NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 8, 2025
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: "Didn't Like" How Thunder Won
Merlin sees Shai Gilgeous-Alexander refusing to celebrate quietly — he “didn’t like the way we won,” and he’s using that dissatisfaction to push himself and the Thunder. That matters because Oklahoma City isn’t just defending a title on reputation: they’re 9-1 with a league-best +13.6 net rating, and SGA is scoring 33.0 points on 52.3% shooting. Early form suggests this team means business. Merlin remembers the Finals’ turning point — Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury — and knows one hard truth: champions are tested by how they respond to discomfort. If SGA channels that critique into relentless focus, and if health holds, the Thunder’s mix of star efficiency and depth could make them the team to beat. Small cracks or injuries, however, will change the prophecy. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Oklahoma City repeating as champions this season: 35%.
Dirk Nowitzki Calls Mavericks' 2-7 Start 'Disaster'
Dirk Nowitzki called the Mavericks’ 2-7 opening a “disaster start,” saying they’re “tough to watch” because they “can’t shoot.” Dallas sits last in points (106.0), offensive rating (103.2) and three-pointers made, while injuries — Kyrie Irving still rehabbing a torn ACL and others sidelined — have left the offense sputtering and the roster thin around rookie Cooper Flagg. Merlin sees the big picture: Flagg is learning to be a primary ball‑handler at 18, averaging 14.1/6.6/2.7 in a role he’d never played, and Dirk’s advice — “try to keep a positive attitude,” that “things will be okay” — is the steadying spell the young core needs. Improvement is likely when health returns, but questions about the roster’s fit linger. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Dallas making the playoffs this season: 40%.
Nov 8
Anthony Edwards Ignites Timberwolves-Thunder NBA Cup
Minnesota and Oklahoma City have stamped themselves as the favorites in a tight West Group A race after opening-night blowouts — Minnesota’s 40-point dismantling led by Anthony Edwards and OKC’s 31-point win created an early gap over the rest. Their Nov. 26 meeting in Oklahoma City now looks like the group’s deciding moment, with point differential and the best second-place spot carrying real playoff weight. Merlin sees a classic clash of star fire and young depth: Minnesota’s elite scoring versus OKC’s balanced attack. The Bucks’ hot start and Toronto’s surprise in the East add pressure across the tournament—expect head-to-heads and point margins, not just wins, to shape who advances. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Minnesota winning West Group A — Minnesota 48%, Oklahoma City 40%, others 12%.
Nov 8
Dallas Mavericks' Nico Harrison Faces Job Heat
The Mavericks’ rocky start has turned a whisper into a question: after Friday’s 118-104 loss to Memphis, Dallas sits last in the West and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon called it “absolutely a legitimate question” whether Nico Harrison can keep his job. Harrison, who signed a multiyear extension in June, has faced the “Fire Nico” chorus since the Luka Dončić trade; league whispers and Marc Stein’s reporting that governor Patrick Dumont once stood by him no longer quiet the chatter as Dallas posts the NBA’s worst offense (103.2) despite a strong defense (sixth in rating). Merlin sees the pieces that could shift the tale — rookie Cooper Flagg’s growth and Kyrie Irving’s eventual return — but time is a clever enemy. If the offense doesn’t awaken soon, the extension may feel like a thin shield against a mounting narrative that “it is the first question that people are asking.” 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nico Harrison losing his job before the All‑Star break: 30%.
Nov 8
G League Breakouts: Hawks' Toppin, KJ Simpson
Every NBA club now has a G League pipeline and the article peels back the map, naming one prospect from each affiliate most likely to become an NBA rotation piece. It highlights why: specialists like Taelon Peter (elite spot-up shooting), scorers like Jacob Toppin (37.1% on 5.7 threes) and Trey Alexander, stretch bigs such as Tristan Vukčević, and playmakers like Ryan Nembhard and KJ Simpson all offer clear roles—floor spacing, defense, or play creation—that teams will covet when minutes open. Merlin sees a league where opportunity matters more than draft pedigree. Two-way deals, injuries, and fit will be the gates these players walk through; shooters and versatile defenders have the shortest road, bigs who can stretch or finish will be in demand, and high-IQ playmakers will be the sneaky long-term winners. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds that at least eight of these named prospects earn regular NBA rotation minutes this season: 60%.
