NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Dec 25, 2025
Tyler Kolek Blocks Donovan Mitchell Windmill, Knicks Top Cavaliers
Tyler Kolek sprinted back to block Donovan Mitchell’s windmill dunk late in the Knicks 126 to 124 win, a play that stood after New York’s challenge and helped flip the finish. Kolek finished with 16 points, 11 in the fourth, and nine assists as the Knicks improved to 21 to 9. He admitted, "He wanted to do some windmill s--t, he slowed down," explaining how the chance to recover arrived. Merlin sees more than luck here. Kolek’s burst of defense and playmaking hints at real bench trust and late game utility for the Knicks, while Mitchell’s 34 points and a ferocious one handed slam remind everyone Cleveland still has juice. If Kolek keeps closing games like this, New York’s depth becomes a championship ingredient. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Kolek wins regular late game minutes and more closing chances this month: 65%.
Karl Anthony Towns Engaged To Jordyn Woods After Knicks Win
Karl Anthony Towns had more to celebrate than a 126 124 Knicks win over the Cavaliers on Christmas Day. He and Jordyn Woods announced their engagement on Instagram with the caption "Marry Christmas." The pair dated for five years after years of friendship and Woods recently gave Towns a car like the one his mother had as a child. On the court Towns posted 11 points and 14 rebounds while Jalen Brunson led with 34 as New York rallied from a double digit fourth quarter hole to move to 21 9 and hold second place in the East. Merlin sees harmony off the court feeding confidence on it. A settled Towns and a hot Brunson make the Knicks a deeper threat, but true magic will depend on bench play and health. Love bought a ring tonight, but the true test comes in April. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks reaching the Eastern Conference finals this season: 40%.
Dec 25
Warriors Star Stephen Curry Flaunts Sneakers Amid Free Agency
Stephen Curry is treating sneaker free agency like a showcase, arriving at Chase Center in Kobe Bryant's "Yellow Toe" PE of Allen Iverson's Reebok Question, warming up in 2010 Nike Hyperdunks and even playing in teammate Jimmy Butler's "Snake Spirit" Li Ning JB 3. He and Under Armour parted ways last month while Curry Brand continues independently with UA releases through 2026. On court he averages 28.7 points and remains a Christmas Day draw. Merlin senses a careful audition. Wearing nostalgic icons and a rival signature shoe sends signals to Nike Li Ning and others that Curry can shape the market. With on court brilliance and control of Curry Brand he has rare leverage. Expect more eclectic footwear choices and a big performance against Dallas. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Curry signs a new sneaker deal before season end: 65%.
Dec 25
Wembanyama and Fox Lead Spurs Sweep Thunder
San Antonio’s win in Oklahoma City 117 to 102 on Christmas completed a three game sweep of the Thunder in about two weeks and signaled that a new rivalry has arrived. Shai Gilgeous Alexander admitted respect, saying "They know how to play. They have talent. They play the right way." De Aaron Fox led the Spurs with 29 points and Victor Wembanyama added 19 and 11 off the bench as he rounds back from a calf issue, while Gilgeous Alexander struggled at 7 of 19 shooting. Merlin senses more than a hot streak. The Spurs are building a rugged defense and a balanced attack that can trouble elite teams, and Wembanyama’s return shifts them from rebuild toward real threat. Oklahoma City is not finished, but momentum is a fragile thing. Two more meetings will tell how deep this rivalry runs. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Spurs winning the Western Conference this season: 20%.
Dec 25
Draymond Green Calls Cooper Flagg Mavericks Breakout Star
Before their Christmas Day showdown, Warriors veteran Draymond Green praised Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, saying "I think Cooper Flagg is a stud." Green pointed out that Flagg "does it on both ends of the floor," noting the 19 year old has found his offensive spots and become a defensive force. After starting the season as Dallas's primary ball handler and struggling, Flagg moved to his natural forward role and has averaged 25.1 points since November 29, a spark for a team with 12 wins and 19 losses. Merlin sees a young talent settling into his form. Opponents will try to make him the playmaker again, but if Flagg keeps scoring and guarding at a high level, he can accelerate Dallas's climb. The Christmas lights will reveal whether he performs under veteran pressure or still needs time to carry a roster. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Cooper Flagg finishes the season averaging 20 or more points per game: 65%.
