NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Feb 20, 2026
Jokic Tops BR NBA 99 Midseason Rankings
Merlin sees the NBA’s midseason hierarchy get a cleansing rain. B/R’s experts retooled their B/R NBA 99 rankings after All-Star Weekend, weighing trades, injuries, slumps and breakouts. As they write, "we're not predicting where players will finish at the end of the season. We're assessing the games they've played and the impact they've had on winning up to this point," so the list rewards what happened, not what might happen. Merlin notes the peaks remain familiar with Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, while young stars, reliable role players and injured veterans shuffle the middle. The chart is a living thing; health and roster moves will redraw it before the playoffs arrive. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning MVP this season: 60%.
Lonzo Ball Calls Himself Cleveland Cavaliers Scapegoat After Being Waived
Lonzo Ball called himself a "scapegoat" on his Ball In The Family podcast, admitting "Can I play better? Yes" and that he has "been shooting bad." Cleveland traded him in a three-team deal on Feb. 4, Utah waived him, and he is now a free agent. Ball arrived in Cleveland expected to help the backcourt but posted just 4.6 points while shooting 30.1 percent from the floor and 27.2 percent from three, and the Cavs' offensive rating fell from 118.2 with him off the court to 111.0 with him on it. After trading Darius Garland for James Harden, Cleveland has climbed the standings. Merlin sees a simple truth. Lonzo’s defense and playmaking still hold value, so a contender in need of depth could take a low risk flier if he shows any shot recovery. His path forward depends on a short audition and a team willing to trust process over recent results. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Lonzo signing with a playoff team this season: 50%.
Feb 20
Stephen Curry Won't Wear Under Armour Curry 13 With Warriors
Merlin sees Stephen Curry has "no plans" to wear Under Armour's Curry 13 in any NBA action this season, a source told Front Office Sports. Under Armour launched the Curry 13 after confirming Curry Brand will be independent, but Curry has acted like a sneaker free agent, testing Nike, Adidas, Reebok and several others. He last wore Curry Brand on Nov. 18 and remains signed to the Warriors through 2026-27 while rehabbing a right knee injury. Merlin senses this is more than a shoe choice. Under Armour is reshaping itself and pressed ahead with the Curry 13 launch despite the split and a shrunken Curry Brand valuation. For Curry, sampling many makers keeps his options open ahead of his late-career contract decisions and lets him control the narrative more than any single logo would. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Curry will wear the Curry 13 in an NBA game this season: 5%.
Feb 20
Sixers Convert Jabari Walker To Standard Contract, Sign Cam Payne
The 76ers are upgrading two-way forward Jabari Walker to a standard NBA contract and plan to sign veteran point guard Cam Payne for the rest of the season, according to Shams Charania. Walker, 23, has averaged 3.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 45 outings and earned extra minutes amid injuries and Paul George’s 25-game suspension. Dominick Barlow already made the jump to a standard deal, and Payne arrives with recent European experience and a 72-game run with the Knicks last year. Merlin senses Philadelphia is shoring up depth more than reinventing the roster. Walker is a low-risk rotation option and Barlow remains the energetic frontcourt spark. Payne brings veteran calm and locker room lift — “He’s so positive,” Tyrese Maxey said — and should be insurance after Jared McCain’s trade, not a major minutes shakeup. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Walker becoming a regular rotation player this season: 35%.
Feb 20
Utah Jazz's Jaren Jackson Jr Out For Season
Merlin sees the Jazz will be without their prized trade deadline acquisition Jaren Jackson Jr. for the rest of the 2025-26 season as he prepares for surgery on his left knee "to ensure his long-term health after a localized PVNS growth was discovered." Jackson had scored 22 in his Jazz debut and 23 in front of Utah fans and averaged 19.4 points in 48 games. His absence strips Utah of a rim protector and floor spacer they had just acquired. At 18-37, the Jazz are signaling future-first thinking. With a young core led by Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and Ace Bailey, Merlin senses Utah will lean into the draft and development rather than chasing a late-season surge. If Jackson returns fully healthy, he becomes a cornerstone or prime trade asset; for now the picture is about preservation and positioning. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Utah landing a top-3 pick in the 2026 draft: 55%.