Nov 8
Wembanyama, Spurs Shatter Durant's Rockets' Win Streak
San Antonio snapped Houston’s five-game run with a 121–110 victory, Victor Wembanyama pacing the Spurs with 22 points and eight rebounds and Harrison Barnes adding 24. Kevin Durant scored 24 but had eight turnovers, and Alperen Şengün’s 25 couldn’t tip the balance. The win gave the Spurs a 6–2 start and their first NBA Cup group-play victory, while the Rockets fell to 5–3. Merlin sees this as a meaningful tune-up: San Antonio’s late defense and Champagnie’s clutch threes mattered as much as Wembanyama’s finishes. The Spurs are carving an identity; Houston must clean up turnovers before facing Milwaukee. This game feels like a turning point for both teams — one building momentum, the other searching for steadiness. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: (Odds San Antonio beats New Orleans Saturday: 65%.)
Nov 8
Ja Morant Tops Cooper Flagg; Fans Slam Nico Harrison
Merlin sees Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks fall 118–104 to Ja Morant and the Grizzlies at home, dropping Dallas to 2–7 and a fourth straight loss. Memphis snapped its skid and earned its first NBA Cup group win as Morant posted 21 points, 13 assists and three steals; Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17. Rookie Flagg finished with 12 points and six rebounds, Max Christie led Dallas with 18, and Klay Thompson went 0‑for‑6. A runaway third quarter left the Mavs buried and fans directing blame at GM Nico Harrison. Merlin senses more than a bad night — a veteran roster that should do better is showing schematic and effort cracks. Flagg’s growth is a long game, but Dallas needs quick fixes on defense and rotations. Saturday’s game vs. Washington is a small test that will reveal if adjustments stick or the pressure rises. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Nico Harrison being fired this season: 15%.
Nov 8
Nets' Cam Thomas Hamstring Strain — Out 3–4 Weeks
Merlin sees that Cam Thomas will miss at least three to four weeks with a left hamstring strain, suffered on a first-quarter jumper in Brooklyn’s 112–103 win over Indiana. It matters because Thomas is averaging 21.4 points, was limited to 25 games last season by left hamstring trouble, and the Nets sit 1–7. Coach Jordi Fernández warned, "Unless you're a doctor or you saw the film, I don't know if it's the same injury or not." Merlin senses this is more than a short hiccup. Brooklyn will lean on Tyrese Martin and Terance Mann, but hamstrings are tricky and prone to recurrence; Thomas’ rehab timeline will affect his trade value and Brooklyn’s fragile season trajectory. Watch the next scans and practice reports for the real answer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Thomas misses more than four weeks: 40%.
Nov 8
Fox Returns: Spurs' Playmaker Back vs Pelicans
Merlin sees De'Aaron Fox poised to make his season debut Saturday after a hamstring recovery, per Shams Charania. The timing matters: the Spurs have dropped two straight after a 5-0 start and already face thin backcourt depth with rookie Dylan Harper sidelined. Fox’s playmaking and scoring can immediately change San Antonio’s offense and help their bid to end a long playoff drought. Merlin senses this outing is a barometer — Fox can start “weaving pick-and-roll spells” with Victor Wembanyama and create easy lobs or take over scoring when needed, but rust and managed minutes could limit the immediate impact. If he snaps in quickly, the Spurs regain traction; if not, watch how rotations and health determine their course. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Fox playing and starting Saturday: 80%.
Nov 7
Mac McClung Cut by Pacers — Mavericks or Nets?
Mac McClung’s oddball ride took another twist: after signing a multiyear deal, he was cut by the Pacers just over a week later, leaving the 26‑year‑old G‑League MVP and three‑time dunk contest winner searching for a new path. It matters because McClung’s 25.5 points and 6.5 assists in the G‑League show real offensive upside, and several NBA teams (Dallas, Brooklyn, Orlando) could use cheap, high‑energy backcourt scoring and playmaking. Merlin sees a crossroads: a slim NBA door remains if he tightens shooting and defense, especially as a second‑unit spark for a needy team; the safer routes are a return to the G‑League for another run or a lucrative, stable career overseas. This story is not finished. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds McClung lands an NBA roster spot this season: 40%.
