NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 22, 2026
Luka Doncic Gets Under Yaxel Lendeborg's Skin
Luka Dončić and Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg got into it during the first half of the Lakers and Golden State season opener. The back-and-forth ended with Lendeborg getting a technical foul. Luka won that exchange, and Lendeborg got an early lesson about picking his spots. Golden State’s rookie showed he won’t back down, but Luka is the kind of player who’ll make you pay if you give him extra fuel. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Luka will remember this one the next time the Warriors and Lakers meet.
Tyrese Haliburton Returns With 23 and 12
Tyrese Haliburton is back. After missing all of the 2025-26 season with a torn Achilles suffered in the 2025 NBA Finals, Haliburton returned Tuesday in Indiana’s 123-120 season-opening win over New Orleans. He finished with 23 points and 12 assists. “It means a lot to be back out here,” Haliburton said after 16 months of rehab. Indiana lost Haliburton in Game 7 of the Finals against Oklahoma City, right when the team was close to a title. Now he’s back running the offense, and the Pacers can start chasing that same level again. Staying healthy will be the big thing. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Haliburton will have Indiana back in the playoff mix if he stays on the floor.
Oct 22
Anthony Davis, Trae Young Lead Wizards Win
Anthony Davis scored big in his Wizards debut as Washington opened 2026-27 with a 128-116 win over the Bucks. Trae Young added a double-double, while No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa missed the game with an ankle sprain. Davis had been traded from Dallas before February’s deadline but missed the rest of last season with a hand injury. Milwaukee is rebuilding after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami, so it’s only one game. Still, Washington finally got a look at Davis and Young together after Young played just five games last year. Dybantsa’s return, plus growth from Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr, could put the Wizards in the play-in mix. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Davis and Young will have Washington in the East play-in race when Dybantsa returns.
Oct 22
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Anthony Edwards Drops 45 in Wolves Opener
Anthony Edwards dropped 45 points, a Timberwolves record for a season opener, as Minnesota beat Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and the Heat 131-106 on Wednesday. LaMelo Ball made his Minnesota debut after the trade from Charlotte, while Giannis made his Heat debut and had a strong night in the loss. Edwards had 21 by halftime and 36 through three quarters, giving Minnesota an 18-point lead heading into the fourth. Ball already looked like a clean fit next to him. Miami needs more help around Giannis after its supporting cast struggled in the opener. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Edwards and Ball will make Minnesota one of the West’s toughest backcourts to deal with.
Oct 22
Lonzo Laughs at LaMelo's Missed Travel
LaMelo Ball appeared to get away with a travel in his Minnesota Timberwolves debut Wednesday against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat. He gathered the ball and took several steps beyond the 3-point line, but no whistle came. The announcers noticed it, and Lonzo Ball got a laugh out of the no-call on social media. It was a funny moment, but LaMelo’s fit with Minnesota will be the bigger story from here. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LaMelo will give Wolves fans plenty more highlights, even if a few steps get missed.
Oct 22
Paul George Fined After Celtics Debut
Paul George got fined $2,000 for flopping in his Boston Celtics debut, the NBA announced Wednesday. It came after Boston’s 121-113 loss to Detroit, but George still set a franchise record with 38 points in a debut. He added five steals, five rebounds, and three assists after arriving in the Jaylen Brown trade with Philadelphia. Boston blew a 22-point lead after Detroit ripped off a 23-0 run in the fourth. Cade Cunningham had 22 points and eight assists, while Ausar Thompson made life tough for Jayson Tatum. Tatum finished 6-of-23 and went 0-of-7 from three. George said he’s still getting his legs and wind back, which is a good sign after that scoring night. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: George has another 30-point game soon, but Boston needs Tatum to bounce back fast.
Oct 21
Stephen Curry Says Warriors Pursued LeBron James
Stephen Curry told ESPN’s Marc J. Spears that the Warriors made a run at LeBron James before LeBron chose the 76ers. “We took some shots at him,” Curry said. He added there were “days I did, days I didn’t” think LeBron was headed to Golden State. LeBron instead joins Philadelphia with Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey as he chases another NBA Finals trip. Golden State moves forward with Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Al Horford, trying to get back into the West playoff mix. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LeBron and Curry won’t team up, but both teams will be tough outs if they get healthy.
