks
The future of star big man Anthony Davis in Dallas is suddenly uncertain after the firing of GM Nico Harrison. John Wall said he thinks “AD is probably done with it” and that “you been hearing he wants to go back to Chicago,” while Davis has missed seven games with a calf injury and the Mavs sit 3-9 without Kyrie Irving. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon adds owner Patrick Dumont will “at least” discuss trades, so the club faces a choice that could reshape its near future — and deepen the sting from last season’s big moves. Merlin sees a franchise at a fork: Davis, elite when healthy, is trade bait if Dallas wants reset, but patience could secure better value. Chicago is whispered as a destination; expect quiet talks before any dramatic move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Anthony Davis is traded this season: 60%.
Nov 13
Historic Wembanyama-Castle Triple-Doubles — Spurs Lose to Warriors
Merlin sees a Spurs night of near-magic and near-miss: San Antonio fell 125-120 to Golden State, but Victor Wembanyama (31-15-10) and Stephon Castle (23-10-10) each recorded triple-doubles — a franchise first — while Stephen Curry torched the Spurs for 46. The loss stung, but the result matters because it showed the Spurs’ two-young-star core can already swing games and that San Antonio remains a serious contender at 8-3. Merlin notes the signs of a rising dynasty and the cracks that still need sealing. The Spurs led by 16 before fading, so coaching tweaks and defensive discipline will decide if this duo becomes a title-caliber engine or a thrilling footnote. At Frost Bank Center, adjustments and home energy give San Antonio the edge — but Curry’s brilliance is always a ledger of danger. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Spurs winning Friday’s rematch: 60%.
Nov 13
Garland-Mitchell-Mobley Lead Cavs' Early Domination
Merlin sees a tidy early-season audit: Bleacher Report checked every team’s most-used or most-likely starting five through the first three weeks, noting how injuries and load management have forced nonstop shuffling. The piece rates units by net rating and impact—some lineups roar (Cleveland’s Garland–Mitchell–Mobley–Allen–Hunter at +51.1; Brunson–Bridges–Anunoby–Towns–Robinson flashing +58.5) while others (Dallas, Sacramento, Brooklyn) expose roster imbalances and rebounding woes. These first-six-minute combos are already shaping each club’s identity. Merlin warns that small samples and hot/cold streaks can deceive, yet patterns emerge: rim protection and a reliable creator matter most, and teams that fix spacing and rebounding will stop the early bleeding. Expect more tinkering until health and spacing cohere — then truths will stick. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cleveland’s Garland–Mitchell–Mobley–Allen–Hunter five remains a top-10 net-rating unit at the All-Star break: 80%.
Nov 13
Luka Dončić Focuses on Lakers, Shrugs at Mavericks Firing
Merlin sees Luka Dončić politely sidestepping the drama: after the Mavericks fired the GM who traded him, Luka said the city and fans “will always have a special place in my heart” and that he’s “focused on the Lakers and trying to move on.” That matters because the trade remains raw in Dallas—“Fire Nico” chants linger—and any public flare-up from Luka could reopen a messy PR chapter for both sides. Merlin senses a careful calculus. High-level players hold grudges, but Luka’s actions will follow trophies more than headlines. If he blossoms in L.A., airing old wounds gains nothing; if the Lakers stumble, curiosity and emotion could pull him toward a sharper reply. For now, Luka prefers the present over the past. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Luka ever returns to play for the Mavericks during his career: 10%.
Nov 13
Brunson, Brown Must Fix Knicks' Stagnant Offense
Merlin sees the Knicks arrived with the NBA’s best offense, but Wednesday’s loss to Orlando exposed persistent flaws: the unit struggles against elite defenses, plays too slowly (first-chance possessions ~14.54 seconds, 26th), and rarely runs in transition. Karl‑Anthony Towns’ post work has become inefficient (scoring on just 37.5% of those possessions vs 74.2% last year), the Deuce McBride-plus-starters five-out look has barely played, and the backup point‑guard void forces stale lineups. "Easier said than done." Merlin senses the cures are straightforward if daring: push pace, restore Deuce-led five-outs, free Jalen Brunson from late-game overload, lean on Josh Hart bench mobs and test Mikal Bridges as a creator. Short-term losses for system buy-in could pay dividends in April — clinging to comfort will keep defenses one step ahead. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds New York finishes the season top-10 in offensive rating: 30%.
Nov 13
Orlando Magic Maul Knicks at MSG — Wagner Shines
The Knicks stumbled at MSG, falling 124-107 to the Orlando Magic, and coach Mike Brown didn’t soften the blow: “They kicked our ass; it’s as simple as that.” Orlando dominated the glass (49-37), held New York to 30.6% from three and absorbed a limited Paolo Banchero, while Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane filled the stat sheet. Jalen Brunson’s 31 wasn’t enough, and the loss highlights a worrying 0-3 road mark with a five-game road trip looming. Merlin sees a team built for Broadway struggling away from the bright lights. This was less a single bad night than a reminder New York needs more rebounding, interior toughness and scoring beyond Brunson to be a true top-seed threat. Fix those gaps on the road and the Knicks’ ceiling rises quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks winning at least 2 of their next 5 road games: 45%.
Nov 13