NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
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Nov 30, 2025
Josh Allen Kneed Heyward — Steelers Furious
Pittsburgh’s Cameron Heyward told reporters Josh Allen kneed him during the Bills’ 26-7 win, saying he was “being kneed in my stomach” and that Allen even told him, “I had to do something to get you off of me.” Heyward was frustrated that quarterbacks get extra protection while defenders do not, and his taunt flag capped a tense exchange. Allen downplayed it with “Maybe a little bit,” calling it part of the game and crediting the fire for getting him going. Merlin sees a familiar spark: small physical chafes that grow into storylines when one team is winning and the other is struggling — the Steelers have lost five of seven. This could be a moment for league review or a Steelers rallying cry, depending on how the NFL and the teams respond. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Josh Allen being fined this week for the knee: 30%.
Cooper Flagg Makes History — Mavs' 18-Year-Old Hits 35
Cooper Flagg exploded for a career-high 35 points in the Mavericks’ 114-110 win over the Clippers, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to hit 35 — edging out LeBron by days. Flagg scored 21 in the first half, closed with eight in the final three minutes, and had handed out 11 assists the night before. “Being aggressive right now is obviously right for me,” he said, and teammates and coaches echoed the praise. Merlin sees a rare comet rising. Kidd lauded his composure, Thompson called his “upside limitless,” and even at 18 Flagg “seems like he’s been in this league before.” The magic is real but fragile: sustained aggression plus cleaner decision-making will spell stardom; otherwise, fatigue and adjustments will test him. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg winning Rookie of the Year: 65%.
Nov 30
Seth Curry Finally Joins Warriors — Brothers Nearly Reunite
Merlin sees Seth Curry signing with the Golden State Warriors for the rest of the 2025-26 season, per Shams Charania. Charania noted, "Seth Curry joined the Warriors in training camp, but was waived just before the season because of the team's financial restraints." The move matters because Golden State gains one of the league’s purest shooters — he led the NBA at 45.6% from three last season and owns a career 43.3% — just as Stephen Curry is sidelined with a left quad strain and will be re-evaluated next week. Merlin whispers that this is a classic fit: catch-and-shoot artillery for a team built around off-ball gravity. At 35 and joining his 10th franchise, Seth provides instant spacing and veteran steadiness. If Stephen returns, defenses will be stretched thin and Seth’s role could grow into high-leverage minutes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Curry brothers play together this season: 75%.
Nov 30
Bucks Eye DeRozan Over LaVine for Giannis
The Bucks have quietly scouted scoring options, with Michael Scotto noting “The Milwaukee Bucks have conducted background due diligence on [Zach] LaVine and others around the league, as usual.” LaVine’s huge contract makes him a tough fit, so attention has shifted to DeMar DeRozan — a consistent 20-point scorer on a far friendlier deal — as Milwaukee seeks a reliable complement to Giannis while sitting 9-12 in the West. Merlin sees the logic: DeRozan’s steady scoring and playoff experience would upgrade a Bucks offense that can’t rely on Kyle Kuzma’s dip. Age and fit matter — DeRozan is 36 and won’t solve every defensive issue — but his contract and track record make a trade plausible if Milwaukee wants immediate offense and the Kings are ready to reshape. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of DeMar DeRozan landing in Milwaukee this season: 25%.
Nov 30
Bronny James Misfires in South Bay G League Loss
Bronny James made his third G League appearance of 2025-26, scoring 10 points with five rebounds and one assist in South Bay’s 124-113 loss to San Diego. He hit 4-of-7 inside the arc but missed all five three-point attempts, continuing a season-long split between the NBA and G League as he seeks a steady role — he’s averaging just 1.9 points and 1.7 assists in 10.2 NBA minutes while flashing better production in limited G League action (11.0 points, 8.0 assists in his first two games). Merlin sees a young guard caught between arenas: efficient around the rim (62.5% two-point mark) but ice-cold from deep (about 23% in South Bay). More G League reps will reveal if he can translate playmaking and inside touch into consistent outside shooting and NBA trust — development, not hype, will decide his path. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny earns a regular Lakers rotation spot this season: 20%.
