NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 1, 2025
Grizzlies Suspend Ja Morant After Lakers Loss
The Grizzlies suspended Ja Morant one game for "conduct detrimental to the team" after coach Tuomas Iisalo confronted him following Friday’s 117-112 loss to the Lakers. Morant shot 3-of-14 for eight points and seemed "aggrieved" speaking to reporters; the ban will cost him $272,042. This matters because Morant is the franchise cornerstone, and public friction with the coaching staff raises questions about team chemistry and availability after seasons already marred by suspensions and injuries. Merlin sees a fragile spark where there should be steady flame. Short substitution patterns and a prioritization of pace — "have used short substitution patterns this season" — may have disrupted Morant’s flow, but discipline now signals the organization won’t ignore breakdowns. At 26 and off his last All-Star season, his buy-in will decide whether Memphis turns this into a reset or a recurring headache. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Morant facing another suspension this season: 25%.
Knicks' Two-Week Shot at Giannis Slips
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Knicks had a brief, roughly two-week window this summer when Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted to play in New York and offers were made, but no deal was completed. That missed chance matters — passing on a generational star changes the arc of a franchise, and New York now had to watch Giannis dominate them on the court. Merlin sees why the front office paused: New York was already reshaping the roster (trading RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley for OG Anunoby), absorbing other big moves and installing coach Mike Brown, so continuity felt safer than another seismic swap. Still, if the Knicks flop in the playoffs again, patience will curdle and the hunt for a true superstar will grow urgent. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks landing Giannis next season: 10%.
Nov 1
Alvarado to Mavs, Gafford to Pelicans — Balance Restored
Merlin sees a clean-for-need swap: Dallas would get Jose Alvarado, Saddiq Bey and a 2028 first‑round pick swap from New Orleans in exchange for Daniel Gafford. That matters because the Mavericks badly needed a true on-ball creator while Cooper Flagg is being tried as “Point Guard,” and the Pelicans were glaringly thin at center — getting Gafford would plug their rebounding and rim‑protection hole. Merlin notes fit over flash: Alvarado’s on- and off‑ball disruption and shooting should help Dallas’ half‑court offense and defense, while Bey provides spacing. Gafford’s shot‑blocking and rebounding would immediately stabilize New Orleans and let Zion and Queen breathe. Both teams trade depth and future flexibility for more sensible lineups — a classic win‑now gamble that could reshape early season trajectories. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Pelicans’ defensive rebounding climbs into the top 15 this season: 65%.
Nov 1
Blake Griffin Calls Out Ja Morant's Lax Effort for Grizzlies
Merlin sees former star Blake Griffin calling out Ja Morant’s effort after Memphis’ 117-112 loss to the Lakers, calling it “a very bad sign.” Griffin tore into Morant’s lazy cuts and poor ball-screen reads for a player “making $40 million” who must lead this club. Morant managed just eight points (3-of-14, 0-of-6 from deep) and snapped at reporters with “go ask the coaching staff” and “According to [the coaching staff], probably don’t play me,” underscoring clear frustration. Merlin notes the context: a new coach in Tuomas Iisalo, a 3-3 start and a star shooting 40.6% overall and 15.6% from deep. This is a crossroads — Morant can snap back and carry Memphis, or friction and habits will slow their climb. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Ja Morant goes on a corrective hot streak (≥24 PPG and improved 3P%) over the next 10 games: 55%.
Nov 1
Ja Morant Calls Out Grizzlies Coaches After Lakers Loss
Merlin sees Ja Morant visibly frustrated after a 3-of-14, eight-point outing in Friday's 117-112 loss to the Lakers — a night he told reporters to "go ask the coaching staff." The loss, with Luka Dončić pouring in 44, has Memphis at 3-3 and highlights growing tension with coach Tuomas Iisalo in his first full season. It matters because the Grizzlies’ upside rests on Morant clicking with the staff and the team’s chemistry holding steady. Merlin senses a crossroads: this roster is playoff-caliber with Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., but internal friction can dim that light. If Iisalo and Morant find a shared plan — not a truce, but a working language — Memphis stays dangerous; if not, the early season strain could cost cohesion. Expect staff meetings, minor tweaks, and quick tests of resolve. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Memphis making the playoffs this season: 70%.