Dec 25
Durant Declares Gravity Man as Curry Tops NBA Stat
Kevin Durant has dubbed himself "gravity man" after the NBA introduced a gravity stat and placed him second, behind Stephen Curry. The metric measures how much a player pulls defenders toward them. Curry leads Durant by 2.6 points, a bigger gap than between Durant and James Harden at fifth. Durant is averaging 25.2 points on 50.9 percent shooting and 42.9 percent from three. He faces LeBron James on Christmas Day. Merlin sees Durant still bending defenses with calm authority. That gravity fuels his scoring and opens looks for teammates. Curry remains in a class of his own, but Durant’s late career consistency feels like real sorcery. The Christmas duel will reveal how much attention Durant attracts when every defense tightens. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Durant finishes the season averaging 25 points and 50 percent shooting: 70%.
Dec 25
Warriors' Draymond Green, Steve Kerr Patch Up After Bench Exit
Merlin sees the moment between Draymond Green and Steve Kerr as a public reminder of how intense leadership looks inside a championship team. Green left the bench after a heated exchange, telling Inside the NBA "Things are great" and that stepping away let them "mitigate the damages" and move forward. Kerr owned the moment too, saying "Monday night was not my finest hour" and "I regret my actions in that exchange." Both apologized and the Warriors, now back at .500 with a 15 and 15 record, won the game and moved on. Merlin notes these clashes are part of a long shared history. Over 12 years they have weathered friction and forged titles. If Green and Kerr keep turning heat into lessons, Golden State can steady itself for the tougher tests ahead. The real question is whether patience holds when stakes rise. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds Draymond Green retires as a Warrior within three seasons: 55%.")
Dec 25
Giannis to Raptors? Kawhi to Heat? Five Trades
Merlin sees a list of five bold trade blueprints that could rattle the NBA this season. Ideas include Golden State adding Michael Porter Jr, Detroit chasing Lauri Markkanen, San Antonio acquiring Trey Murphy III, Miami pursuing Kawhi Leonard James Harden and Chris Paul, and Toronto offering for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The piece even dubs it a "trade season to remember" as contenders would swap youth and picks for instant star power. Merlin warns these spells carry real costs. Stars can lift a team now but strain salary plans and break chemistry later. Miami betting culture on veterans is high risk. Toronto replaying a Kawhi style move invites pressure. Sellers could harvest picks and youth to reset. These pitches are imaginative and plausible, not promises. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of at least one of these five blockbusters landing before the deadline: 35%.
Dec 25
Lakers' Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves Roast Each Other
Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves keep their bond light and loud. Dončić said "it's a lot of trash-talking, lot of fun, lot of jokes" and Reaves called it "Chaotic." Since Luka arrived last February the pair have clicked on and off the court. Dončić is putting up 34.1 points 8.8 assists and 8.6 rebounds, Reaves is at 27.3 points 6.5 assists and 5.4 rebounds, and the Lakers are 19-9 heading into Christmas against Houston. Merlin sees the ribbing as team glue. Chemistry like this lets star play breathe and role players thrive under pressure. With LeBron anchoring the floor and Dončić playing MVP level basketball, Reaves gives the Lakers an added spark. The Christmas game will show if their jokes turn into consistent wins. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers finishing in the top three in the Western Conference this season: 40%.
Dec 25
Knicks' Dream of DiVincenzo Return Fades
Ian Begley of SNY reports Knicks fans hoping for Donte DiVincenzo to return should temper expectations. Begley said New York "would love to have" him back, but any deal is "highly unlikely." To make a move the Knicks would have to trade Josh Hart or Mitchell Robinson; the team is not trading Hart and sending Robinson out for a non big makes little sense. DiVincenzo helped the 2023 24 Knicks and now sits on a Minnesota team in playoff mode, so a deadline swap looks scarce. Merlin sees the roster math and the playoff chessboard. New York has created the spacing DiVincenzo loves, but the front office chose Karl Anthony Towns over keeping depth. Minnesota values a playoff ready role player more than draft assets. Expect silence at the deadline and a possible reunion only if circumstances change in summer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Donte DiVincenzo returning to the Knicks at the Feb. 5 trade deadline: 10%.