Nov 30
18-Year-Old Cooper Flagg's 35 Lifts Mavericks Past Clippers
Cooper Flagg erupted for a career-high 35 points to lift the Dallas Mavericks to a 114-110 road win over the Los Angeles Clippers on the second night of a back-to-back. At 18, Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 35 in a game, joining LeBron as the only 18-year-olds to hit 30+, adding eight rebounds and two assists while shooting 59%. Dallas snapped a three-game skid (6-15) while the Clippers fell to 5-15 despite 29 from James Harden and 30 from Kawhi Leonard. Merlin sees a rare talent showing calm under pressure — a go-ahead jumper with 2:47 left and clutch free throws mark more than a scoring outburst. Still, the Mavericks’ record says this is a beginning, not a guarantee; the true test arrives Monday in Denver. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Cooper Flagg averaging 20+ PPG this season: 28%.
Nov 30
Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards Tweaks Free-Throw After Cuban Callout
Anthony Edwards says he quietly changed his free-throw routine after Mark Cuban pointed out he “steps over the line” and could draw more calls. Edwards admitted, “I just gotta change my free throws,” and the tweak hasn’t hurt him — he’s at 81.4% this season (80.4% career) while averaging 28.0 points and strong shooting splits. Merlin sees a small adjustment with big meaning: when veterans, owners and coaches notice, a young star listens. This was not a panic move but professional housekeeping — Edwards kept his rhythm and production, a sign he’s learning to protect his game from petty technicalities while getting steadier as a leader. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Edwards finishes the season above 80% from the line: 75%.
Nov 30
LeBron Praises Buckeyes' Jeremiah Smith After 35-Yd TD
LeBron James gave a public shoutout to Ohio State sophomore wideout Jeremiah Smith after Smith’s 35-yard touchdown put the Buckeyes ahead of Michigan — a moment that underlines Smith’s rise from five-star recruit to national star. That score, part of a first-half OSU surge that made it 17-9 at the break, matters because Smith’s production (coming off a 1,315-yard season and entering the game with 69 catches for 902 yards) keeps Ohio State on track for the College Football Playoff and strengthens their bid for the No. 1 seed. Merlin senses more than fanfare in that praise. A spotlight from LeBron magnifies Smith’s Heisman and NFL chatter, while the Luke Montgomery/Bronny James AAU tie stitches college football to the pro world. Consistency will decide if Ohio State converts buzz into hardware. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Jeremiah Smith wins the Heisman this season: 35%.
Nov 29
Giannis Demands Winning Mindset Amid Bucks' 7-Game Skid
Giannis Antetokounmpo is pushing for a mental reset after the Bucks dropped seven straight, telling teammates "Nobody should have a personal agenda" and to embrace a "winning mindset." He returned from an adductor strain with 30 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, but Milwaukee sits 8-12 and has the NBA’s worst offensive rating during the skid — a sign this is about more than one player. Merlin sees the streak as a crack in the roster’s collective focus: the offense fell apart partly in Giannis’ absence and the group let missed shots linger. The next three games look winnable, but only if leaders turn urgency into consistent habits and erase the small slights that become big games. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bucks end the skid in the next three games: 65%.
Nov 29
Austin Reaves' 38 Sparks Lakers, Swaps Jersey With AD
Austin Reaves stole the show in the Lakers’ 129-119 win over the Mavericks, scoring a game-high 38 on 12-of-15 shooting and six 3s — then got a holiday treat swapping jerseys with former teammate Anthony Davis. Reaves called AD “one of the best players to ever touch a basketball” and admitted “I owe him a lot” after Davis’ first game since Oct. 29 (12 points, five rebounds, five assists). The win pushed L.A. to 14-4, a six-game streak, and clinched Western Conference Group B in the NBA Cup. Merlin sees symbolism in the jersey exchange: a young star’s rise blessed by a veteran who helped shape him. From undrafted in 2021 to 28.5 PPG and 6.7 APG, Reaves is now All-Star chatter — but Western depth and durability questions remain. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Austin Reaves making the All-Star team this season: 45%.