Nov 1
Draymond Green Doubts Knicks as Finals Contenders
Draymond Green told listeners he doesn't view the New York Knicks as a Finals contender because they simply "don't have what it takes to win at the highest level." He added opponents "can stifle their offense" and pointed to a few "key guys that don't really wanna defend," highlighting defensive holes that matter in a wide-open Eastern Conference. With Mitchell Robinson sidelined and early struggles adapting to Mike Brown's faster offense, New York looks far from a finished product. Merlin sees a team with star talent but familiar cracks: a higher defensive rating in last year's playoffs, Karl‑Anthony Towns still finding fit, and the absence of Robinson's rim protection. If Brown can hide those flaws and health returns, the Knicks can rise — but it will take work. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Knicks reaching the NBA Finals this season: 18%.
Nov 1
NBA The Run 2026: Curry, LeBron, Wembanyama Dominate Rucker
Play By Play Studios will release NBA The Run on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam in 2026 — a 3v3 streetball game set on iconic courts like Venice Beach, Rucker Park and The Tenement, featuring stars such as Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama. The title promises high-flying dunks, ankle-breaking moves, physical defense and online competition, including "Knockout Tournaments," letting players chase highlight plays in solo, squad and competitive modes. Merlin sees this as a spell that could bridge arcade flash and star-driven spectacle: the street setting gives personalities room to shine and creates moments traditional sims rarely capture. Success will hinge on balance, online support and how deeply progression hooks players — the stars will draw eyes, but lasting magic needs tight gameplay and fair matchmaking. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds NBA The Run launches with a healthy multiplayer population three months after release: 60%.
Nov 1
Michael Jordan Slams Load Management, Defends Fans
Michael Jordan slammed modern load management, saying "I never wanted to miss a game" and citing his 1997 "flu game" as proof he'd play through pain because of a duty to fans. His remarks cut to the heart of the debate: players resting to preserve long-term health clashes with the old expectation that stars show up every night — even as an NBA report found no clear injury-reduction benefit. Merlin sees this as a clash between eras: today’s bigger, faster athletes and business-driven schedules push teams toward rest, while legends like Jordan remind the league of its contract with the crowd. The voice of Jordan matters to public opinion, but institutional incentives and player welfare trends make load management a stubborn feature, not a passing fad. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds load management remains common this season: 85%.
Oct 28
Wembanyama Ditches Halloween Costume — Spurs Off-Day
Victor Wembanyama told reporters "people won't be seeing him in a Halloween costume this year" because Halloween falls on an off-day for the Spurs. That pauses a two-year streak of Halloween theater — Slender Man (18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks) and No‑Face (25/9/7/5/5) — which often doubled as breakout performances. More crucially, Wembanyama is dominant on the court now (33.3 PTS, 13.3 REB, 4.8 BLK) and San Antonio sits 4-0, so the missing costume feels like a footnote. Merlin sees the costumes as fun smoke; the real flame is his play. With Miami at home, then road tests in Phoenix and Los Angeles, the young big man will be measured against elite wings and scorers. If he sustains these numbers, the Spurs shift from curiosity to genuine threat. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Spurs making the playoffs this season: 75%.
Oct 28
Jaylen Brown Calls LeBron James Over Celtics Hairline Wipe
Merlin sees Jaylen Brown dialing up LeBron after a clip showed his hairline wiping off on OG Anunoby’s jersey — Brown blamed the "stress" of playing in Boston for a decade and even joked about traveling to Türkiye for treatment. It’s a silly moment that landed big because Brown’s play has not been: he’s averaging 29.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 49.2% overall and 50% from deep through three games. That scoring load matters deeply with Jayson Tatum sidelined. Merlin smiles at the theater of the moment — a celebrity call and some self-deprecating fun — but the real spell is Brown’s consistency. If he sustains this level, Boston stays dangerous in the East and Tatum’s return becomes a supercharged threat; if not, the Celtics could feel the strain of relying on one scorer. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Boston stays a top-4 seed in the East while Tatum is out: 65%.