Nov 7
Spoelstra Family Safe After Miami Heat Home Fire
Merlin sees Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra publicly thanking the South Florida community after a fire largely destroyed his home while he was flying back from Denver. Nobody was injured — his children were safe at their mother’s and the family dog survived — and Spoelstra praised first-responders and the team’s support. The moment matters because a coach’s personal crisis can test a locker room’s focus and the franchise’s steadiness. Merlin hears Spoelstra’s steady refrain — "Things in the house, those things can be replaced," and that "the Spoelstras are resilient" — and reads it as a deliberate calm. With the Heat 4-4 and beginning a homestand, the organization’s quick support could turn this into rallying fuel rather than lingering distraction, though the fire’s cause is still under investigation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Miami beats Charlotte tonight: 60%.
Nov 7
Klay Thompson’s Airport Roses to Megan Thee Stallion — Mavs Bench
Klay Thompson publicly smoothed things over with Megan Thee Stallion after being late to pick her up — she posted a video of the roses he gifted as an apology. The relationship, confirmed in July and hinted to be deepening in late October, plays out alongside a rough start on the court: Thompson is shooting 34.2% overall and 29.2% from three, averaging career-low 8.5 points and 1.8 assists, and was replaced in the starting lineup by D'Angelo Russell ahead of a potential bench turn in the NBA Cup matchup vs. Memphis. Merlin sees two stories entwined: personal calm could steady the veteran, yet public attention and dwindling shot-making force a basketball reckoning. A short bench stint may be a reset rather than a fall — Thompson’s craft isn’t gone, just hidden. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Thompson regains a starting spot within the next 10 games: 60%.
Nov 7
Darvin Ham: Westbrook Trade 'Gutted' Lakers Depth
Merlin sees Milwaukee assistant Darvin Ham peeling back the curtain on his Lakers tenure: bringing Russell Westbrook to Los Angeles “pretty much” forced the team to “gut” its roster — parting with Alex Caruso, KCP and Kyle Kuzma — because three max-level salaries squeezed out reliable depth. Ham called Westbrook “one of the most professional guys I’ve ever been around,” but added that financial constraints left the Lakers with complementary pieces that weren’t elite enough to chase another title. Merlin senses a lesson: star power can dazzle, but championships demand balance. The Lakers have since rebuilt real depth around LeBron and new pieces, proving the old trade wasn’t a blueprint but a warning. The question now is whether the lure of a marquee name will ever tempt them away from sustainable construction. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers trade away core depth for another ball-dominant max star in the next two offseasons: 20%.
Nov 7
Victor Oladipo Enters G League Pool — NBA Comeback?
Victor Oladipo has signed into the G League player pool, making him available for claims now that rosters were set ahead of opening day. The move matters because it’s his first pro action in about 30 months after a torn patellar tendon and two seasons away; Oladipo impressed in recent CBA preseason games (20 points, five steals vs. the Spurs; 24 points on 8-of-12 vs. the Clippers) and told HoopsHype, "It's been great" to be back on the court. Merlin sees a classic comeback audition. A two-time All-Star with a 16.9 PPG career average, Oladipo is a low-cost, high-upside pickup for any team needing veteran scoring and perimeter defense — provided his body holds up. The G League is his stage now; strong, consistent minutes there could turn curious claims into an NBA call-up before long. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Victor Oladipo signing an NBA contract this season: 40%.
Nov 7
Anthony Davis' Calf Injury Fuels Mavs Concern
Merlin sees the Mavericks' big man, Anthony Davis, showing signs of slowing before Dallas announced he’d miss time with a calf injury. Multiple scouts and coaches said he "didn't look as mobile as he normally does," yet Davis still averaged at least 22 points and 10 rebounds during a 1-3 start. He exited Oct. 29 with "left lower leg soreness," has missed three games, was listed doubtful for Memphis, and this follows a season last year when he played just nine games after the trade. Merlin senses a pattern: eye surgery, a heavier 268-pound training-camp weight, and limited summer work made conditioning a concern — Jason Kidd even hoped "playing 36 minutes last night will help with that conditioning." The Mavs are fragile at 2-6; Davis' availability will shape Dallas' defense, chemistry, and any chance to salvage the early season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Anthony Davis missing 20+ games this season: 30%.