Dec 24
Kerr Stands Firm Keeps Draymond Green In Warriors Starting Five
Merlin sees a simple but telling scene in Golden State. Draymond Green told Steve Kerr "I'll go to the bench if you need me to," yet Kerr answered "That's not even a consideration for me right now." The coach is sticking with a starting five he calls exciting, because he wants Green beside Steph Curry. The Warriors sit 15 and 15 with a top three defense but a 20th ranked offense, so lineup tweaks hover in every staff meeting. Merlin notes the balance. At 35 and averaging 8.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists, Green still shapes identity more than box score. Moving him could help bench scoring but would risk the Curry Green chemistry that fuels their offense and defense. For now Kerr prefers continuity unless form or injury forces a change. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Draymond moving to the bench this season: 20%.
Dec 24
Luka Doncic Austin Reaves Bromance Sparks Lakers Christmas
Merlin sees Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves forging a quick friendship built on friendly wagers and constant competition. Doncic admits "I'm ducking him" when it comes to golf, while the pair argue over a bowling night where Doncic says "I won" and Reaves insists "I'm 3 to 0." Their back and forth ranges from foosball to cards and even a Vikings versus Cowboys bet. That spark off the court will be worth watching when the Lakers face the Rockets on Christmas Day. Merlin thinks this kind of bond matters. Playful rivalry builds trust and toughness in late game moments, and a teammate who pushes you in darts or bowling can push you on the court too. Still, small gaps in skills will show up, so chemistry will need real work to turn into wins. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: ("Odds of the Lakers beating the Rockets on Christmas Day: 60%.")
Dec 24
Kerr Calls Warriors Fading Dynasty Amid Draymond Spat
Merlin sees Steve Kerr speaking plainly about a team in flux. Kerr called Golden State "a fading dynasty" and confirmed a heated exchange with Draymond Green that left Green sitting out the final 20 minutes after he "made his decision to go back to the locker room to cool off." Kerr said they had a "good chat," apologized to each other and the team, and voiced that "I want nothing more than" for Green to finish his career in Golden State. Merlin notes the scoreboard matches the talk. At 15 15 and eighth in the West, the Warriors still have star power in Stephen Curry and Green, but margins are thin. If the apology turns into steady leadership and health holds, Golden State can still chase a playoff spot. If not, the cracks could widen quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Draymond Green finishing his career with the Warriors: 70%.
Dec 24
Kerr and Draymond Green Apologize After Bench Spat
Merlin sees Steve Kerr and Draymond Green publicly patching a bench blowup that stole the spotlight from a 120 to 97 victory over the Magic. Green left in the third quarter and did not return. Kerr admitted "Monday was not my finest hour" and said he and Green "apologized to the team." Green kept details private, saying "Tempers spilled over, and I thought it was best that I get out of there." Merlin remembers similar ruptures with Kevin Durant in 2019 and Jordan Poole in 2022 that echoed long after the dust settled. Kerr calling the Warriors "a fading dynasty" and Stephen Curry noting "the vibes of the questions are a little bit more negative than they should be" add weight to the moment. Green is a core veteran. If trust rebuilds fast the club stays dangerous. If not, the old cracks could widen. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds this spat becomes a season long issue: 25%.
Dec 24
Jayson Tatum Vows 2025 26 Celtics Comeback
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports that Jayson Tatum "is determined to play" in 2025 26 after undergoing surgery for a ruptured right Achilles on May 13. He was initially expected to miss eight to nine months but was back in on court workouts about four months after surgery and "hadn't yet eliminated the possibility he could return this year." Boston sits 18 11 in the East, which could accelerate a return if he is cleared. Merlin sees the balance between urgency and patience. Tatum averaged 26.8 points 8.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists last regular season and was even stronger in the playoffs, and the Celtics leaned on Jaylen Brown while Tatum continues rehab and team travel. He has said he feels "no pressure to return back any sooner than when I'm 100 percent healthy," and rushing could cost Boston more than a few games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Tatum returning this season: 35%.
