NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 6, 2025
LeBron James Cleared for Contact After Sciatica
Merlin sees the Lakers announced Thursday that LeBron James has been cleared for "contact basketball activity" as he recovers from right-side sciatica and will be reevaluated in one to two weeks. The 40-year-old missed the start of the season and won’t travel for the Nov. 8–15 road trip, yet L.A. has navigated the early slate well — sitting 7-2 despite his absence. Merlin warns that the true measure is still time: a healthy LeBron remains the gravity that turns good teams into title contenders. Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia have filled starting minutes and Austin Reaves is flourishing, but James’ return timeline will determine how high this group can climb in the West. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron is cleared to play in games within two weeks: 70%.
Rockets Pause — Grizzlies Not Trading Ja Morant
Merlin sees a simmering rumor, not a done deal: Jake Fischer reports the Rockets are a named suitor for Ja Morant as they cope with Fred VanVleet’s injury, but Houston is in a “holding pattern” and the Grizzlies haven’t given any indication they’d entertain trading their most popular player. The snag matters because Morant’s availability and recent conduct — he told reporters “go ask the coaching staff” after a poor outing and was suspended one game — would force major roster and offensive changes for any contender that acquires him. Merlin notes patience is the market’s watchword. The Rockets have won five straight and prefer a larger sample before making seismic moves; as an agent said, “Nobody’s doing seismic, monumental things before 20, 25 games.” Morant remains elite at his best, but missed time and fit concerns keep this more rumor than inevitability. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded to the Rockets this season: 15%.
Nov 6
Donovan Mitchell’s 46 Ignites Cavs Past 76ers
Donovan Mitchell erupted for 46 points on 15-of-21 shooting with eight assists and a perfect 10-of-10 from the line in the Cavs’ 132-121 win over Philadelphia, joining Michael Jordan as the only players with at least 45 points on 70% shooting, eight assists and 10 made free throws. Mitchell said he arrived in a bad mood because a kid told him he was "washed" playing NBA 2K — apparently effective motivation. Merlin sees this as more than a highlight reel: Mitchell entered the night at 29.5 PPG on 55% shooting (43.6% from three) and already carries Cleveland’s fortunes. The Cavs are 5-3 and streaky; if Mitchell stays this hot, Cleveland’s ceiling climbs, though supporting cast and consistency will decide how far they travel. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Cavaliers reaching the NBA Finals this season: 20%.
Nov 6
Timberwolves Should Pass On Ja Morant — Keep Edwards
Merlin sees Minnesota quietly watching Ja Morant’s unraveling in Memphis — the Grizzlies disciplined him after what they called an "inappropriate and dismissive" response to his coach, and he's had a string of off-court incidents and suspensions. The Wolves have reached two straight West Finals behind Anthony Edwards; adding a ball-dominant guard with dip in production and baggage would likely disrupt a roster that already plays to Edwards' strengths, so the piece argues a resounding "no." Merlin notes the magic in momentum: Minnesota’s ascent is fragile and built around Edwards’ rise. A flashy acquisition that competes for the ball risks sowing "seeds for dissent." The front office can lurk on trade buzz, but wise teams protect chemistry more than headlines — continuity, not chaos, looks like the safer spell. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Minnesota trades for Ja Morant this season: 8%.
Nov 6
Massive Fire Hits Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra's Home
Merlin sees Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra’s home was heavily damaged by a massive fire early Thursday after the team’s road trip. Battalion Chief Victoria Byrd said firefighters found "two structures on the property fully involved" with flames "as tall as the trees," prompting more than 20 units to fight the blaze until it was contained; the house partially collapsed. Spoelstra arrived back in Miami just after the call and, fortunately, there were no reported injuries and nearby homes were spared. Merlin notes this is a personal hit more than a roster crisis — the coach’s wellbeing and focus matter to the Heat’s rhythm. With officials highlighting access issues ("only one point of entry") and fast emergency response, the club should weather any short-term disruption, though eyes will be on Spoelstra in the coming days. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Spoelstra misses a game this season: 10%.