Nov 29
Reaves' 38 Helps Lakers Spoil Anthony Davis, Mavericks
The Lakers spoiled Anthony Davis' return, beating the Mavericks 129-119 in L.A. as Dallas fell to 5-15. Davis, back from a calf strain, finished with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists but couldn’t alter the result. Austin Reaves erupted for 38, while Luka Dončić had 35 and 11 assists in the loss. The win clinched West Group B for Los Angeles, improving them to 14-4. Merlin sees a telling snapshot: this was more than a single night — L.A.’s depth and Reaves’ scoring carried the day, and Davis showed rust common to first games back. Dallas’ slump isn’t Luka’s burden alone; it smells of defensive holes and roster unrest. The Mavericks’ back-to-back road test, starting with the Clippers, will reveal whether this is a hiccup or a deeper slide. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mavericks making the playoffs this season: 12%.
Nov 29
NBA Cup Bracket Locked: Thunder, Knicks, Spurs
The eight NBA Cup quarterfinalists are set: Knicks, Magic, Thunder and Spurs won their groups, with the Suns and Heat advancing as the best second-place teams to complete the eight-team knockout bracket. Quarterfinals are Dec. 9–10, semifinals Dec. 13 and the championship is Dec. 16 in Las Vegas. Orlando earned East No. 1 and will host Miami; Toronto hosts New York; OKC hosts Phoenix; San Antonio visits the Lakers after an upset in Denver. Merlin sees Oklahoma City as the clear favorite — the Thunder are “playing the best basketball of any team in the NBA” — and their form plus last year’s runner-up hunger suit single-elimination stakes. The East is wide open: home-court and New York’s knockout experience could tip close games, and San Antonio’s shock win makes this bracket slippery. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Oklahoma City beating New York to win the NBA Cup: 45%.
Nov 29
Mets' Leadership Rift: Lindor vs. Soto
A New York Post report says the Mets’ locker room carried a personality split last season between Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. A “clubhouse source” told reporter Mike Puma relations “were chilly,” noting “Soto is very businesslike — all business, no fluff,” while Lindor leans into fashion. That uneasy leadership picture followed an 83-79 finish that missed the playoffs; Soto later called Starling Marte “actually the captain of this team.” Despite the friction, Soto (6.2 WAR) and Lindor (5.9 WAR) were the club’s top performers. Merlin sees that talent and contracts can’t paper over atmosphere. Lindor is midway through his 10-year deal and Soto just began a 15-year megadeal — both must buy into a shared clubhouse script. The Mets need clearer leadership and alignment or the star power may keep them loud but not winning. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Mets making the playoffs next season: 40%.
Nov 28
LeBron Proud as Bronny Steps Up for Lakers
LeBron praised his son Bronny for stepping up in Year 2, saying he used time in the G League and Summer League to get more comfortable and handled consecutive 18+ minute outings on Nov. 2–3. Bronny has 11 appearances (8-for-28 FG, 3-for-12 3PT) with an offensive rating climbed to 107.9; he was sent to South Bay to learn "how to be effective off the ball." LeBron added Bronny must "walk his own journey." Merlin sees a young player on a steady climb. The shooting dip is a wrinkle, but the offensive-rating jump and poise in tougher moments show growth. With Anthony Davis expected back, Bronny’s window for minutes is tight — he needs consistent shooting, defense and off-ball intelligence to turn promise into a regular role. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Bronny becomes a regular rotation player this season: 30%.
Nov 28
Lakers Ditch "Unplayable" NBA Cup Court vs. Mavericks
Merlin sees the Lakers ditching the yellow NBA Cup court and reverting to their usual Crypto.com Arena floor for Friday’s Cup game vs. Dallas after league techs called the Cup surface “unplayable” and sent it back for repairs. Rui Hachimura admitted, “That was bad,” saying he felt it was “oily, slippery” and that “everybody was on the floor, falling.” The court had been used in a 135-118 win over the Clippers, and Luka Dončić had already raised safety concerns. Merlin notes this is more than a cosmetic swap: slippery surfaces affect shot rhythm, footing and injury risk, and the league’s quick pullback suggests vendor oversight will come under fire. A return to the normal floor steadies the Lakers but leaves questions about how many other alternate courts are fit for play. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the league orders wider inspections of alternate courts this season: 75%.
