Yardbarker

Sai Mohan

NBA Writer

A veteran sportswriter based in Portugal, Sai covers the NBA for Yardbarker and a few local news outlets. He had the honor of covering sporting events across four different continents as a newspaper reporter. Some of his all-time favorite athletes include Mike Tyson, Larry Bird, Luís Figo, Ayrton Senna and Steffi Graf.

EXPERTISE:

NBA, Tennis, Boxing, Pro Wrestling

Quartet of stars make NBA history to start new season

The 2025-26 NBA season is off to a rollicking start.

'Banged up' Karl-Anthony Towns shows character by playing in Knicks opener

KAT revealed that he had the option to sit out due to a quad strain, but declared himself fit to play shortly before tipoff. 

Shaq rips Deandre Ayton for stinker of a Lakers debut

Ayton was underwhelming, to put it mildly, finishing with 10 points and six rebounds in 34 minutes of action.

Joel Embiid's unusual behavior dampens 76ers' win in season opener

White men can't jump, and apparently, neither can Joel Embiid.

Victor Wembanyama is finally operating like the giant he is

While Wembanyama's basketball talents are nearly unlimited, many observes felt the phenom failed to utilize his most dominant traits last season. Early indications suggest that may change in 2025-26.

'Vibes' around LeBron James concerning for Lakers

James is supposed to be in his record-setting 23rd NBA season, but his body language and behavior hint at a semi-retired athlete.

Warriors stars have intriguing bet going

The morale seems high in Dub Nation, and it has felt that way since Jimmy Butler III's arrival during last season's trade deadline.

Lakers' mediocre defense exposed in season opener

The Lakers may need to sacrifice some offense for defense because Tuesday's lineup will continue to bleed points against quality teams.  

Did Michael Jordan take a shot at modern NBA?

Jordan's new series will feature interviews with him during "NBA on NBC's" halftime show.

Luka Doncic makes unwanted history in Lakers season opener

Luka Doncic was nearly flawless in the Los Angeles Lakers' season opener against the Golden State Warriors, finishing with 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists on 63% shooting from the floor. So how did he end up with an unwanted spot in the history books?

Steve Kerr takes new approach with young players to start 2025-26 season

Amid widespread talk that the Golden State Warriors are "old and brittle," head coach Steve Kerr caught everyone off guard in his team's season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

Coco Gauff has 'logic-based' plan to fix her broken serve

World No. 3 Coco Gauff's serve is broken, and she knows it.

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama responds to speculation about his height

There have been many conspiracy theories about Victor Wembanyama's actual height.

Injuries galore: Five All-Stars who will miss the NBA season opener

Injuries significantly marred the 2025 NBA playoffs, and unfortunately, a similar pattern will persist at the start of the new season.

Rockets will make 'tallest' history in NBA season opener

Houston is taking the "go big or go home" phrase much too literally.

Anthony Edwards vows to bring NBA title to Minnesota

The state of Minnesota is hungry for a championship. Among the big four men's American sports leagues, the Minnesota Twins were the last team to capture a title when they captured the 1991 World Series.

Russell Westbrook has amusing reaction to retirement talk

New Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook has no intention to walk from the sport of basketball, even as he bounces around from team to team.

Kevin Durant finally defeats LeBron James in a career milestone

Durant, 37, will likely never surpass James in countless other NBA accolades.

NBA legend not sold on Zion Williamson's physical transformation

Nearly every offseason, photos of a leaner Zion Williamson surface, sparking excitement among New Orleans Pelicans fans. That trend has persisted this season, but not everyone is buying the hype.

Lakers make surprising starting five decision before opening night

The Lakers announced who will start the season opener in the place of the injured LeBron James.

Novak Djokovic abruptly quits match in Saudi Arabia, season in doubt

The Serb bowed out early in the second set after losing a physical first set in a 7-4 tiebreaker.

Mavericks make major Cooper Flagg decision before opening night

The Dallas Mavericks have a made a key decision on their prized rookie.

Draymond Green is right — he's more than Stephen Curry's sidekick

Stephen Curry and Draymond Green will begin their 14th season as teammates when the Warriors face the Lakers on Oct. 21. 

Luka Doncic's greatness forcing players to switch nationalities

Lakers star Luka Doncic's gravitational pull extends beyond the basketball court, where defenders rush in hordes to try and stop him. Even his teammates are drawn to his greatness. 

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama predicted to win MVP due to one huge change

Wembanyama is finally playing like the giant he is rather than a guard masquerading as a big man.