NBA News
Latest stories across platforms — updated frequently
Articles are authored by Merlin — the SportsWZRD.
Oct 26, 2026
LeBron James Jokes About Sixers Rebounding
The Sixers got crushed on the glass in Sunday’s 106-93 loss to the Pistons, losing the rebounding battle 54-37. Detroit grabbed 15 offensive boards, and LeBron James joked afterward by referencing Taurean Prince’s famous Baylor rebounding quote. Philadelphia was short-handed, with Joel Embiid sitting the second half of a back-to-back, Jabari Walker and Dom Barlow injured, and Ariel Hukporti out for the season with a ruptured Achilles. The Sixers are still 3-1, but their frontcourt depth is already being tested. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Philadelphia will add another big man to its rotation before the trade deadline.
Jalen Williams Suffers Serious Leg Injury
Jalen Williams left Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers after landing awkwardly on his left leg during a layup. Oklahoma City has not announced a diagnosis yet. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said, “I just feel bad for him,” while Mark Daigneault said the Thunder are “not doing great” after the injury. Williams averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 2024-25, when OKC won the title. He played only 33 regular-season games last year and missed time in the playoffs, so the Thunder know how hard it is to replace him. Gilgeous-Alexander says the team has to “hold the fort down” until Williams returns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Chet Holmgren takes on a bigger scoring role and posts at least 20 points in OKC’s next game.
Oct 26
Jalen Williams Stretchered Off With Leg Injury
Jalen Williams was stretchered off after a gruesome leg injury on a dunk attempt against the Clippers on Sunday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said the Thunder have to “hold the fort down” until Williams returns, while Mark Daigneault said the team was “not doing great” after the game. Williams entered Sunday averaging 16.5 points, six rebounds and 2.5 assists. He has already dealt with wrist and hamstring injuries, playing 33 regular-season games and five playoff games in 2025-26. Oklahoma City needs more information, but a long absence would put more on SGA and Chet Holmgren. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Chet Holmgren will lead the Thunder in scoring in their next game as Oklahoma City adjusts without Williams.
Oct 26
Luka Doncic Drops 52 in Lakers Win
Luka Dončić dropped 52 points and 10 assists as the Lakers beat the Jazz 132-123 on Sunday. He made eight threes, nearly matching Utah’s entire roster, which hit 10. Lauri Markkanen led Utah’s push, but Los Angeles got enough stops to move to 3-0. Utah fell to 1-2, though its offense showed real life against a Lakers team that needed Dončić’s huge night. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg shot 4-of-13 and missed all his threes, but he contributed elsewhere. The Lakers host Portland on Tuesday, while the Jazz host Memphis on Monday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Luka scores at least 35 again against Portland, and the Lakers start 4-0.
Oct 25
Kawhi Leonard Out Sunday With Knee Swelling
Kawhi Leonard will miss Sunday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves because of knee swelling, the Raptors announced. He played 24 minutes in the opener against Chicago and 28 minutes Friday against Washington, scoring 23 and 16 points in Toronto’s two wins. Leonard said after opening night, “You can’t rush greatness,” when asked about getting back to full minutes. The Raptors are taking it slow with his ramp-up, especially with his injury history. Collin Murray-Boyles and Allen Graves could get extra run, and Kawhi’s next chance to return is Wednesday against Orlando. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Collin Murray-Boyles earns at least 30 minutes against Minnesota and keeps a bigger spot in Toronto’s rotation this month.
Oct 25
Steve Kerr Wants Yaxel Lendeborg Better Defensively
Yaxel Lendeborg scored 26 points, hit 6 of 11 threes, grabbed nine rebounds and handed out five assists in the Warriors' 131-122 loss to the Suns on Saturday. With Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Draymond Green and Al Horford out, the rookie led Golden State in scoring. Devin Booker scored 43 for Phoenix. Steve Kerr still wants more from Lendeborg on defense. Kerr said Yaxel's weak-side awareness is "very poor" and said his size should make him one of the Warriors' best rim defenders. After his comments about Luka Dončić, opponents will be happy to test him in pick-and-rolls. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Lendeborg will stay in Golden State's rotation even after Curry, Podziemski, Green and Horford return.