Nov 7
Trae Young Trade Talk: Hawks Listening
Merlin sees Atlanta quietly open to offers for Trae Young — not a sell-off, but a listening stance. An Eastern exec told ESPN that “Atlanta is good enough to keep Trae and be good and make the playoffs,” yet the Hawks “will at least pick up the phone” for packages built around the Pelicans’ 2026 pick plus Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Zach Risacher. Young is sidelined with a sprained MCL, under contract this year with a player option next, and extension talks haven’t moved — so the club can gauge his trade value while the team steers through early-season results. Merlin notes the tug-of-war: Young is the offensive “engine” — 11.6 assists leader last season and a career 25/9.8 scorer — but defensive limits and contract reality make him costly. Trading him could reset Atlanta around its young core and an unprotected pick, yet any suitor must contemplate a new extension. The decision will hinge on on-court chemistry and how the Hawks perform without their star. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Trae Young is traded before this season’s deadline: 25%.
Nov 7
Zion Injury Crashes Pelicans' Trade Value
Merlin sees the Pelicans stuck in a bind: after another hamstring strain that will sideline Zion Williamson 7–10 days, league scouts tell ESPN his trade value "isn't super high." Teams note his injury history, limited games (219 since 2019) and contract contingencies, so few rivals are rushing to offer meaningful assets. That matters because New Orleans faces pressure to win now and may prefer a short-term roster move over selling a still-electric but fragile star. Merlin muses that while Zion flashes elite numbers in small samples (22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds in five starts), the Pelicans' 0–6 stumble and the inability to tank — thanks to past pick deals — leave them with hard choices. As one scout told reporters, there's "no reason" to sell low; expect New Orleans to seek roster help instead of a full reset. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Pelicans trading Zion this season: 20%.
Nov 7
Ja Morant Trade Value Falls — Grizzlies Cornered
Ja Morant’s standing with the Memphis Grizzlies is under a microscope after his postgame remarks led to a one-game suspension, and league evaluators now see him as a "borderline" top-10 point guard with few true suitors, per Tim Bontemps. Teams like the Timberwolves and Kings are "monitoring" the situation, but Memphis faces a tough choice: Morant is wildly popular and revenue-generating, which complicates any teardown or trade. Merlin sees the crossroads: a 26-year-old star who "sells shoes, he sells tickets, and he wants to play in Memphis when no one wants to," yet carries injury history and a stalled 3-point shot. His upside — elite transition scoring and highlight finishes — still dazzles, but if the jumper and durability decline, his value tumbles. The court’s future is in flux; patience or a bold reset await. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this season: 15%.
Nov 7
Memphis Eyes Jaren Jackson Jr. Trades Amid Morant Rumors
Merlin sees the Grizzlies at a crossroads: whispers that Memphis might move on from Ja Morant have grown into questions about trading Jaren Jackson Jr. too. League sources tell Tim Bontemps there’s a “clear consensus” Morant wouldn’t draw heavy interest, while Jackson — a two-time All-Star, 2023 Defensive Player of the Year and efficient 3-and-blocks big — is viewed as far more tradable, thanks to his skill set and a team-friendly deal through 2028-29. Merlin notes scouts calling Jackson “a perfect complementary guy” who “fills a rare archetype.” After trading Desmond Bane and amid Morant’s suspension, packaging Jackson would signal a full rebuild and fetch assets. The fit, value and contract make him Memphis’ top chip — but parting with a defensive anchor is never simple. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jaren Jackson Jr. being traded this season: 35%.
Nov 7
Warriors Rookie Will Richard's 30-Point First Start
Will Richard, the 56th pick in the 2025 draft, burst onto the scene with 30 points in his first NBA start — a performance foreshadowed by Steve Kerr’s praise that “he’s making the right reads and rotations defensively … I have no doubt when his name is called, he will play.” The game mattered because it showed a polished, four‑year college pro can immediately supply hustle, smart cuts and defense for a Warriors team juggling veteran rest and lineup gaps. Merlin sees a classic Golden State archetype: a 6'5" veteran‑college wing and national champion who knows where to be and how to help. He won’t shoot 79.4% forever, but his instincts and timing fill the cracks teams need when stars sit or trades shuffle roles — especially contrasted with the fit issues that have dogged Jonathan Kuminga. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Will Richard becoming a regular rotation player this season: 65%.