Nov 6
Point-Guard Crisis: Trae Young, Ja Morant
Merlin sees the 2025-26 season as an early litany of small disasters: a league-wide shortage of true playmakers, injury decimation (Trae Young out at least four weeks; Tyrese Haliburton sidelined long-term), and roster misfires that matter more than box scores. Boston’s loss of its center trio has left them conceding second chances; Brooklyn’s rookie Egor Demin is raining threes but not creating inside; New Orleans is “a house on fire” and next in line for a coaching change; Ja Morant was suspended for “conduct detrimental to the team.” These are not quirks — they reshape playoff hopes, trade chatter, and draft math. Merlin whispers that problems like missing ball‑handlers and flammable locker rooms are contagious: teams with depth and clear identities will trade for creators, rookies will be fast‑tracked, and front offices will choose solutions over slogans. Expect a busy December. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds New Orleans fires Willie Green this season: 85%.
Nov 6
Mavericks' Trade Targets to Save Cooper Flagg
Merlin sees a Mavericks alarm bell: early losses — including to the Pelicans — exposed a bottom‑ranked offense and make a trade imperative if Cooper Flagg’s rookie season is to mean more than moral victories. Dallas is 30th in points per possession and 28th in eFG%; D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy or forcing Flagg to run the offense aren’t solutions, and Kyrie’s return is uncertain. Bleacher Report lays out five realistic targets: Tyler Herro, Malik Monk, Payton Pritchard, Austin Reaves and Coby White, each with salary or third‑team complications. Merlin notes the fits: Herro as a secondary creator/spot‑up threat; Monk to relieve Flagg and add downhill creation; Pritchard as a cheap floor‑spacer; Reaves as a transformative finisher (costly); White as a two‑way scorer/creator. Dallas will likely part with youth, picks or frontcourt pieces. The West won’t wait. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Dallas makes a significant guard acquisition before the trade deadline: 70%.
Nov 6
Jaylen Brown’s Fake Hairline, Celtics Run Over Wizards
Jaylen Brown left a phantom "hairline" on Kyshawn George’s undershirt after contact in Wednesday’s 136-107 win — a funny repeat of an earlier moment with OG Anunoby — and even joked, "AI is getting outta hand." More important: he poured in 35 points, five rebounds and five assists on 13-of-21 shooting, his fourth 30-point game in five contests while Jayson Tatum is sidelined, effectively carrying Boston’s offense. Merlin sees the moment as more than locker-room levity: defenders must now choose whether to crowd Brown and risk getting marked or give him space to score. If this hot streak continues, headlines will center on his production rather than the hairline shtick, and opponents will be forced to rethink their game plans. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jaylen Brown averages 30+ points over the next 10 games: 55%.
Nov 6
Klay Thompson Benched; Mavericks Start D'Angelo Russell
Klay Thompson will come off the bench for the first time this season as Dallas starts D'Angelo Russell in the backcourt while Kyrie Irving rehabs his torn ACL. That move matters: the Mavs have been leaning on rookie Cooper Flagg at point guard, and inserting Russell gives more ball-handling. Thompson — who "hasn't come off the bench since the 2023-24 campaign" and started the team's first seven games — is scuffling, shooting "31.8 percent from the field and 26.2 percent from deep," numbers that, if they hold, would be career lows. Merlin sees this as a pragmatic reset, not a surrender. Turning Thompson into a sixth-man could take pressure off his rhythm and let him hunt open looks with fresher legs. If the change sparks even a partial return to form, Dallas' fragile 2-5 start could flip quickly; if not, the experiment may become permanent. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Thompson reclaiming a starting role this season: 35%.
Nov 5
Utah Jazz's Walker Kessler Needs Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery
Merlin sees that Walker Kessler will undergo "season-ending surgery" on his left shoulder after returning to Salt Lake City for testing. The 24-year-old was averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks on 70.3% shooting in a career-high 30.8 minutes — a breakout role now cut short. The timing stings: Kessler is a restricted free agent this summer, and the injury removes him from trade chatter and forces Utah to reshuffle its frontcourt. Merlin knows this shifts the Jazz’s immediate arc. Jusuf Nurkić steps in as the starter but is a clear defensive downgrade, and a 3-4 start looks unlikely to become true contention in the West. The surgery lowers Kessler’s leverage and likely slows Utah’s roster moves — this season feels paused more than broken. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Utah making the playoffs this season: 25%.