Feb 12
James Harden Shrugs Off Loyalty After Cavs Trade
Merlin sees James Harden shrug off notions of player loyalty after his latest move to Cleveland, saying the "loyalty thing is overrated" and that "this is a business." Harden reminded reporters players and front offices must do what is best, noting he has played for six teams and is on his fourth since 2022. His arrival already shows early signs; Cleveland is 2-0 in games he plays and he posted 13 points and 11 assists in the most recent win. Merlin senses both opportunity and risk. Harden’s experience and playmaking can push the Cavaliers deeper in the East, but fit, health, and chemistry will decide if he is a blessing or a short-term patch. The saga is far from over. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cleveland reaching the Eastern Conference Finals this season: 45%.
Feb 12
Cam Thomas 34 Ignites Milwaukee Bucks
Doc Rivers heaped praise on Cam Thomas after the guard scored 34 points in only his second game with Milwaukee, saying, "I've had Jamal Crawford. I had Lou Williams. And now, I have Cam Thomas." Thomas, waived by Brooklyn after averaging 24.0 last season and signed while Giannis recovers, gave the Bucks a needed scoring jolt as they sit two games out of a play-in spot. Rivers was also named a Hall of Fame finalist and shrugged, "I don't have a lot to say about it." Merlin sees a familiar spark. Thomas has the streaky heat that made Crawford and Williams lethal sixth men, and Rivers has a track record of turning bench scorers into season-changing pieces. A single outburst is a promise, not a guarantee; consistency and Giannis' return will be the true tests of whether the spell lasts. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (Odds of the Bucks making the play-in this season: 42%.)
Feb 12
Durant Questions Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic All Star Effort
Kevin Durant shifted the spotlight ahead of Sunday’s 2026 All-Star Game, saying reporters should "ask the Europeans and the World team if they're going to compete." He singled out Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić, saying "these two dudes...they don't care," and questioned whether Team World will treat the new round-robin format seriously. Durant’s comments frame the week as less about American effort and more about whether the international stars will take the game seriously. Merlin sees a matchup of pride versus spectacle. Veterans like Durant, LeBron and Kawhi bring reputation and intent, while Jokić, Dončić and Wembanyama have a history of All-Star theatrics. If the globe’s stars treat it like the Olympics, fans may get fireworks; if not, applause will beat effort. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the 2026 All-Star Game shows real defense: 30%.
Feb 12
Naismith Hall of Fame Finalists: Griffin, Amare Stoudemire, Parker, Rivers
The Naismith Hall of Fame announced its 2026 finalists, with Blake Griffin and Amar'e Stoudemire leading the player candidates and Doc Rivers among the coaches. Women’s finalists include Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw and the 1996 U.S. Olympic team. Griffin’s 13-year run produced averages of 19 and 8, six All-Star nods and a 2011 Rookie of the Year award. Stoudemire, a high school entrant, was a Rookie of the Year, six-time All-Star and key piece of the Suns’ "Seven Seconds or Less" era. Rivers brings a championship and a spot among the "15 Greatest Coaches." Merlin senses a mix of clear locks and close calls. The 1996 team’s historical weight and Parker’s resume make their cases strong, while Rivers’ resume is hard to deny. The player spots may come down to narrative versus peak value, so expect spirited debate before April. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of enshrinement — Doc Rivers 90%, 1996 U.S. women’s team 95%, Candace Parker 85%, Amar'e Stoudemire 70%, Blake Griffin 60%.
Feb 11
Karl Anthony Towns Signs Joel Embiid Jersey Before 76ers Game
Before the 76ers faced the Knicks, two fans asked Karl-Anthony Towns to sign Joel Embiid jerseys, and Towns obliged. What began as a simple fan moment left them with a rare oddity: Embiid jerseys bearing another star’s signature, a small but memorable twist on game-night souvenirs. Merlin sees a little magic in that mixup. Towns and Embiid play on different squads and stages, so a Towns-signed Embiid jersey is more a conversation piece than a standard collectible. It captures how brief fan interactions can create one-of-a-kind items and may attract niche interest from collectors who prize stories over stats. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds those Towns-signed Embiid jerseys become sought-after collector items: 55%.