Oct 21
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Kristaps Porzingis Considering Basketball Future
Kristaps Porziņģis is seriously considering his future in basketball, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports. Porziņģis has dealt with POTS and could step away for good if his recovery doesn’t improve. He’s on a $20 million trade-flexible contract this season with a small partial guarantee next year, so Golden State could still move him. The Warriors could use his deal and future picks to chase help now. Proposed options include Rui Hachimura and Jordan Miller from the Clippers, Domantas Sabonis from the Kings in a deal involving Draymond Green, or AJ Green and Jaime Jaquez Jr. from the Bucks. Any move would likely cost Golden State real draft value. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Golden State tries to move Porziņģis before the deadline, but won’t trade Draymond for Sabonis.
Oct 21
Donovan Mitchell Wants to Retire a Cav
Donovan Mitchell says he wants to retire a Cavalier. He told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com that he signed his four-year, $273 million extension this summer because “Cleveland's home” and he doesn’t want to wear another uniform. The deal keeps Mitchell in Cleveland through 2030-31 and pays a record $68 million per year on average. Mitchell joined the Cavs from Utah in 2022 and has made seven straight All-Star teams. He could’ve waited for a five-year, $353 million deal next offseason, but signed on July 7 instead. Now the focus is winning it all, starting Thursday when Cleveland opens the 2026-27 season against the Philadelphia 76ers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Mitchell gets No. 45 into the rafters, but Cleveland will need a deep playoff run soon to make that dream feel real.
Oct 21
Ja Morant Starts With Damian Lillard
Ja Morant will start next to Damian Lillard in Portland’s backcourt to open the 2026-27 season, Chris Haynes reports. Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson are expected to come off the bench, with Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan filling out the starting five. Portland got Morant from Memphis for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray on June 29. Morant started 325 of 327 games in Memphis, but said Sept. 28 that winning matters more than his role. He’s looked sharp in preseason, averaging 11.5 points, 4.8 assists and 1.8 steals in 20.8 minutes while shooting 56.7 percent. Portland opens against Phoenix on Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Morant and Lillard will be one of the league’s most fun backcourts, but Henderson will make a real case for more minutes fast.
Oct 21
Warriors Explore Kristaps Porzingis Trade Options
The Warriors have started looking at trade options for Kristaps Porziņģis, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Charania says Porziņģis is "seriously contemplating his future in basketball" because of lingering effects from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Golden State said it won't comment on trade reports or his health. The Athletic's Sam Amick says Milwaukee has already shown no interest. Porziņģis averaged 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds after joining Golden State midseason, but shot 31.1 percent from three. He’s owed $20 million in 2026-27, with only $3 million guaranteed in 2027-28. ESPN's Anthony Slater reported team sources called him detached during a Jimmy Butler workout session before he took an indefinite leave. The Warriors may need draft picks to find a useful frontcourt replacement. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Golden State moves Porziņģis for a rotation big and future cap flexibility, not another star.
Oct 21
Tyrese Maxey Caught in LeBron Chalk Toss
Tyrese Maxey got caught in LeBron James’ pregame chalk toss, then bounced back with 28 points and five assists in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 106-100 win over the reigning champion New York Knicks. Maxey joked about being in the wrong place at the wrong time on social media. Philadelphia’s next game is its home opener Thursday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Maxey has already learned one lesson about sharing a court with LeBron: stay away from the scorer’s table before tip-off. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Maxey avoids the chalk Thursday and still drops another big game.
Oct 21
Steve Kerr Could Leave With Warriors Core
Steve Kerr signed a two-year extension with the Warriors, but he told The Ringer’s Logan Murdock he can see his run ending around the same time as Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. “I could see this ending where [Stephen Curry], [Draymond Green], we all leave around the same time,” Kerr said. Golden State hasn’t made a big offseason move, and a lot rides on Jimmy Butler returning strong from a torn ACL. Kerr and Curry have been together for 13 years and won four titles, but the Warriors have missed the postseason twice since winning the 2022 Finals. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Kerr coaches out his current deal, then Golden State has some big decisions to make.