Nov 28
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DeRozan to Clippers? Bold Kings–Nets 3-Team Swap
Merlin sees a tempting trade web: The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported DeMar DeRozan “has some interest from the LA Clippers,” and Eric Pincus lays out a three-team swap that would send DeRozan to LA, a 24-point scorer named Porter to Sacramento, and draft assets to Brooklyn. It’s designed to replace injured Bradley Beal, give the Kings a scorer while Sabonis heals, and let the Nets clear salary for picks. Merlin knows the math and the mood: the Clippers are desperate to win now under Kawhi’s ticking clock and might mortgage future picks, while DeRozan adds immediate scoring and leadership at age 36. Sacramento gains spacing and hope; Brooklyn gets flexibility. Timing and trade exceptions (Dec. 15 rules, DPEs) make this unlikely but possible. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: “Odds of this three-team trade happening this season: 20%.”
Nov 28
Lakers Flop, Knicks Shine: Nike's 2025-26 City Editions
Nike’s 2025-26 city-edition jerseys landed and readers got a full worst-to-best pass — some teams played it safe, others flopped. Critics called the Lakers’ black rerun too “boring,” while clear winners include the Heat’s revived Vice, the Raptors’ flawless throwback (an easy A+), the Nets’ Bed‑Stuy splash, and the Timberwolves’ Prince‑purple. These designs matter: they shape team identity and drive merchandise sales. Merlin sees a split between comfy retreads that sell (Vice, Suns) and bold, place-driven concepts that win hearts — Portland’s jersey even leans into the airport carpet, a true “Keep Portland Weird” move. A few misses (Dallas, Celtics) prove color and story beat generic fonts every time. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Heat’s Vice becomes the top-selling city jersey this season: 45%.
Nov 28
LeBron Teases Endgame: Lakers Retirement Timeline Unknown
Merlin sees LeBron James back from sciatica and helping the Lakers in three games, yet still undecided about retirement. People close to him say he “remains undecided” after he opted in to the $52.6 million deal, and agent Rich Paul reminded everyone, "LeBron wants to compete for a championship." LeBron himself said he’s "excited about today," is "not waiting" on son Bryce, and that the end is "a lot sooner than later." Merlin notes the signs on the court are encouraging — efficient scoring (52.5%), 8.7 assists in limited action, and a 13-4 Lakers start — but age and legacy press on a 23-season veteran who turns 41 in December. His final chapters will depend on team readiness and the realistic shot at another title, not just stats. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds LeBron retires after this season: 35%.
Nov 28
Orlando vs Detroit, OKC vs Suns: NBA Cup Showdowns
Merlin sees Friday as the decisive night of the NBA Cup group stage: three groups are decided directly by head-to-head matchups — Orlando vs. Detroit (East B), OKC vs. Phoenix (West A) and Denver vs. San Antonio (West C). East Group C hinges on Knicks-Bucks at MSG (a Knicks win gives New York the group; a Milwaukee road win hands it to Miami). The remaining wild-card spots and hosting rights come down to a few tight point-differential calculations — Cleveland needs a big win over Atlanta to climb into contention, while Phoenix must protect its +35 cushion against Memphis and the Clippers. Merlin senses chaos in the small margins. One basket swings a group, and home-court fate for quarterfinals could turn on point totals more than headlines. Expect cautious coaching, late-game fouls and desperate offense as teams defend their Cup lives. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds Orlando wins East Group B: 65%.
Nov 28
Josh Hart Jokes After Knicks' Jalen Brunson Hit
Josh Hart teased teammate Jalen Brunson after Brunson took a basketball off the dome in the Knicks’ 129–101 win over the Hornets, posting “Way to use your head my boy @jalenbrunson1.” Brunson shrugged it off and finished with a game-high 33 points; his season numbers (28.6 PPG, 6.3 APG) have the veteran cruising as New York sits 11–6 and firmly in Eastern contention. The moment was small but telling — a snapshot of resilience on a team chasing consistency. Merlin sees this as more than a viral laugh. Brunson’s durability, leadership and hot scoring are the linchpin of the Knicks’ ceiling; chemistry moments like Hart’s jab underscore a locker-room that can endure bumps. If Brunson stays at this level, New York remains a serious threat, though depth and defense will shape their postseason fate. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Jalen Brunson making the All-NBA team this season: 75%.