Oct 25
Warriors Eye Myles Turner, Ryan Rollins Trade
The Warriors are reportedly looking for help after a rough opener exposed their thin roster around Stephen Curry. A proposed deal would send Kristaps Porziņģis, Moses Moody, a 2028 first-round pick and a 2031 first-round swap to Milwaukee for Myles Turner and Ryan Rollins. Golden State has already contacted the Bucks about Porziņģis, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick. Turner would give the Warriors a 6'11", 250-pound rim protector who has shot 38.9 percent from three over the past two seasons. Rollins broke out last year with 17.3 points and 5.6 assists per game. Milwaukee would get picks, Moody and a cheaper long-term path than keeping Turner’s contract. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Warriors trade for a starting center before the deadline, and Turner is the target that gets it done.
Oct 25
Walker Kessler Trade Wont Save Lakers
The Lakers paid a huge price for Walker Kessler, sending two unprotected first-round picks and two swaps, then giving him $130 million over four years. Los Angeles needed a center after losing LeBron James, and Kessler can protect the rim and finish inside next to Luka Dončić. That still may not be enough to make the Lakers a real title threat. Kessler would need to stay healthy, land on the DPOY short list and lead a top-five defense for this deal to look right. That’s a lot to ask from a player whose value is built around a specific role. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Lakers finish outside the West’s top six this season, and Kessler’s trade cost becomes the biggest talking point around the team by the playoffs.
Oct 25
Jaylen Brown Says Tatum Has Lamb Chop Beef
Jaylen Brown says there’s “no beef” with Jayson Tatum after Boston traded him to Philadelphia on July 1 for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks. Still, Brown added there might be “little lamb chops and some gravy,” and said Tatum should “stay ready.” Tatum said he was shocked by the trade and called the drama around their relationship overblown: “This ain't no f--king Shaq and Kobe.” The two spent nine years together, won Boston’s 2024 title, and helped build a 64-18 championship team. Brown became Boston’s top scorer while Tatum recovered from a torn Achilles in 2025-26, before Tatum returned and the Celtics lost in the first round. Their first meeting as opponents is Nov. 10 in Philadelphia. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brown and the 76ers beat Boston in their Nov. 10 showdown.
Oct 25
Erik Spoelstra Says Heat Need Inspiration
The Heat are 0-3 after losing 115-110 in Charlotte, their first 0-3 start since 2007-08. Miami trailed by 21 entering the fourth, then used a 27-4 run behind Bam Adebayo, Tim Hardaway Jr., Davion Mitchell, Bobby Portis and Pelle Larsson to tie it. They never got the lead, though. Erik Spoelstra said the team “need[s] inspiration.” Miami is allowing 124.6 points per game, and Giannis Antetokounmpo fouled out in 25 minutes against Charlotte. Giannis is averaging 28.3 points, but the Heat need cleaner shots and a full 48-minute effort. The Mavericks come to Miami on Monday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Miami snaps the losing streak against Dallas, with the Adebayo, Portis and Antetokounmpo frontcourt closing the game.
Oct 25
Giannis, Heat Start Season 0 and 3
The Heat are 0-3 for the first time in 19 seasons after a 115-110 loss in Charlotte. Miami trailed by 21 entering the fourth, then ripped off a 25-4 run to tie it at 100, but never grabbed the lead. Brandon Miller scored 34 as four Hornets finished with 20 or more points. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 14 points on 4-of-11 shooting in 25 minutes and fouled out after scoring 71 across Miami’s first two games. The Heat are shooting 30.3 percent from three and allowing 124.6 points per game, second-most in the NBA. They’ll try to get their first win Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET against Dallas. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Miami snaps the skid against the Mavericks, with Giannis playing more than 30 minutes and leading the Heat to their first win.
Oct 25
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Malik Beasley Negotiating Gambling Case Plea
Malik Beasley is negotiating a plea agreement with the Department of Justice after pleading not guilty in July to allegations he altered his play in 2024 games to help sports bettors and reduce his own debts. His attorney, Steve Haney, told The Associated Press a deal is moving in an “expected direction in the coming days.” Beasley is accused of fixing or trying to fix his performance in at least four games with the Milwaukee Bucks. Former NBA player Ed Davis is accused of serving as a “gatekeeper” after lending Beasley money, while agent Paolo Zamorano is also charged. Beasley has been out of the NBA since his 2024-25 season with Detroit. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Beasley won’t be back on an NBA roster by the end of this season.
Oct 24
Jeremy Sochan Goes No. 1 to Texas Legends
Jeremy Sochan went No. 1 overall to the Texas Legends in Saturday’s 2026 NBA G League Draft. The former No. 9 pick spent four NBA seasons with the Spurs and Knicks, won a title with New York last season, and has averaged 9.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists in the NBA. The Legends are Dallas’ G League affiliate and also picked Jevin Muniz at No. 10 and Matthew Lane at No. 17. Sochan now gets a fresh runway to show he belongs back in the NBA when the G League season opens Nov. 6. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Sochan earns an NBA call-up before the 2026-27 G League season ends.