Dec 24
Tyrese Maxey Rocks Unreleased New Balance in Sixers Loss
Tyrese Maxey turned heads by debuting an unreleased pair of New Balance sneakers during Tuesday night’s 114 106 home loss to the Nets. He scored just 13 points in that game, but still sits third in the NBA at 31.0 points per game. The Sixers are 16 12 as Maxey readies to face the Bulls on Friday. Merlin senses a young star juggling spotlight and responsibility. The shoe reveal underlines Maxey’s rising market value, yet one quiet night can expose a team that still needs consistency. Philadelphia will look to him for a return to form and steady leadership as they try to convert potential into wins. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Tyrese Maxey scoring 30 or more against the Bulls on Friday: 60%.
Dec 24
Lakers Star Luka Doncic Headlines Jordan Brand Luka 5s
Luka Dončić spent the festive season making amends as Jordan Brand dropped the Luka 5 on Christmas Eve. The release video features Dončić delivering mock apologies to retired insider Adrian Wojnarowski, former center Boban Marjanović and referees, and fans can buy the Luka 5 starting Jan. 8. The stunt is a clear personality play that builds buzz ahead of the launch and keeps Luka squarely in the conversation beyond the court. Merlin sees the move as smart theater. Turning chatter into charm lets Luka and Jordan Brand control the narrative, while the playful jabs guarantee headlines and resale interest. For a player already central to the league s marketing, the Luka 5 will be as much a cultural moment as a shoe drop. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Luka 5 selling out on release day: 85%.
Dec 24
Dillon Brooks Torches Lakers as Suns Rout
Merlin sees the Lakers slip into an odd chapter after a 132 108 loss to the Suns. At 19 9 they sit fourth in the West, yet all nine losses have been by double digits, the first time in 35 years. JJ Redick blamed effort, saying "We practice this stuff enough" and "it's making the choice." Phoenix shot 58.8 percent and hit 14 threes while Dillon Brooks led the way with a game high 25 points. Merlin notes the deeper wound is defense. Los Angeles ranks 24th in defensive rating at 117.6, and Austin Reaves flatly said "I think it's just a guard with five people every possession." With LeBron no longer the same two way force and opposing teams keying on Luka Dončić, trades before Feb 5 could help but fixes are not guaranteed. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers finishing top three in the West this season: 25%.
Dec 24
James Nnaji Heads to Baylor, Pistons Take Note
James Nnaji, the Nigerian center Detroit picked 31st in the 2023 draft who has been playing in Europe, is enrolling at Baylor and is doing so "with an eye toward suiting up for the Bears this season," according to DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony. The move shifts his development into the American college spotlight and could accelerate his path back toward the NBA while giving Baylor a long, athletic rim presence. Merlin sees a simple story of refinement. Baylor offers coaching, exposure and a cleaner showcase for scouts. If Nnaji lands on the floor, Baylor gets size and he gets a platform to prove he belongs in the next chapter. Eligibility and timing are the remaining spells to be cast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of James Nnaji suiting up for Baylor this season: 70%.
Dec 24
LeBron Reigns Quarter Century, Curry Is Best Shooter
Bleacher Report assembled All Quarter Century teams covering 2000-01 through 2024-25, crowning LeBron James as the era's best player and naming Stephen Curry the clear best shooter. The staff also handed specialty honors like Vince Carter as best dunker and Gregg Popovich as top coach. Their write up even said "it'd be hard to volunteer anyone but Stephen Curry with a straight face." Merlin sees an era remade by spacing and versatility. LeBron and Nikola Jokić show how playmaking and scoring can coexist at an elite level, while Curry rewrote the math on shooting with volume and efficiency that added nearly 1,879 extra points versus average. The list reads like a map of how roles, coaching and shot selection changed the game for a quarter century. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Stephen Curry is universally regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history by 2030: 95%.