Oct 21
Lakers Season Hinges on Walker Kessler
Walker Kessler is the Lakers’ big swing, and people around the NBA think their season could hinge on him. A Western Conference scout told The Athletic’s Dan Woike that Kessler needs to stay healthy and prove himself in meaningful games. JJ Redick told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin Kessler has the “potential” to be one of the NBA’s best rim protectors. The Lakers gave Utah two unprotected first-round picks, two pick swaps, and a four-year, $130 million deal for Kessler. Luka Dončić wanted an “A-list center,” and said he “really wanted” Kessler in Los Angeles. If he stays on the floor, his defense and Luka’s passing could be a huge fit. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Kessler becomes a real Defensive Player of the Year contender if he plays a full season.
Oct 21
Steve Kerr Says LeBron Never Considered Warriors
Steve Kerr told The Ringer’s Logan Murdock that the Warriors never got close to signing LeBron James. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green recruited him, and Kerr texted LeBron during free agency, but never heard back. LeBron chose the 76ers, joining Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Golden State had some flexibility after Green declined his $27.7 million option, but Kerr said LeBron in a Warriors uniform would’ve felt “so weird.” Curry is expected to play in the opener against the Lakers after an injury scare. The first Curry vs. LeBron matchup this season is March 24, when Golden State hosts Philadelphia. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: That March 24 game is going to feel like the matchup everyone wanted, just in different jerseys.
Oct 21
2026 NBA Trade Targets for Every Team
The NBA season is back, but trade talk never really stops. This early 2026-27 trade board runs through every team’s possible targets, from stars like Trey Murphy III, Kyrie Irving, Darius Garland and Deni Avdija to cheaper rotation bets like Scotty Pippen Jr., Day’Ron Sharpe and Moussa Diabaté. Teams are being matched with players based on their roster holes, cap situation and what they can realistically offer. Some teams need creators, some need size, and others should be thinking long-term instead of chasing a quick fix. The Hawks could hunt another lead guard, the Spurs need a forward next to Victor Wembanyama, and the Warriors may only make a move if it changes their whole ceiling. A lot can shift before the Feb. 11 trade deadline. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Trey Murphy III will be one of the most talked-about names on the market if New Orleans struggles early.
Oct 21
Knicks Unveil Gold Championship Jerseys
The Knicks will debut gold-accented uniforms Tuesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers to celebrate their NBA title. The jerseys have a championship patch above the names, gold letters and numbers, plus “Champs” stitched in script. New York won its first championship in 53 years after going 16-3 in the playoffs, capped by Jalen Brunson’s 45 points in Game 5 against San Antonio. New York brings back all five starters and most of its bench, but Mitchell Robinson left for Boston. Andre Drummond joins the rotation up front. The opener won’t be easy, with Philadelphia adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown after reaching the second round last season. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brunson gets the Garden rocking early, but this opener comes down to the final few minutes.
Oct 20
Knicks Raise NBA Cup Banner After Title
The Knicks will raise their 2025 NBA Cup banner before Tuesday’s opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, according to the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy. They skipped hanging it after beating the San Antonio Spurs in December because the focus was on an NBA title. They got that too, beating the Spurs in the NBA Finals in June. Madison Square Garden will also celebrate its first Knicks championship banner since 1973. Jalen Brunson won NBA Cup MVP, then NBA Finals MVP after dropping a franchise Finals record 45 points in the Game 5 clincher. The ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, before LeBron James makes his Sixers debut at 7 p.m. ET. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brunson gives the Garden another big moment before the night is over.
Oct 20
Pistons Rally Past Paul George Celtics Debut
Paul George scored a franchise-record total in his Celtics debut, but Detroit stormed back for a 121-113 win to open the 2026-27 season. Boston led by as many as 22 after George and Jayson Tatum sparked a 19-4 second-quarter run, but the Pistons flipped the game with a 23-0 run in the fourth. Cade Cunningham started hot, Ausar Thompson stood out on defense, and Javonte Green helped Detroit finish the comeback. George also moved into eighth all-time in made threes, per NBA.com’s Taylor Snow, while Mitchell Robinson scored his first Celtics points after an early ankle scare. Boston hosts the defending champion Knicks next, while Detroit heads to Miami. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Celtics bounce back at home, but Detroit’s young core keeps making noise.