Nov 5
Bucks' Giannis Jokes About Suiting Up for Marquette
Giannis Antetokounmpo playfully asked on social media if he had “any NCAA eligibility” to suit up for Marquette ahead of the Golden Eagles’ game — a joke that still matters because it spotlights both his superstar pull and his scorching start to 2025-26 (32.3 points, 12.6 rebounds, 67.7% shooting). Milwaukee sits 5-3 and chasing a 10th straight playoff trip, while Marquette — 1-0 under Shaka Smart — seeks a fifth straight NCAA appearance. Merlin sees the moment as harmless magic: a superstar’s wink that sends headlines to a college arena and boosts Marquette’s buzz, but it changes nothing of the rules. Giannis’ dominance reassures the Bucks; Marquette must still earn everything on the hardwood, not on a tweet. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis suiting up for Marquette this season: 0.1%.
Nov 5
Giddey's Triple-Double Fuels Bulls' Comeback Over 76ers
Josh Giddey led a dramatic comeback as the Chicago Bulls beat Joel Embiid’s 76ers 113–111, overcoming a 24-point deficit. Giddey posted a 29-15-12 triple-double while Nikola Vučević drilled a 23-foot go-ahead 3 with 3.2 seconds left; Tyrese Maxey scored 39 but Embiid was limited to 20 and six rebounds. The win pushes Chicago to 6-2 and marks a statement about their depth and late-game poise. Merlin sees a young core stirring. Giddey’s command and Vučević’s clutch calm gave the Bulls a fairy-tale finish, yet Philadelphia’s firepower still looms — this game matters because it reveals both Chicago’s resilience and the work still ahead for consistency. Expect more thrillers as both clubs test their mettle. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Josh Giddey making an All-Star team this season: 35%.
Nov 5
San Antonio Spurs, Wembanyama Win $1.3B Arena Vote
Merlin sees San Antonio moving closer to a new Spurs home after voters approved $1.3 billion to build an arena next to the Alamodome, passing 52.5% of 246,710 votes. Funding combines city and county venue tax; the Spurs will commit $500 million. Peter J. Holt said, "We love this city, we love this county, and the county and the city love us back." Construction is set to begin in Q2 2026 and finish by mid‑2028. The Frost Bank Center lease runs to 2032 with a $100 million penalty for leaving before Sept. 30, 2028. This matters because a downtown arena locks in revenue and feeds the momentum around Victor Wembanyama, whose rise has Spurs optimism at a high after a 5‑1 start. Merlin notes the project still faces common risks — budget overruns and schedule slips — but city support plus the team's large financial pledge tilt the balance toward the arena being built. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Spurs opening the new arena by mid‑2028: 80%.
Nov 5
Curry, Butler Out; Warriors Shorthanded vs. Kings
The Warriors will be missing their top two players Wednesday in Sacramento — Jimmy Butler is expected to sit after leaving Tuesday’s win with lower-back soreness, and Steve Kerr flatly said of Stephen Curry, “I don't care what the doctors say. We got to get him some rest. He's not playing tomorrow.” Curry, dealing with a cold, admitted, “Tonight in the second half, the tank was on [empty].” Draymond Green’s status is also “iffy.” That matters: Golden State is 5-3 and every game in a deeper Western Conference counts for playoff positioning. Merlin sees a tidy story arc: this is a night for Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody to step into bigger roles and for the Warriors’ depth to be tested. At 37 and 36, Curry and Butler need managed minutes — smart for the season, risky for one game — and the struggling Kings (2-5) get a genuine chance to steal momentum. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Golden State losing to Sacramento Wednesday: 65%.
Nov 5
Ja Morant Trade Watch: Wolves, Kings Circle
Multiple teams are quietly circling Ja Morant after the Grizzlies suspended him for a game for "conduct detrimental to the team." Coach Tuomas Iisalo challenged Morant's "leadership and effort," and Morant snapped back, "go ask the coaching staff." He returned and admitted he does not feel the usual joy — answering "No" when asked — while posting just 20.4 points and a career-worst 39.1% shooting in seven games. Minnesota and Sacramento are monitoring the situation; Houston likely won’t pursue him. Merlin sees talent and trouble braided together. Morant can change a title window for Utah—sorry, Minnesota—or fill Sacramento’s need after De'Aaron Fox’s departure, but availability, maturity and health are the price. The Grizzlies aren’t trading him… yet. Expect teams to wait for a clear signal from Memphis before making a move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this season: 25%.