Oct 28
LeBron James, Savannah Steal Dodgers-Blue Jays Spotlight
Merlin sees LeBron James courtside at the Dodgers’ Game 4 with his wife Savannah, but the bigger story is the King staying on the sidelines — out with sciatica and “targeting a return, sometime in mid-November,” per Dave McMenamin, who added “there are good vibes around it.” His rehab reportedly is progressing, and the absence helps explain an early 2-2 Lakers start. Merlin notes this matters because timing is everything: a mid-November return would buy the Lakers time to settle rotations and avoid long-term rust, while short-term lineups must adapt. The article also mentions Luka Dončić will miss at least a week with a finger sprain and leg contusion, a reminder that even stars can force teams to improvise. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of LeBron returning by mid-November: 75%.
Oct 28
Every NBA Team's Trade Targets: Giannis, Markkanen
"Trade season never really ends in the NBA." Merlin sees a sprawling cheat-sheet of realistic and dream targets for all 30 teams — sensible pickups like Tre Jones, Nic Claxton and Anfernee Simons alongside hairier fantasies involving Giannis, Joel Embiid or LeBron. It matters because front offices are already using salary, expirings and young assets to sketch both short-term fixes and February blockbuster templates. Merlin notices the patterns: contenders chasing shooting and rim protection, rebuilders stocking picks and youth. Names like Lauri Markkanen, Jonathan Kuminga and Dennis Schröder pop up across rooms, showing who has trade value and who’s insurance. Pay attention to teams flirting with the luxury tax or early slumps — those are where ordinary rumors turn into real offers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis being traded before the February deadline: 10%.
Oct 28
Luka Ignites Lakers; Wembanyama Reinvents Spurs Defense
Merlin sees the early ledger of 2025-26 and notes three clear stories: Luka Dončić arrived in Los Angeles looking like the long‑term superstar the Lakers needed; Victor Wembanyama is already a two‑way force who "nullifies" paint touches and changes offense construction; and the rookie class (Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe et al.) is making immediate, meaningful impact. Early trouble signs matter too — Orlando’s three‑point drought and Dallas’s experiment (prompting "Fire Nico" chants) could cost wins fast. Merlin wagers these signs are more prophecy than noise. Luka’s peak gives the Lakers time to build, Wembanyama’s defensive gravity could reshape league offenses, and the rookies will steer the next decade. But stylistic stubbornness (Orlando) and questionable roster design (Dallas) will bite teams if not fixed quickly. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Victor Wembanyama winning MVP this season: 42%.
Oct 28
Cooper Flagg Stunned by Holmgren Dunk in Mavericks Loss
Cooper Flagg ran into the toughest matchup of his young career Monday, scoring just two points in the Mavericks’ loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. His left shoulder was heavily wrapped after an early collision; he played 31 minutes with two rebounds and two steals, suffered a highlight dunk from Chet Holmgren, and watched Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander pace OKC to a 4‑0 start. Merlin senses this is a lesson, not a verdict. After a 22‑point night the game before, Flagg’s swing shows the rookie learning curve against length and elite defenders — and the wrapped shoulder could explain a quieter night. Dallas will need patience and depth while he adjusts; the Wednesday meeting with the Pacers will say a lot about his short‑term trajectory. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg scoring 20+ against Indiana on Wednesday: 35%.
Oct 28
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Mock Blockbuster: Giannis to Warriors, Butler to Pistons
Merlin sees a bold three-team mock that sends Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Warriors, Jimmy Butler to the Pistons, and Jaden Ivey, Brandin Podziemski, Isaiah Stewart, Tobias Harris plus a haul of firsts and swaps to the Bucks. It matters because a Giannis–Curry pairing would instantly reshape title odds, Detroit would get an experienced co-star to speed up its rise, and Milwaukee would be forced into a rapid rebuild if Giannis truly wants out. Merlin senses real trade-off magic and risk: Giannis and Curry wouldn’t slot together exactly like Durant did, but their combo would be devastating; Butler could lift Detroit now at the cost of youth chemistry; Milwaukee would get youth and draft capital if it accepts a teardown. Giannis is “locked into whatever I have in front of me” but admits things could change “in six, seven months.” 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Giannis requesting a trade to Golden State this season: 8%.