Oct 20
Karl Anthony Towns Open to Knicks Pay Cut
Karl-Anthony Towns says he’ll take less money to stay with the champion Knicks. In an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Towns said, “I want this team to stay together.” He’s eligible for a four-year, $276 million extension, but ESPN’s Shams Charania reported New York’s latest offer was around four years and $200 million. The gap is still real. Towns has one guaranteed year left with a $57 million cap hit and a $61 million player option for 2027-28. The Knicks paused talks until later in the season, and James Dolan doesn’t want to go over the second apron. New York also has extension calls ahead with Miles McBride, Josh Hart, Tyler Kolek, and eventually Jalen Brunson. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Towns and the Knicks find a number that works before June 30.
Oct 20
Adam Silver Says NBA Expansion Is Years Away
Adam Silver said the NBA is still a few seasons away from adding teams, but Las Vegas and Seattle are the main cities in the conversation right now. Silver told the Pat McAfee Show that Vegas has major interest and possible new arena plans, while Seattle has a strong NBA history and a ready-made arena. Mick Akers reports Nancy Walton Laurie, Bill Laurie, and Egon Durban’s group is the favorite for a Las Vegas team. Vegas looks like the clear front-runner, but Seattle isn’t a lock. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says the league is fully focused on Vegas and hasn’t loved the Seattle bids so far. Mexico City is also back in the mix, with ownership groups pitching a team and arena district there. The NBA last expanded in 2004, when the Charlotte Bobcats joined. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Las Vegas gets the next NBA team, with Seattle and Mexico City fighting for the other spot.
Oct 20
Adam Silver Clears LeBron Fanatics Travel
Adam Silver said there’s “no rules issue there whatsoever” with LeBron James using Fanatics-paid travel to commute to Philadelphia, as long as the deal is separate from the Philadelphia 76ers. Front Office Sports’ Daniel Roberts and TMZ Sports reported that Fanatics covers the trips through LeBron’s endorsement deal. Fanatics founder Michael Rubin sold his share of the Sixers in 2022, and LeBron’s relationship with Fanatics started before he joined Philadelphia. He signed an exclusive trading card deal with the company in 2024. Pablo Torre said some NBA owners asked about the setup, but Silver doesn’t see a reason for league action right now. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: This dies down unless new details tie the Sixers directly to LeBron’s travel.
Oct 20
LeBron Sixers Patches Become Topps Cards
LeBron James will wear a patch marking his 24th NBA season in every game with the Philadelphia 76ers, Topps announced Tuesday. The patch will debut when LeBron makes his regular-season Sixers debut Tuesday night against the New York Knicks at 7 p.m. ET. After each game, the patch will be removed from his jersey. Topps says some will end up in 1-of-1 trading cards, turning pieces of LeBron’s record-setting 24th season into collectibles. He passed the old mark by playing his 23rd season with the Los Angeles Lakers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The patch from LeBron’s Sixers debut will be one of the biggest cards in the set.
Oct 20
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Victor Wembanyama Headlines Bold NBA Predictions
Victor Wembanyama is the pick to flip the MVP script in 2026-27. The bet is that he wins it with defense leading the way while pushing the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA's best record. Other bold calls: Philadelphia's main lineup plays fewer than 20 games together, rookie Yaxel Lendeborg becomes Golden State's most important player, Tyrese Haliburton returns to All-NBA form, and Toronto finishes first in defensive efficiency. Wembanyama topped 25.0 points per game last season, but his defense could be the real separator. Philadelphia will need to manage Joel Embiid and LeBron James carefully. Haliburton looked healthy in an Oct. 13 preseason game against Oklahoma City, about 16 months after his right Achilles tear in the 2025 Finals. Scottie Barnes, Kawhi Leonard and Collin Murray-Boyles give Toronto a real case on that end. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Wembanyama wins MVP, but Toronto's defense ends up being the biggest surprise.
Oct 20
Spurs, Thunder Lead 2026 NBA Rankings
The 2026-27 NBA season is here, and San Antonio opens as the No. 1 team in these preseason power rankings with +270 championship odds. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper give the Spurs a scary young core. Oklahoma City sits right behind them at +240, while the Knicks, Celtics, Sixers and Timberwolves are also near the top. Big offseason moves reshaped the league. Giannis Antetokounmpo is in Miami, Kawhi Leonard is back in Toronto, Kevin Durant is in Houston, LeBron James is in Philadelphia and Luka Dončić now has the Lakers to himself. Health will decide plenty, especially for Wemby, Joel Embiid, LeBron, Kawhi and the older contenders. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: San Antonio and Oklahoma City meet in the Western Conference Finals.
Oct 20