Nov 5
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2025 NBA Rookie Grades So Far: Flagg, Edgecombe, Harper
Merlin sees the 2025 rookie class bursting out of the gate: eight rookies are already scoring in double figures and several late picks look like steals. Standouts include VJ Edgecombe’s 20.3 points and Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper’s early promise, while Kon Knueppel’s record three-point start and Cedric Coward’s scoring show depth across the board. This matters because these freshmen are already shifting rotations and giving teams unexpected lifts. Merlin notes not every seed has sprouted — injuries and development plans (Billy Donovan: "This is a guy at 18 years old who has a huge runway") will temper immediate impact. Some clubs, like Charlotte and Memphis, "killed this draft," while others are patient, letting bodies and skills grow. Expect peaks, slumps and a few midseason role swings as the true class reveals itself. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds VJ Edgecombe wins Rookie of the Year: 60%.
Nov 5
Austin Reaves Sparks Lakers' 2021 Re-Draft Debate
The 2021 re-draft exercise reshuffles expectations: Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham, Alperen Şengün, Scottie Barnes and Franz Wagner remain pillars, but an undrafted Austin Reaves has pushed to the doorstep of a top-five slot after a breakout season. His on-ball poise, crafty floaters and ability to facilitate—plus the Lakers’ alarming on/off splits with him as the lead option—force teams to rethink where value really landed in that class. Merlin sees a story of development over pedigree. This class still brims with two-way stars (“All-world defense” sits in Suggs’s case) and high-upside forwards, yet Reaves is a reminder: skill, fit and steadiness can outrank draft status. Expect continued jockeying as sample sizes grow. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Austin Reaves cracking a re-draft top five: 30%.
Nov 5
Devin Booker Vows To Stay With Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker wants to spend his entire career in Phoenix, saying "I wouldn't want it any other way." That matters: Booker is a four-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA and is averaging a career-best 30.0 PPG while signed through 2028–29. His pledge gives the Suns a rare cornerstone as the franchise moves past the Durant/Beal experiment and into a rebuild. Merlin sees a leader turning loyalty into duty. "It's a lot of pride," Booker said, and he’s already mentoring younger players while chasing the spark of those deep playoff runs. With Booker playing at his peak, Phoenix shortens the rebuild’s timetable — but the front office must still find the right supporting pieces and keep everyone healthy for the magic to return. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Phoenix reaching the Western Conference Finals this season: 20%.
Nov 4
Kevin Durant Claps Back at Draymond Green: Offense vs Defense
Kevin Durant pushed back on X after Draymond Green told The Athletic that defense was “just as valuable as offense” to the Warriors’ title runs. Durant, who said on Netflix, “You have to score baskets if you want to win a championship,” also complained people “take my words outta context.” The spat matters because these two were the twin pillars of Golden State’s success — Durant’s scoring and Green’s defense — and their debate highlights how contenders choose to build rosters. Merlin sees both sides as true: Durant’s buckets win close playoff games, Green’s stops change series momentum. Golden State’s peak years showed elite offense and defense together (top ratings on both ends). Early-season records (Rockets 4-2, Warriors 4-3) are whispers, not prophecy; real answers come in April and May when defense and shooting both get tested. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds a top-5 offense wins the title this season: 65%.
Nov 4
Kings Eye Ja Morant Amid Grizzlies Turmoil
Ja Morant's future in Memphis is uncertain and has drawn trade interest from the Sacramento Kings. The Kings haven't opened talks but GM Scott Perry is watching. After a 3-of-14 outing Morant said "go ask the coaching staff" and "probably don't play me," and was suspended for conduct detrimental after a postgame exchange with coach Tuomas Iisalo. He told reporters "No" when asked if he felt his usual joy. Merlin sees why Sacramento is intrigued: they lack a long-term point guard behind Dennis Schröder and Russell Westbrook, and a 26-year-old Morant with All-NBA upside would fit alongside Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. But injuries, suspensions and a 39.3% shooting start make him a risky bet; any deal would need careful price and protections. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded to Sacramento this season: 25%.