Nov 28
Jalen Williams' Season Debut Ignites Thunder vs Suns
Merlin sees Jalen Williams returning Friday against the Suns, per Shams Charania, after offseason wrist surgery and a follow-up procedure to remove an irritating screw. Williams played through a ligament tear in the Finals, averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists last season, and earned All-Star and All-NBA honors — his comeback matters because the 17–1 Thunder add elite two-way scoring to an already dominant lineup. Merlin remembers Williams’ playoff mindset — "I got 28 or 29 shots in my hand...That can't be for nothing" — and expects that clutch scoring, playmaking and defense to deepen OKC’s rotation. Early minutes will be managed, but his return makes matchups tougher and gives the Thunder more insurance for a long title defense. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of the Thunder repeating as champions this season: 30%.
Nov 27
Sixers' Tyrese Maxey Runs Dogs at National Dog Show
Tyrese Maxey spent Thanksgiving weekend guiding two dogs, Howie and Spike, through the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge on national TV and laughed, "It was really fun... I think I'm going to stick to staying on the court." The moment was charming, but it underscores a bigger story: Maxey is shouldering a massive 39.9 minutes per game for the injury-hit Sixers while putting up 32.2 PPG, 7.5 APG and 40.9% from three — a usage level that raises clear durability concerns. Merlin sees a bright comet in full burn. Maxey is carrying Philadelphia’s offense like a star quarterback carrying a team, but even stars need shelter. Expect the Sixers to start purposeful rest and minute plans to protect their core without blunting his scoring magic; the real test is balancing short-term wins with long-term playoff health. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Sixers cut Maxey’s minutes below 36 MPG before the All-Star break: 70%.
Nov 27
Kings Superfan Devlin Carter Ejected for Roasting Defense
Merlin sees Sacramento superfan Devlin Carter escorted out after he loudly called out the Kings’ defense during a 112-100 loss to Phoenix — captured on TV and followed by Instagram posts saying "at least the Kings fans feel me" and "we aint come here to watch yall not play defense." The outburst matters because it personifies the city’s anger: Sacramento is 5-14, ranks 28th in offensive rating and 24th in defensive rating, and risks a third straight year out of the playoffs. Merlin knows a heckler is never the whole story. The offense, oddly, has been the bigger rot, and Doug Christie’s group still needs an identity to calm the crowd and stop the slide. If scoring doesn’t improve and the home pulse stays frantic, management may feel pressured into roster fixes before the trade deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Sacramento making the playoffs this season: 20%.
Nov 27
Draymond, Butler Rip Warriors' 'Soft' Defense; Curry Hurt
After a 104-100 home loss to Houston, Warriors vets Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler tore into Golden State’s effort — Green called the defense “s--t” and said “We are individually f--king awful,” while Butler added, “We don't box out...We let anybody do whatever they want.” Stephen Curry exited late with a right quad contusion and will have an MRI. The Dubs dropped to 10-10, have lost four of five, and sit eighth in a crowded West, 2.5 games shy of a top-six seed. Merlin sees a proud team skidding on attitude more than metrics — Green’s line, “defense is about demeanor,” nails it. If Curry misses time, Butler’s warning that they’ll need to be “damn near perfect” becomes reality. This is a season hinge: cohesion or deeper slide. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds the Warriors finish outside the West top-six this season: 60%.
Nov 27
Mavericks Keep Kyrie Irving — Anthony Davis Trade Looms
Merlin sees the Mavericks aren’t ready to part with Kyrie Irving despite a rocky 5-14 start and his ongoing ACL rehab — ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said "the Mavericks do not want to trade him." That matters because Dallas’ ceiling clearly rises with Kyrie healthy; without him and with Anthony Davis largely sidelined, the team has leaned on rookie Cooper Flagg but lacks consistent veteran scoring and playmaking. The oracle also notes a darker turn: MacMahon called trading Anthony Davis a "real possibility" and even a "likelihood," hinting Dallas may rework its frontcourt while protecting the backcourt. If Kyrie returns strong, he’s the nucleus; if injuries linger or a big offer appears, the Mavs could pivot quickly. The board is set — pieces will move. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Odds of Kyrie being traded this season: 12%.
Nov 27