The 2024-25 NBA season is underway, with games tipping off earlier this week.
Here we give some general thoughts, and predictions sure to be wrong; as the road from now to the start of the NBA Finals June 5th begins.
How Many Teams Can Win It All?
I think 10 teams (Boston, OKC, Minnesota, Denver, Milwaukee, New York Knicks, Philadelphia, Memphis, Dallas, Phoenix) have a chance to win it all, but all chances are not equal.
The Favorites
Boston – The defending champs look like a good bet to repeat.
Oklahoma City – Young, deep, talented. With plenty of draft capital to go get a missing piece if needed.
Minnesota – Anthony Edwards was 2nd team All NBA last year. It’s not out of the question that the 23 year old becomes the best player in the league this year. I liked moving Karl Anthony-Towns for Julius Randle, and Donte DiVincenzo. Towns is the best overall player in that trade, but I don’t like his game. Randle is generally underrated I think, and I see him being a better fit with Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid than Towns was. DiVincenzo does a lot of things well, and adds additional shooting and edge.
Next Up
Denver – Nikola Jokic is the most consistent star in the game, and elevates those around him. They can’t win it all though unless Jamal Murray stays healthy and is legitimately productive.
Milwaukee – I don’t really believe the Bucks can win four post-season series, but Giannis Antetokounmpo is still dominant enough that you have to give them a chance. Do think the Bucks improved around the fringes.
New York Knicks – Again, I feel Minnesota won the Anthony-Towns trade, but obviously he’s talented. The Knicks have a very strong starting 5. The depth needs to be rebuilt a bit. Like them better if they lead with their guards and wings vs. KAT becoming their 2nd option.
Philadelphia – Love watching Tyrese Maxey attack. Don’t see how you can believe in Paul George and Joel Embiid staying healthy throughout the regular season and multiple rounds in the playoffs. Don’t think it’s a great sign Embiid is saying he won’t play back-to-backs. How many games do the 76ers have their 3 stars in the line up together? If they get to the playoffs with those 3 healthy, they’ll have a punchers chance, but it would be surprising to me at-least to see them breakthrough.
Long Shots
Memphis – If Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr, and Desmond Bane stay on the court, they’re a threat. But I’m in show me mode, before I can consider them more than a long-shot. I like Zach Edey for them, but feel like he went from an underrated positive addition to a guy receiving a bit too much hype.
Dallas – The Mavericks look deeper and better than their Finals team from last year. Given what they did last season, and that improved depth; maybe I’m underrating them. I just hate watching Luka Doncic, and I’m also waiting on Kyrie Irving to self-implode. That doesn’t take away their ability.
Phoenix – Again, I don’t really see the Suns as being capable of winning four post-season series; but I’ve got them here out of respect to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
Outside Of The Contenders; The Teams I’ll Enjoy Watching The Most
Cleveland, Indiana, Orlando, Golden State, Houston, New Orleans, San Antonio, Sacramento
Cavs – Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen. That’s the making of a very good regular season team. Mobley and Allen have to show they can work together in the playoffs.
Pacers – Last year the Pacers made the Finals of the NBA Cup, and the Eastern Conference Finals. A full season this year with Pascal Siakam, and hopefully a healthy Tyrese Haliburton, who was awesome before the All-Star break last year, and never quite after that dealing with a hamstring.
Magic – Jalen Suggs is one of my favorite players. Paolo Banchero looks like a legitimate star. They play hard, and are good defensively. But even if Franz Wagner can shoot again this year, I don’t think they have enough scoring to be a real contender.
Warriors – When Golden State won it all in 2021-22, Andrew Wiggins was excellent. If he could return to that level, and Jonathan Kuminga can build off of last year; I feel like they could surprise. Stephen Curry remains must watch for me.
Rockets – They added a few vets (Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks), and a quality Head Coach (Ime Udoka) and their young talent progressed. Who has more young talent (Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard) then Houston?
Pelicans – Dejounte Murray is now out 4-6 weeks with a broken hand, but they have plenty of other options. Zion Williams stayed on the court for a career high 70 games last year. Love to see him keep his weight down, and do that again.
Spurs – Year 2 Wemby. Top 10 overall player this year?
Kings – Sacramento is running way under the radar, but it wouldn’t be surprising to me if the Kings won the Pacific.
You’ve Mentioned 18 Teams, and Not The Lakers?
I just don’t find the Lakers to particularly compelling.
LA got 71 games from LeBron James last year, and 76 games from Anthony Davis; and they finished 7th in the West.
Are James and Davis going to play that many games this year?
I’m thinking no.
If I’m wrong, those two are certainly still good enough to have LA back in the playoffs.
I guess I’m curious to see what Austin Reaves looks like in JJ Redick’s system.
Does Dalton Knecht give them some bench scoring?
Gabe Vincent was very solid with Miami in 2022-23, but limited to 11 games with LA last year.
If he’s available this year, that improves their rotation.
I also like Jaxson Hayes. and Jarred Vanderbilt.
So, maybe there’s a path for the Lakers to have a decent bench.
Still, for me it comes down to how many games do James and Davis play?
And even if they play as many games as last year, it doesn’t seem like there is much ceiling for this team.
NBA Cup Year 2
I enjoyed the NBA Cup last year.
Thought it added something to the early schedule.
Liked how the teams had unique floors to signify it was an NBA Cup game.
It seemed like the teams got into as it progressed, and we’re excited to have something to play for.
Here’s the group play schedule.
Curious to see what Year 2 of this looks like.
NBA Finals – Who Wins?
Give me Boston over OKC in 6.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.