As the 2024-25 NBA season draws near, excitement and anticipation are building, especially for fans of the Boston Celtics, who are coming off a stellar previous season. The Celtics set the league ablaze with 64 wins, surpassing the 58.5 win mark for the first time since 2009. This season, the Celtics are once again projected to lead the league with a win total projection of 58.5.
In contrast, the Oklahoma City Thunder are expected to be close behind with a win total projection of 55.5, while the Brooklyn Nets find themselves at the other end of the spectrum. The Nets are in the midst of a significant rebuild following the trade of Mikal Bridges, leading to lower expectations for the season.
Eastern Conference Contenders
The Boston Celtics are not the only team in the East generating buzz. The Cleveland Cavaliers, who finished last season with 48 wins, are poised for a resurgence. Limited on-court time together for their stars Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen was a hurdle last season, but the team is hopeful for a more cohesive campaign under new head coach Kenny Atkinson.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks, despite winning 49 games last season, face challenges both on and off the court. Entering his age-30 season, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a force, yet the Bucks are pegged behind the Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks in Eastern Conference predictions. The Bucks have bolstered their roster with rookies AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith from the 2024 NBA Draft, aiming to improve from their 19th rank in defense last season.
Western Conference Shake-Ups
The Phoenix Suns, who posted 49 wins last season, enter the new season with a significant coaching change, as Mike Budenholzer takes over from Frank Vogel. The Suns are looking to build on their previous success and make a deeper playoff run.
The Los Angeles Lakers are also under new leadership, with J.J. Reddick stepping in as head coach. The Lakers, who finished with 47 wins last season, will be closely watched to see if their stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, can maintain their health. "The question for this year is whether the Lakers can count on both James and Davis to stay healthy in 2024-25," noted an NBA analyst. The new additions of rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, coupled with improving their ranking in both offensive and defensive metrics, will be crucial for the Lakers’ success.
Rebuilding Teams and Emerging Talents
The Detroit Pistons, who held the league’s worst record last season, are looking forward to a new chapter under J.B. Bickerstaff. The team’s young core of Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Jaden Ivey, complemented by new acquisitions Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Paul Reed, offer optimism. As Bickerstaff aptly puts it, "The only way to go is up, and Detroit has a promising young core in Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Jaden Ivey that should excite bettors."
On the other end, the Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards are projected for challenging seasons with win projections of 21.5 and 22.5, respectively. These teams are gearing up to rebuild and develop young talent, hoping to turn their fortunes around in the coming years.
Lastly, the Los Angeles Clippers will face the season without Paul George, who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. While Kawhi Leonard’s absence in the final eight games of last season impacted their performance, the Clippers will need to recalibrate and find new ways to succeed in a highly competitive Western Conference.
As the NBA season tips off, each team navigates its unique challenges and potential. The journey to the championship will undoubtedly be filled with high-stakes drama and thrilling basketball, fueling the passions of fans worldwide.