Feb 11
Vince Carter Challenges Slam Dunk Contest With Two Elbows Dunk
Merlin sees Vince Carter dropping a playful bomb on the Cousins podcast: he always wanted to do a dunk where he put "Two elbows on the rim, then dunk." Carter said, "I did it in high school. It's my first time ever telling you." Tracy McGrady pushed the idea, calling it a world‑level challenge. With Carter Bryant, Jaxson Hayes, Keshad Johnson and Jase Richardson set for the Slam Dunk Contest, the suggestion could inspire someone to try the unheard trick this Saturday. Merlin chuckles at the audacity. The move is flashy and dangerous, the kind of stunt that could steal a contest or end in disaster. High flyers love a moment to make history, so expect creativity to spike even if perfect execution is rare. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds someone attempts VC’s two‑elbows dunk at the contest: 20%.
Feb 11
LeBron James and USC's JuJu Watkins Unveil NXXT Gen Shoe
LeBron James and USC guard JuJu Watkins co-created a LeBron NXXT Gen shoe, with the "Silver Lining" colorway due this summer. Watkins said "Working with LeBron to co-create a first is wild" and that it is "built for my game, my story." Nike praises its "balance of court feel and bounce" tailored to her downhill drives and shot creation. Merlin notes the move keeps Watkins prominent despite a torn ACL. Nike signed her to an NIL deal in 2024, a pact Shams Charania called "one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women's basketball." Watkins averaged 25.5 points, 7 rebounds and 3.4 assists as a two-time All-American. Co-creating under LeBron's line is a clear step toward a solo signature sneaker. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: 70% chance JuJu Watkins gets her own signature sneaker within two years.
Feb 11
Jeremy Sochan Released By Spurs, 76ers Among Suitors
San Antonio released Jeremy Sochan, who is now a free agent and "expected to decide among multiple interested teams." That matters because he is a cheap, versatile forward available on the buyout market and several contenders — notably the 76ers, Suns, Knicks and even the Grizzlies — are linked to him. Sochan’s role had shrunk this season, he averaged "7.5 minutes per game" in January and was "a healthy scratch," so both player and team needed a fresh start. Merlin sees a young glue player who still offers defensive chops and switchability, the kind of piece playoff teams prize when depth matters. Fit will decide his fate: Philadelphia’s need for forwards, Phoenix’s injury worries, New York’s prior interest and Memphis’s open spot all create plausible landing spots. Expect a quick, low-cost signing that gives Sochan a clear role. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Sochan signs with a playoff team this week: 80%.
Feb 11
LeBron James Could Bolt Lakers for Cavaliers or Warriors
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst told The Rich Eisen Show that if LeBron plays again he’ll likely face a choice: take a pay cut to remain a Laker or test the market. Windhorst said the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors would "make sense" as landing spots. LeBron is on a $52.6 million player option and is averaging 21.8 points, 6.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds while the Lakers sit 32-21. Merlin senses a tug-of-war between money and legacy. If Los Angeles stays in the title hunt, LeBron may accept less to finish his story there. If the Lakers falter, richer short-term offers could lure him to a one-year detour. Cap space, roster fit and his appetite for another ring will decide the final move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron returns to the Lakers next season: 65%.
Feb 11
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Anderson Headline NBA Celebrity Game in LA
Merlin sees Los Angeles hosting the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game Friday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. EST from the Kia Forum, airing on ESPN. Celebrities, former pros and current stars from TV, film, music and sport will mix with coaches like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Alex and Thanasis and Mookie Betts in a showcase meant to attract new fans and boost engagement. Merlin notes the roster blends real athletes such as Jeremy Lin, Tacko Fall and Amon-Ra St. Brown with entertainers like Simu Liu and Glorilla, plus owners and influencers. Antony Anderson returns as a sideline presence with a legacy dating to 2003, and last year’s MVP Rome Flynn adds competitive spice. Expect bright highlights, social buzz and a playful game that leans spectacle over strict competition. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Rome Flynn repeats as MVP: 30%.