Dec 24
Nikola Jokic Hails Cooper Flagg's Historic 33 9 9
Merlin sees rookie Cooper Flagg steal the spotlight. In a 131 130 win over the Nuggets he recorded 33 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to hit those numbers and joining Jason Kidd and Luka Doncic as the only Mavericks rookies with that kind of box score. Even Nikola Jokic took notice, saying "He was definitely a hot hand out there" and praising Flagg for playing with rare calm. Merlin senses more than a one game flash. That stat line and Jokic’s praise point to a player who already looks comfortable in pressure moments. If Dallas leans into his talent and keeps him in key minutes, Flagg could reshape the rookie race and the Mavericks’ ceiling. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg winning Rookie of the Year this season: 65%.
Dec 24
Cooper Flagg Tops Rookie Class as Hornets Pelicans Shine
Merlin sees the 2025 rookie class already reshaping the league after two months. Cooper Flagg is posting LeBron like early numbers at 18.8 points 6.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists and has quieted early doubts. Charlotte nailed its draft with Kon Knueppel leading rookies in scoring while Ryan Kalkbrenner and others provide real depth. New Orleans looks suddenly alive thanks to Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. VJ Edgecombe, Will Richards and Maxime Raynaud have also stood out. Several teams lean on G League minutes and injuries have sidelined key picks like Noa Essengue and Thomas Sorber. Houston has no rookie on its roster. Merlin notes the story is still young. Minutes, shot development and health will rewrite these grades. Flagg looks the most likely to carry a team headline to the finish, but surprises from role players could upend the race. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg winning Rookie of the Year this season: 65%.
Dec 24
Luka Doncic Out Sparks Suns Rout of Lakers
The Suns rolled past the Lakers 132 108 while Luka Dončić sat out with a calf contusion. Devin Booker had 21 points and 11 assists, Dillon Brooks scored 25, and Mark Williams added 18 and nine rebounds. Los Angeles, also missing Rui Hachimura and with Austin Reaves in a smaller role, could not stop Phoenix, which exploded for 45 third quarter points and exploited the Lakers defense that ranks 23rd. Merlin sees this as a warning light more than a surprise. Phoenix got hot from deep and Booker opened the floor, while the Lakers’ injuries and defensive lapses showed how thin the roster is. Health and defensive fixes will decide if Los Angeles recovers when they hope Dončić returns on Christmas. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers winning on Christmas if Dončić returns: 60%.
Dec 24
Cooper Flagg Outduels Nikola Jokic as Mavericks Win
Merlin sees a holiday thriller. Dallas beat Denver 131 130 after Nikola Jokić found Peyton Watson for a corner three that rimmed out on the final possession. Rookie Cooper Flagg was the star with 33 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, and Anthony Davis added 31. Jokić still filled the stat sheet with 29 points and 14 assists, but the last pass did not fall and the Nuggets slipped to 21 8 while the Mavericks improved to 12 19. Merlin senses emerging identities. Flagg announced himself with scoring, playmaking and physicality, while Jokić showed why he is a three time MVP, taking over the third quarter with masterful passing. Injuries have thinned both rosters, so depth and durability will shape the rematch stories to come. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg making the All Star team this season: 35%.
Dec 24
Cameron Johnson Knee MRI Alarms Denver Nuggets
Cameron Johnson will undergo an MRI after hurting his right knee late in Tuesday’s game, the Nuggets said. He exited with 9:18 left and did not return, listed as "questionable with a right knee sprain." That loss stings more because Denver is already without Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, and Johnson’s 11.8 points and 42.3 percent from deep are key to keeping space for Nikola Jokic. Without him the Nuggets fell 131 130 when Peyton Watson’s final corner three rimmed out. Merlin sees how fragile margins are. Jokic and Jamal Murray delivered big nights, but spacing is the quiet engine of Denver’s offense. A minor sprain and the team weathers it. A worse diagnosis forces unfamiliar late game roles and could tilt tight contests against them. The MRI will shape the next chapter. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Johnson missing more than two weeks: 40%.
Dec 24