Nov 7
Bradley Beal Booed, Clippers Fall in Phoenix
Bradley Beal’s much‑anticipated return to Phoenix fizzled as the Clippers fell 115–102, with Beal scoring five points on 14.3% shooting in a “return to a chorus of boos.” The game mattered because it underscored how Beal’s buyout and the Suns’ failed “big three” experiment still ripple through both clubs — Devin Booker’s 24 points and a 40‑point third quarter sealed the night while the Clippers, without James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, showed how thin they are on the road. Merlin sees a story of unfinished chemistry and thin margins. Beal’s struggles feel less like one bad night and more like a team still finding its balance; Phoenix fed momentum at home and exposed L.A.’s depth issues. The rematch Saturday will be a quick barometer: will the Clippers’ stars return to steady the ship, or will Phoenix turn this into a longer road problem? 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Clippers win Saturday’s rematch: 35%.
Nov 7
Rockets Pass on Ja Morant Trade
Merlin sees NBA whispers that the Houston Rockets have been "pinpointed" as a potential trade suitor for Ja Morant, per Jake Fischer, though Memphis isn't actively entertaining deals. The chatter matters because Morant's on-court struggles and conduct—he missed a game after a suspension for "conduct detrimental to the team," is shooting 38.3% (14.0% from three) and turning the ball over at a high rate—have coincided with the Grizzlies' slide, making trade talk inevitable. From Houston's vantage, adding Morant would likely unsettle a top-scoring attack led by Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson and force the Rockets to fit a ball-dominant, inefficient shooter. With the club reportedly in a "holding pattern" and young pieces like Thompson and Reed Sheppard flourishing, Merlin expects front offices to favor patience over a costly, chemistry-risking gamble. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Rockets trading for Ja Morant this season: 8%.
Nov 7
Draymond Green: "No Beef" With Kevin Durant
Draymond Green insists there’s “no beef” with Kevin Durant after a public back-and-forth about what won the Warriors their titles. Durant told Netflix’s Starting 5 that offense wins championships; Green countered that Golden State’s defense was the engine of those rings, and Durant replied on social. On his podcast Green framed it as competitive banter — “This ain't no beef...we gonna talk our s--t” — not a personal feud. Merlin sees this as two champions debating the recipe for greatness, not a falling-out. Their spat reshapes how fans argue the Warriors’ legacy, but it’s more heat than harm — familiar chemistry between loud personalities who once hoisted the same trophies. Expect more pointed takes, not lasting grudges. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Green and Durant publicly sparring again this season: 45%.
Nov 6
Pacers Shake Up Backcourt: Waive McClung, Sign Morris
Indiana waived guard Mac McClung and signed veteran Monte Morris after a 1-7 start, per Shams Charania. McClung — an undrafted dunk-contest champion who appeared in three games for Indiana — is out, costing the Pacers a $164,060 cap hit, while Morris brings years of steady backup point-guard experience (5.2 ppg in 45 games last season). The move matters because Indiana is already depleted: Tyrese Haliburton is out for the year with a torn Achilles, Andrew Nembhard is injured, and Bennedict Mathurin is sidelined with a toe issue. Merlin sees this as a practical, short-term spell. McClung was a high-energy long shot; Morris offers pick-and-roll savvy and ball security but not a dramatic scoring boost. This is a stopgap to steady the backcourt while the injured stars recover — a small shove, not a transformative shove toward contention. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Pacers making the playoffs this season: 20%.
Nov 6
Kevin Durant Taunts Tee Morant Amid Ja Morant-Memphis Drama
Merlin sees the moment: during Houston’s 124-109 win, Kevin Durant looked courtside and told Tee Morant, "Your son don't wanna be here," a punchy acknowledgment of Ja Morant’s rocky situation in Memphis. The Grizzlies recently suspended Morant one game after a tense exchange with coach Tuomas Iisalo, and the guard admitted he isn’t feeling any "joy" on the court — facts that have sparked interest from teams like the Kings and Timberwolves, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick. Merlin senses a crossroads. A star’s public unhappiness can become a tipping point (recall Jimmy Butler’s path), yet Morant remains a high-value franchise piece, so Memphis will weigh culture versus asset value carefully. If the malaise continues, trade chatter will harden into action. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this season: 40%.
Nov 6