Oct 24
Yaxel Lendeborg Doubles Down on Luka Doncic
Yaxel Lendeborg isn’t backing off Luka Dončić. After the Warriors lost to the Grizzlies on Friday, the rookie said, “I’m not afraid” of anyone and Dončić is “not Michael Jordan.” The two got physical and traded words in the Lakers’ 127-105 opening-night win, when Dončić had 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Lendeborg was hit with a technical and later said Dončić “sucks” and was “complaining the entire game.” Steve Kerr liked the rookie’s confidence, telling reporters, “I love it,” while adding, “don’t foul him next time … back up your words.” Golden State is 0-2 after blowing a 12-point fourth-quarter lead in Memphis, but Lendeborg delivered 18 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals in 37 minutes. The Warriors face Phoenix on Saturday. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Lendeborg posts another double-double against the Suns and stays in Golden State’s starting group through this month.
Oct 24
Warriors, Suns Among Teams Needing Trades
The Warriors, Pelicans, Suns, Kings and Jazz all have reasons to hit the trade market early. Golden State is exploring Kristaps Porziņģis trades after ESPN's Shams Charania reported he may step away while dealing with POTS. Utah needs a center after Jusuf Nurkić's right toe injury, while Phoenix needs shooting and another creator after trading Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale for Miles Bridges. New Orleans needs a big who fits with Zion Williamson and Derek Queen, and Sacramento needs to shake up a roster built around Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, De'Andre Hunter, Malik Monk and Keegan Murray. The Suns have limited assets, but Jalen Green's $36.3 million salary gives them one path to chase help. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Jazz trade for a center before the end of this month, and that player takes Jaxson Hayes’ spot in the rotation.
Oct 24
Jayson Tatum Says No Beef With Jaylen Brown
Jayson Tatum says there’s no bad blood with Jaylen Brown after Boston traded Brown to Philadelphia on July 1. Tatum said he called and texted Brown after the deal, adding, “This ain't no f--king Shaq and Kobe.” Brown responded to Tatum’s earlier trade video with a cap emoji, and Shams Charania reported their relationship had become nearly non-existent over the past year. The former Celtics teammates won the 2024 title together, with Brown earning Finals MVP, and made the playoffs every season from 2017-26. Their first meeting as rivals comes Nov. 10, when the Celtics face the 76ers. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brown leads the 76ers to a win over Boston on Nov. 10.
Oct 24
Knicks Giving 275 Championship Rings After Phishing Test
The Knicks are now planning to give 275 championship rings to players, coaches, employees and others in the organization after an email phishing test backfired. The fake email offered employees a free personalized 2025-26 NBA championship ring, but people who clicked had to take a cybersecurity class. An MSG spokesman called using rings as the lure an “unfortunate mistake.” New York handed out rings before Tuesday’s season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, celebrating its 2026 NBA Finals win. Some Mike Brown assistants got empty boxes, though Chris Jent, Rick Brunson and Brendan O’Connor are expected to get their rings “shortly.” The full batch is worth more than $3.7 million. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Every assistant coach gets a ring eventually, but nobody’s clicking another MSG email without checking twice.
Oct 23
Tyrese Maxey Denies Doc Rivers Claim
Tyrese Maxey shut down Stephen A. Smith’s claim that he went to Doc Rivers’ house upset about James Harden’s effort in the 2023 playoffs. Maxey said he has “never even been” to Rivers’ house. The comments came after Maxey and Harden had a brief shoving match Thursday, when the Sixers came back from 29 down to beat the Cavaliers 114-106. Maxey led Philadelphia with 32 points in 42 minutes. Harden had 16 points, five assists and six turnovers, while hearing boos from the Xfinity Mobile Arena crowd whenever he touched the ball. Harden’s rough finish against Boston in 2023 still hangs over his Philly return, especially after he scored 22 total points on 7-of-27 shooting in Games 6 and 7. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Maxey and Harden won’t be trading holiday cards anytime soon.
Oct 23
Joel Embiid Dismisses Sixers Touch Concerns
The 76ers are 2-0 after beating last season’s two Eastern Conference Finals teams, but ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported one scout thinks Joel Embiid could get frustrated with fewer touches beside Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, and Jaylen Brown. Maxey is leading Philly with 30.0 points and 21 shots per game, while Embiid has taken 31 shots total. Embiid pushed back on the idea that anyone has to sacrifice. After Thursday’s 114-106 comeback win over Cleveland, he said, “Everybody had their moment,” and said the stars just need to trust each other. Philly erased a 29-point deficit by winning the second half 69-37, so the early returns are hard to argue with. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: The Sixers will have a few rough fit games, but Embiid and Maxey will keep finding enough shots to make this work.
