NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Nov 5, 2025
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%.
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
Russell Westbrook: Denver Nuggets "Didn't Want Me Back"
Merlin sees a clear cut: after Sacramento’s 130-124 loss in Denver, Russell Westbrook said the Nuggets “didn't want me back,” explaining, “They told me not to [exercise my option],” and that he won’t “go anywhere I'm not wanted.” That admission matters — it explains why a veteran who produced solid bench numbers last season left a contending team and sets the emotional tone for the Kings–Nuggets rematch on Nov. 11. Merlin notes the facts: Westbrook remains productive (26 points in this game, solid regular-season numbers and a top-10 Sixth Man finish), while Denver tweaked its roster and is rolling at 4-2. This feels less about talent and more about fit and chemistry — Westbrook’s craft may shine in Sacramento, but the Nuggets moved on. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Westbrook rejoining Denver this season: 10%.
Nov 4
Draymond Green Insists: Steve Kerr Staying With Warriors
Merlin sees Draymond Green publicly betting on stability: "I don't foresee Steve going anywhere" and that he "very much so want[s] to finish this thing with the people that I've been through it with." That matters because Kerr’s contract runs through 2025–26, and his decision will determine whether Golden State keeps its championship blueprint intact or begins a longer rebuild around Curry’s eventual twilight. Merlin notes Kerr is in his 12th season and the job’s pressure, plus another early playoff exit, could prompt a rethink. The pragmatic outcome is a short, 1–2 year extension—enough to line up with Curry and Green’s timelines—while a repeated postseason disappointment makes a coaching change plausible. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Steve Kerr signs a 1–2 year extension with the Warriors before the 2026 offseason: 65%.
Nov 4
Sacramento Signs Precious Achiuwa, Waives Isaac Jones
Merlin sees Sacramento adding veteran forward-center Precious Achiuwa after a 2-5 start, waiving second-year Isaac Jones to open a spot. The move shores up frontcourt depth while Keegan Murray recovers from thumb surgery — the team said "his status would be reevaluated next Monday at the earliest." Achiuwa brings five years of NBA experience and modest production (about 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds last season) to back up Domantas Sabonis and could debut Wednesday against Golden State. Merlin senses a pragmatic tweak more than a seismic shift. This buys the Kings minutes, toughness on the glass and a steadier veteran presence while young pieces like Nique Clifford and Dylan Cardwell keep developing. The payroll impact is minor, but the real test is whether Achiuwa can stabilize a sputtering rotation. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Achiuwa becomes a steady rotational backup this season: 65%.
Nov 4
NBA Deadline: Giannis, Tatum, Luka Top Assets
Bleacher Report lays out a team-by-team big board of top trade assets ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, explaining the buyer/seller lens and the Dec. 15 trade-eligibility cutoff. The piece names specific suitors and sellable pieces — from Atlanta’s prized 2026 New Orleans pick and Risacher to Boston’s Marcus Smart-ish trade chips like Pritchard and White — showing who can truly move markets. Merlin sees the tapestry: distant picks and cheap, two-way contracts are the new currency, while expiring deals and rookie-scale bargains unlock trades. The board exposes which clubs are realistically buyers versus sellers and how contracts, injuries and development timelines will steer deals between now and February. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of a blockbuster trade centered on a future first-rounder by Feb. 5: 45%.
Nov 4
Durant, Thompson Spark Rockets' 4-Game Surge
The Rockets have turned a rocky 0-2 start into a four-game winning streak, most recently beating Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks 110-102. Kevin Durant led the way with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists, Alperen Şengün chipped in 26 points, 11 boards and six assists, and Amen Thompson poured in a season-high 27. Dallas’ rookie Flagg went cold in the second half, and, with Anthony Davis unavailable, the Mavericks sorely needed more from their top pick. Houston’s streak matters because it suggests the roster is finding chemistry and that Durant can still steer this ship. Merlin senses momentum, not miracle. The Rockets’ blend of veteran scoring and emerging youth is working, but consistency from role players and continued production from Şengün and Thompson will decide how long the good run lasts. A test looms Wednesday against the Grizzlies — a true measure of whether this is real growth or a hot spell. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Houston beating Memphis on Wednesday: 52%.
Nov 4
Ja Morant Unhappy; One-Game Suspension Rocks Grizzlies
Ja Morant confirmed what the air in Memphis already whispered: he’s unhappy — answering “No” when asked if he has his usual joy — and publicly pointed to the coaching staff after a 3-of-14, eight-point night, saying “go ask the coaching staff.” That postgame exchange with coach Tuomas Iisalo led to a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team; Morant returned with 18 points, 10 assists and five rebounds in a loss, while the Grizzlies sit 3-5. This matters because Memphis needs Morant at his peak to compete, and visible rifts between star and coach threaten the team’s trajectory. Merlin senses a clearing or a storm, not calm waters: Morant’s past injuries and disciplinary issues make him mercurial, and Iisalo’s public challenge signals real friction. The club can repair it quietly, lean on structure and minutes, or the tension could morph into trade talk — the next moves will reveal which path Memphis chooses. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Ja Morant requesting a trade this season: 30%.
Nov 4
Ayton, Hachimura Carry Lakers Past Blazers Without LeBron, Doncic
Merlin sees the Lakers win a test of depth: despite being short-handed with LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves sidelined, Los Angeles beat Portland 123-115. Deandre Ayton led the way with a standout night — "29 points, 10 boards and three blocks" — while Rui Hachimura added 28, lifting the undermanned club to 6-2 and earning applause for a revenge win over the Blazers. Merlin senses this matters because it reveals a sturdier roster than expected and a rising confidence in secondary leaders. One game does not make a season, but Ayton’s command and Hachimura’s scoring give the Lakers a blueprint: when role players ascend, star absences become survivable. Consistency and health will decide the story. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers finishing with a top-four seed in the West this season: 40%.
Nov 4
Lakers Injuries Mount: Reaves Out, LeBron Hurt
The Lakers have the pieces to chase a title, but early-season health problems are already testing them. Austin Reaves will miss Monday’s game vs. Portland with "right groin soreness," joining Luka Dončić (listed with "lower left leg contusion injury management") and LeBron James on the injury report with "right sciatica." Those absences force lineup shuffles, sap bench continuity and make a short early-season skid more costly. Merlin sees this as a rite of passage: contenders are separated from pretenders by injury resilience and coaching adjustments. Expect Frank Vogel—sorry, coach staff—to lean on veteran spacing and interior minutes while the medical staff tames these nuisances. If the injuries clear quickly, the Lakers’ title window stays open; if not, their margin for error shrinks fast. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Lakers winning the title this season: 22%.
Nov 3
St. Bonaventure Denies Wojnarowski Ejection at Bradley
Merlin sees St. Bonaventure swiftly denying a report that former NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski was ejected and "berating the officials" during Monday’s game vs. Bradley. The school called the story "completely false" and said Woj "is still watching the game as we speak." That matters because Woj’s high-profile move from journalism to St. Bonaventure’s general manager role means any public incident would draw instant national attention and could affect the program’s reputation. Merlin remembers Woj’s days of "Woj Bombs" and his September 2024 vow that the job "is a thrill of a lifetime." The Bonnies (22-11 last season) moved quickly to quash the rumor, showing how protective a small program must be of a new, famous face. Expect tighter fact-checking and calm from the school — this looks more like a rumor that will fade than the start of a controversy. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of another publicized sideline incident involving Woj this season: 10%.
Nov 3