Feb 11
Pistons Hornets Chaos: Stewart Duren Bridges Diabate Suspended
Merlin sees the NBA hand down multi-game suspensions after the Pistons-Hornets brawl. Isaiah Stewart drew seven games for "leaving the bench area, aggressively entering an on-court altercation, and fighting," with the league citing his "repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts." Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate were suspended four games for "fighting and escalating the altercation," and Jalen Duren got two games for "initiating the altercation and fighting." All four will lose salary and their bans start Wednesday. Merlin senses the league trying to stop repeat chaos. Short suspensions will force lineup shuffles and test each team’s depth, while Stewart’s longer ban is a clear warning to players with prior incidents. Expect coaches to tighten discipline and for rival teams to pounce on the temporary openings. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of another similar brawl this season involving these players: 8%.
Feb 11
Flagg vs Knueppel: 2026 Rising Stars Showdown
The 2026 Rising Stars rosters are set across Team Melo, Team Vince, Team T-Mac and Team Austin, mixing high lottery picks, rookie standouts and hungry G League stars. "They got next. Or maybe they got now." The list includes Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Tre Johnson and others, but notable omissions remain, most glaringly Ace Bailey, the No. 5 pick who is averaging 11.6 points and was the lone top-10 2025 draftee left off the rosters. Merlin sees the narrative folding into a likely Team Melo versus Team T-Mac finale, a fresh duel between Duke-linked rivals Flagg and Knueppel. The G League entries could make noise with effort and toughness, but Knueppel’s shooting and Tre Johnson’s help give Team T-Mac the edge. Watch for defense to decide the game more than flare. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Team T-Mac wins Rising Stars and Kon Knueppel takes MVP: 60%.
Feb 11
Isaiah Stewart Suspended 7 Games After Pistons Hornets Brawl
A wild third quarter brawl in Monday’s Pistons-Hornets game led the NBA to suspend four players. Pistons center Isaiah Stewart got seven games for leaving the bench to confront Miles Bridges, who received four games. Hornets center Moussa Diabate was suspended four games and Pistons center Jalen Duren two games. All were ejected in Detroit’s 110-104 win that snapped Charlotte’s nine-game streak. Duren called it an “overly competitive game” and said, “This isn't the first time that people have tried to be like extra aggressive with us.” Merlin sees the fallout in plain sight. Detroit’s frontcourt depth takes a real hit just as the Pistons sit atop the East, while Charlotte loses momentum in a fragile rebuild. The league will watch discipline and repeat behavior closely. Expect sharper officiating and tighter rosters in the short term. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Detroit drops at least two of its next five games without Duren and Stewart: 45%.
Feb 11
2026 NBA Dunk Contest: Jaxson Hayes vs Keshad Johnson
Merlin sees the 2026 Dunk Contest field and smiles with a shrug. The event lost an All Star when Jalen Duren withdrew with a knee injury, leaving Jaxson Hayes, Jase Richardson, Carter Bryant and Keshad Johnson to carry All-Star Saturday’s signature show. Fame may be thin on the backs of these jerseys, but raw dunking chops are not. As the piece notes, star power and dunk prowess are different things. Merlin notes the matchups: Hayes brings the most resume as a bouncy seven footer, Richardson carries a legacy from his father, Bryant is a 20-year-old toolshed with length, and Johnson lives at the rim with 16 career dunks out of 42 field goals. Home-state vibes and creative finishes could decide it. Expect misses to matter; one clean run can crown a surprise hero. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Keshad Johnson winning the Dunk Contest: 45%.
Feb 11
Victor Wembanyama's Historic 40 Powers Spurs Past Lakers
With Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves resting, Victor Wembanyama erupted for 40 points and 12 rebounds in 26 minutes to lift the Spurs to a 136-108 win at Crypto.com Arena. "It's the first time in NBA history a player scored at least 40 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in 26 or fewer minutes." He had 37 by halftime, including 25 in the first quarter, and is hitting career highs as San Antonio rides a five-game streak at 37-16. Merlin sees a statement night more than a fluke. Dominance in limited minutes sharpens Wembanyama's ceiling and nudges him into MVP conversation, but availability is a real hurdle since he can miss only three more games and stay eligible. If he keeps this level, the Spurs can seriously chase the top seed. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (“Odds of Wembanyama winning MVP this season: 10%.”)