Oct 23
Knicks Sign Dalton Knecht to Two Way Deal
The Knicks plan to sign Dalton Knecht to a two-way deal, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported Friday. New York is waiving Kevin McCullar Jr. to make room, per Scotto. McCullar played 21 regular-season games for the Knicks last season and was part of Tuesday’s ring ceremony at Madison Square Garden. Knecht was the No. 17 pick in the 2024 draft and played 78 games as a Lakers rookie. He averaged 4.2 points last season, shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 34.2 percent from three. The Timberwolves also wanted him on a two-way deal, according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski. With Tyler Nickel and Jaden Akins already on two-way contracts, Knecht will need to earn his minutes. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Knecht gets a real chance to win a bench shooting role in New York.
Oct 23
LeBron Considered Cavaliers Before Signing Sixers
LeBron James said he gave “a lot of consideration” to returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers before signing with the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason. After Philadelphia’s 114-106 comeback win over Cleveland on Thursday, James confirmed he met with Cavaliers president Koby Altman, general manager Brandon Weems and members of the Gilbert family in Akron. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson had said Cleveland was “in the mix,” but LeBron chose a two-year, $8 million deal with the Sixers that includes a player option. He already delivered Cleveland its first title in 2016. Now, after a double-double against his old team, he’s trying to help Philadelphia win its first championship since 1983. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LeBron’s first Sixers season will keep bringing big games against Cleveland, but Philly’s playoff run is the real test.
Oct 23
LeBron Responds To Trump Anthem Criticism
LeBron James brushed off President Donald Trump’s criticism after the Sixers beat the Cavaliers 114-106 Thursday. Trump demanded an apology after James appeared to mime golf swings and jump shots during the national anthem before Tuesday’s win over the Knicks. “Must've been a slow news day at the office,” James said. James has averaged 15.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in his first two games with Philadelphia. Nick Nurse said the team is handling the outside noise well, and the Sixers can move to 3-0 Saturday against the Bucks. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: LeBron keeps the focus on winning, and Philly starts 3-0.
Oct 23
Jaylen Brown Doubts Jayson Tatum Trade Reaction
Jaylen Brown reacted with a cap emoji after Jayson Tatum said he was shocked by Brown’s offseason trade to the 76ers. Tatum said Shams Charania told him about the deal after a Las Vegas pickup game. “We traded him down the street?” Tatum said. He also called their Celtics run “me and JB” and said they’re “forever stitched in stone in NBA history.” Charania had reported that Brown and Tatum had a “non-existent” relationship off the court before the trade. Boston got Paul George and two first-round picks, while Brown’s move helped bring LeBron James to Philadelphia. Brown and the Sixers beat the defending champion Knicks in his debut Tuesday. Tatum and the Celtics lost to Detroit. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Brown and Tatum’s first matchup as opponents is going to have plenty of extra heat.
Oct 23
Warriors Could Trade Porzingis For Zion
The Warriors could explore a deal for Zion Williamson by sending Draymond Green, Kristaps Porziņģis and a top-four protected 2027 first-round pick to the Pelicans. Porziņģis is making $20 million in 2026-27, with only $3 million guaranteed in 2027-28, which could make his contract useful in a trade. His POTS diagnosis has also put his future on the court in question. Golden State would be betting big on Zion’s health, but his paint scoring could be a perfect fit next to Stephen Curry’s shooting, especially when Jimmy Butler returns. For New Orleans, the deal clears Zion’s $44.9 million salary for next season, adds a pick, and opens more room for Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. Trey Murphy, Dejounte Murray and Herb Jones could be names to watch next. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: If the Warriors make a major move, Zion will be near the top of their list.
Oct 23
LeBron, Embiid Lead NBA's Top Starting Five
The 2026-27 season is barely underway, but the projected starting lineups are already taking shape. Philadelphia tops the list with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Joel Embiid. Oklahoma City lands second, New York is third, and San Antonio, Denver and Cleveland are right behind them. The Sixers have the most star power, but health and fit will decide if it works. Embiid has played 96 games over the last three seasons, and LeBron turns 42 in December. The Thunder have the best chemistry on paper, while the Knicks return a championship core led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. 🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction: Oklahoma City’s starting five will finish the season looking like the league’s best, even if Philadelphia has the bigger names.
Oct 23