Nov 4
Red Panda Returns: Bulls vs. 76ers Halftime Unicycle
Legendary performer Red Panda made her 2025-26 NBA season debut Tuesday, delivering her signature unicycle routine at halftime of the Bulls–76ers game at the United Center. Rong Niu returns after wrist surgery from a July fall during the WNBA Commissioner's Cup title game that left her in a Minneapolis hospital for 11 hours. A staple since debuting with the Clippers in 1993 and even performing at Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals before the injury, her act — balancing on a unicycle, flipping bowls onto her head and stacking them — is a beloved halftime ritual. Merlin sees this as more than a comeback; it’s a reminder that some traditions outlast seasons and setbacks. Her recovery and return not only restore a familiar spark to arenas but also suggest more appearances across NBA, WNBA and college stops, with teams likely to tweak safety and scheduling to keep the show safe and steady. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Red Panda returns to the regular halftime rotation this season: 75%.
Nov 4
Draymond Green Hungry: Warriors Star Chases 10th All-Defensive
Draymond Green earned his ninth All-Defensive nod and told The Athletic he's driven to reach 10 — to join Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Scottie Pippen. Told by Warriors media man Raymond Ridder he "can" be on the list, Green said it "immediately becomes your 'why'" and that the goal "consumes you." Another nod would cement Green's legacy as one of the game's top defenders and shape how history remembers this Warriors era. Merlin sees a veteran sharpening his craft. In year 14 Green insists "my body feels better" and remains hungry, yet rising stars like Victor Wembanyama and shifting media votes make a tenth nod a steep climb. If Golden State's defense and Green's availability hold, he has a real shot — but every vote will be earned. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Draymond making a 10th All-Defensive team this season: 30%.
Nov 4
No Takers: Ja Morant Trade Leaves Grizzlies Stuck
Tensions between Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies could lead to a split. NBA insider Marc Spears says execs "really have no interest" in trading for him; four execs cited his contract and off‑court issues, and one coach told Spears, "I'm not sure I'd want to." Morant was suspended one game for "conduct detrimental to the team" after comments post‑Lakers loss and says he "doesn't have his joy at the moment." That combination makes him risky and limits Memphis's options. Merlin sees both elite talent and clear danger. At his best Morant is All‑NBA, but teams fear a "problem star for a problem star" swap and will discount his value. If Memphis wants return, reconciliation and a patient rehab of his image is the likeliest path; otherwise trade interest will stay muted. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant being traded this season: 20%.
Nov 4
Carmelo Anthony Slams Phil Jackson, Knicks Triangle Drama
Carmelo Anthony pushed back after Phil Jackson’s new book painted their Knicks era as irretrievably broken. On the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast Melo called Jackson’s passages “some dumb s--t,” saying Jackson’s faith in the triangle, poor roster construction and public comments left him “taking the bullets” while the team floundered. Jackson wrote their relationship was “kind of busted” and admitted he pushed to trade Melo. Merlin sees two giants arguing over who owns the story. Both men have Hall of Fame résumés, but this dust-up is about reputation more than truth — Melo defending his decisions, Jackson defending his stewardship. Don’t expect a warm reconciliation; expect careful countermoves and more framing from both sides. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of another public salvo this year: 45%.
Nov 4
Wembanyama's Spurs Bring Back Fiesta City Edition
San Antonio unveiled its City Edition uniforms for 2025-26, bringing back the popular "Fiesta" teal‑pink‑orange triple stripe first shown in 2020. The jersey — with "San Antonio" on the chest and paintbrush stripes on the shorts — debuts Nov. 12 vs. Golden State and will be worn this season and next. The timing matters: the throwback arrives as the Spurs sit 5-1 and are suddenly relevant again. Merlin sees the design as more than nostalgia; the stripe evokes the 1998‑99 championship dawn and now accompanies Victor Wembanyama’s MVP‑level surge (26.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, 4.7 blocks). If the city yellows the court in confidence, the uniform could become a talisman. If not, it will still look handsome in the highlight reels. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of San Antonio reaching the NBA Finals this season: 20%.
Nov 4