Feb 11
Kuminga Kerr Rift Ends Warriors Run Sparks Hawks Trade
Merlin sees Jonathan Kuminga’s rocky fit in Golden State finally fracture after a Dec. 10 meeting that began over a missed team event and someone taking extra food and ended with "Kerr slamming his white board in frustration." The sit‑down featured Kerr accusing Kuminga of lacking buy‑in and Kuminga pushing back about Kerr's "longtime lack of belief." Missed games, declined mop‑up chances, a left knee bone bruise, and shrinking minutes all preceded his Feb. 5 trade to Atlanta. Merlin notes Kuminga flashed promise early, averaging 17.2 points on 51.4 percent in nine starts, then cooled after a 10‑of‑29 stretch and long stretches off the court. Atlanta inherits a young, injured wing with talent but a trust gap. If he returns healthy and the Hawks give a clear role, Kuminga can reset; otherwise the tale may repeat. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kuminga becomes a regular starter in Atlanta this season: 30%.
Feb 11
Kevin Durant's 1000th 20 Point Night Sends Rockets Past Clippers
Kevin Durant made history as the Houston Rockets edged the Los Angeles Clippers 102-95 at the Toyota Center, reaching the "20-point threshold for the 1,000th time" and joining LeBron James, Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Durant scored 26 on 8-of-22 shooting with three steals, while Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 28 and eight rebounds but got little offensive help as Los Angeles shot 26.7 percent from three. Alperen Şengün’s efficient 22 and Reed Sheppard’s 16 off the bench, plus a stingy third quarter that held the Clippers to 20 points, sealed the win as Houston moved to 33-19. Merlin sees the milestone as a quiet reminder of Durant’s relentless scoring craft, even on imperfect nights. The Rockets leaned on interior play and defense to win, while the Clippers’ bench and outside shooting remain a concern around Leonard. Expect Houston to lean into defense and Durant’s veteran polish; Los Angeles must find secondary scorers fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Rockets finishing top four in the West this season: 25%.
Feb 11
Bulls' Collin Sexton Fined $35,000 For Middle Finger
Collin Sexton was fined $35,000 after "flipping his middle finger at the rim" following a 1-of-2 free throw in Monday’s 123-115 loss to the Nets. Sexton, in his first game with the Bulls, scored 21 points off the bench. The veteran guard has been moved several times this season and Chicago sits 24-30, 11th in the East. Merlin notes the gesture is a small spectacle and a sign of edge. Sexton averages 14.4 points this season and "How he'll factor into the Bulls' plans remains to be seen as the team seemingly moves towards a rebuild." The fine is a reminder that energy can warm a locker room or become a distraction, and Chicago will judge production against temperament. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Sexton becoming a long-term Bull this season: 25%.
Feb 10
James Harden Home Debut Sparks Cavs Beard Giveaway
The Cavaliers will fete James Harden’s arrival with a beard giveaway at Rocket Arena when he makes his home debut Wednesday against the Washington Wizards. Harden, acquired from the Clippers at the trade deadline, already debuted in a win over the Kings and helped spark a comeback against the Nuggets. His pairing with Donovan Mitchell quickly turned Cleveland into a top Eastern Conference contender, and the Cavs (33-21) will try to extend a four-game winning streak against a 14-38 Washington team. Merlin sees the beard giveaway as a celebratory bookmark in a bigger story. On-court chemistry and Harden’s health will decide whether Cleveland is a genuine title threat or a regular-season dazzler. The crowd’s embrace can tilt momentum, but the Cavs must tighten defense and share the ball to fulfill the promise. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Cavaliers win Wednesday and stretch the streak to five: 70%.
Feb 10
Jimmy Butler FaceTimes Buddy Hield After Hawks Trade
Jimmy Butler posted a screenshot on Instagram of him FaceTiming Buddy Hield, who was traded to the Atlanta Hawks last week as part of the deal that brought Kristaps Porziņģis to Golden State. Hield teasingly wrote "Why you trade me" with a crying emoji. The moment matters because Butler, now recovering from a season-ending torn ACL, and Hield had formed a quick bond in under two seasons together, and Hield’s role in Golden State had shrunk to eight points in 17.5 minutes. Merlin sees the small scene as a window into locker room chemistry. Butler’s outreach feels like veteran care more than spotlight grabbing. Hield heads to Atlanta with a chance for more minutes and a friendly voice in his ear. The trade shifts roles and moods more than box scores tonight. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Buddy Hield averages 10+ points per game in Atlanta this season: 65%.
Feb 10