Oct 27
Wembanyama, Luka, SGA Lead 40-Point Surge
Merlin sees a scoring fever sweeping the league: 203 40-point games in 2022-23 shattered Wilt’s old mark of 142, and less than a week into 2025-26 there are already 12 such nights — a pace that would reach about 351. The article ranks those dozen performances, highlighting standouts from Victor Wembanyama’s opening-night masterpiece to Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, Giannis and Aaron Gordon, and notes how efficiency, team outcomes and MVP chatter color each feat. Merlin warns that early-season bursts can be misleading; evolving offenses, star usage and young scorers make more high-scoring nights likelier, but injuries and load management will temper the pace. If Wembanyama and the usual MVP contenders stay healthy, fans should expect many more headline nights — though not every hot streak will last. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds this season of breaking the single-season 40-point games record: 20%.
Oct 27
Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards Suffers Hamstring Scare — Out One Week
Merlin sees Minnesota’s star wing, Anthony Edwards, will miss at least a week with a right hamstring strain, the team announced Monday — he’ll be “re-evaluated in one week,” and ESPN’s Shams Charania had “expected to miss two weeks.” Edwards exited after three minutes vs. Indiana (five points) and will sit at least three games — four if the Nov. 3 contest holds — during a stretch that includes eight games in two weeks. This matters because Edwards has been the Wolves’ primary scorer and was off to a scorching start (41 and 31 points in two early games). Merlin senses this is caution, not catastrophe. Edwards’ iron-man history (never under 72 games) leans optimistic, but hamstrings are tricky: rush him and the wound may deepen. Minnesota’s core — Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle and others — can steady the ship short-term, but the Wolves lose a different level of attack without their comet. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Edwards misses more than two weeks: 45%.
Oct 27
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Ja Morant Fires Back at Kendrick Perkins
Ja Morant pushed back after Kendrick Perkins questioned ESPN’s coverage and implied things about where the guard’s fame came from, turning a media spat into the story. Morant — the No. 2 pick who owns Rookie of the Year, two All-Star nods and an All-NBA Second Team honor — has helped raise Memphis’ profile, but injuries and multiple suspensions limited him to nine games in 2023-24 and 50 last season. The Grizzlies missed the playoffs in 2023-24 and exited in the first round last year, though they are 2-1 with Morant on the floor this season. Merlin sees this as more than trash talk; it’s a fight over narrative and respect. Perkins’ words sting because headlines shape reputations, but the only true answer is performance — availability, leadership and wins. If Morant stays healthy and leads consistently, the noise fades; if not, the doubts grow louder. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant leading the Grizzlies back to the playoffs this season: 55%.
Oct 27
Lakers: Ayton Falls Short — Dončić Needs Center
Merlin sees the Lakers opening 2-1 without LeBron and with Luka briefly sidelined, their offense humming but their interior exposed. The key takeaway: Deandre Ayton “hasn’t” become the reliable paint presence L.A. needs, and insiders say the team “haven’t found their center of the future.” That matters because an aging LeBron, an ascending Dončić and a rising Austin Reaves need a sturdier backbone if this window is to become a title run. Merlin warns that Ayton’s quiet production—useful but not game-changing—leaves the Lakers vulnerable; waiting for next summer’s market (Walker Kessler, Jalen Duren talk) risks losing the moment. If Los Angeles truly views this season as go-for-it, expect them to test the trade waters for an athletic, screen-setting big who can finish at the rim and anchor the defense. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Lakers land an impact starting center before the deadline this season: 35%.
Oct 27
McClung's NBA Breakthrough: Pacers Multiyear Deal
Indiana has signed high-flyer Mac McClung to his first standard NBA contract, a multiyear, non-guaranteed deal that will come at the expense of waiving James Wiseman to open a roster spot. McClung — a three-time Dunk Contest champion and recent G League MVP who averaged 25.7 points and 5.7 assists last season — has played just six NBA games, but the Pacers are betting his scoring and pop can help a backcourt that needs depth. Merlin sees a classic underdog chapter: McClung’s athleticism and G League success earn him a real opportunity, yet the non-guaranteed nature means he must show shooting, defense and playmaking to stick. If he can translate that scoring touch without becoming a defensive liability, Indiana gets a high-upside bench scorer; if not, this becomes another brief stop on a long journey. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds McClung earns regular rotation minutes this season: 35%.
Oct 27
Embiid Battles 20-Minute Limit in 76ers Return
Joel Embiid returned from offseason knee surgery and was held to a 20-minute limit in Philadelphia’s home opener, yet still scored 20 points — underscoring both his impact and the challenge of the restriction. Embiid said, "I'd rather not have minute restrictions, but I'd rather get it out of the way," and complained that short, stop-start shifts ("The longer I sit, the shorter stints... you need to play, and you need to play a lot") wreck his rhythm. Coach Nick Nurse says he doesn’t know when the cap will change. Merlin sees the Sixers walking a tightrope: Embiid’s injury history (just 19 games last season) demands caution, but longer bursts raise the risk of early exits or fatigue. Philadelphia’s recent comebacks without him buy patience, yet the team will test longer stints when results and medical signs allow. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Embiid’s 20-minute limit is lifted within the next month: 40%.
Oct 26
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Wembanyama Makes NBA History — Spurs Top Nets
Victor Wembanyama continued his hot start to 2025-26, pouring in 31 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks in the Spurs’ 118-107 win over the Nets. San Antonio moved to 3-0, and Wembanyama became the first player ever with at least 100 points and 15 blocks through the first three games — a clear sign he’s dominating both ends and closing out games (his alley-oop slam sealed the victory). Merlin sees a young titan moving beyond promise into command. After a 24.3/11.0 season and near–Defensive Player of the Year form that was interrupted by a right-shoulder deep vein thrombosis, Wembanyama looks healthier and sharper. If he stays on the floor and the Spurs build around his unique two-way gravity, their ceiling shoots up quickly — but availability will be the true test. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Wembanyama winning MVP this season: 35%.
Oct 26
Trae Young Untouchable as Hawks Extend Dyson Daniels
Merlin sees Atlanta standing firm: the Hawks aren’t trading Trae Young this season, according to Brett Siegel — "At no point has Atlanta considered trading Young" — and hope to find "common ground" on a new deal next offseason. That matters because Young remains the team’s offensive engine, and Atlanta believes this core can push for a top‑four seed in the East. With Dyson Daniels extended through 2030 and Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu under multi‑year deals, plus Kristaps Porziņģis having "left the door open," the Hawks mix young defense with elite playmaking. Merlin senses a quiet alchemy at work: if chemistry and health hold, this calculated gamble could make Atlanta a dark horse; if not, questions about roster fit will return. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Trae Young being traded before next summer: 8%.
Oct 26
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Luka Dončić Denied 50 — Lakers Win Over Timberwolves
Luka Dončić came up one point shy of 50 in Friday’s 128-110 win over Minnesota after JJ Redick pulled him late with Dončić on 48. He missed one of two free throws with 3:29 left and, after another missed opportunity, Redick said, "I gave a fourth chance. He gets fouled, and then he blows that too." Dončić still finished with 49 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists and is averaging a ridiculous 46 points through two games — a reminder of how dominant he is right now. Merlin sees a bright comet streaking through the sky: Luka’s form is otherworldly, but coaches will curb the spectacle to guard the future. Teammates laughed and wanted the 50, yet the game plan favors long-term payoff over nightly milestones. Expect more near-misses and more fireworks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Luka scoring 50+ in the next game: 45%.
Oct 25
Marcus Smart: Box Score Lied — Lakers Beat Timberwolves
Marcus Smart says the box score lied after the Lakers’ 128-110 win over the Timberwolves — he had three points, an assist, two steals and a team-high +24 in 21 minutes, but "I try not to look at the stats… those stats aren't going to do me any justice." Signed this summer to a two-year deal and once the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, Smart is being asked to "establish physicality," as coach JJ Redick put it, and he showed it with a timely steal on Julius Randle that led to a Rui Hachimura dunk. Merlin sees a veteran whose impact lives in the intangibles: communication, toughness, and defensive disruption. If Smart can stay healthy, his presence will shape matchups and set a tone the Lakers want to own — box scores may lag, but opponents will feel him. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Marcus Smart posts 2+ steals and a +15 or better in the next game vs. the Kings: 65%.
Oct 25