It’s always nice to have the NBA back for another fun filled season. The Boston Celtics deserved to be the champions last year and they’re certainly on their way to defend the crown in 2024/25. The new salary cap made it for an interesting off season as the superstars and all-stars were paid nicely, however the rest of the league was paid less with regards to the mid-level and minimum level contracts. We’re seeing a shift where the executives must make somewhat fiscally financial decisions. This may result in a top-heavy roster, one through five (maybe one through eight), with the bench complete with minimum level players, along with rookies and two-way contacts. Regardless, this is all just another chess move to see which Teams can outlast the others.

In the Eastern Conference, things seem a lot tougher than in previous years. The Celtics, with most of the same Team intact are the one to beat. The Knicks made moves by trading for Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, however will this be enough, and will this hurt their chemistry from last season? The Sixers signed Paul George as a free agent and completed their roster with some key role players. Will continuous injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul Goerge hurt their chances to compete? The Pacers, Cavaliers and Heat will continue to push and improve from last year. Look out for the Hornets as they’re assembling a nice Team and will surprise opponents in the Conference. The Nets will complete their rebuild by trading their remining veterans. The Raptors will be better than expected as their core will shock and steal a few games this year. The Team to watch in the East is absolutely the Orlando Magic. They have an incredible young Team and their line-up, one though nine is solid! President Jeff Weltman has constructed a great roster and coach Jamahl Mosley certainly has the skills to make this Team better.

In the Western Conference, things will be difficult for every franchise! While the “elite” Teams will be at the top of their game, the remaining ones will be very competitive, and no one should be surprised at the bottom of the Conference. The Thunder should repeat at the top, while the Mavericks and Timberwolves will compete to be in the top four. The Suns will no doubt have a better season, and no one should be surprised about this. Do the Nuggets, Pelicans and Lakers have enough? While the Warriors lost Klay Thompson, they now have a well-rounded roster with their additions. Adding a Center during the year will positively help their chances in the West. The Kings also look to make moves by adding DeMar DeRozan. The Team to look out for in the West is the Houston Rockets. They have a great young nucleus and a coach in Ime Udoka, who expects nothing but the best.

As always, this will be a must watch season with most Teams being competitive night in, night out. It’ll be interesting to see which of the bottom Teams tank to grab one of the top rookies (Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, etc.) in the 2025 draft, which appears to be a great one.

Predictions for the season…
MVP: Shai Gilgeuos-Alexander (Oklahoma City)
Defensive: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee)
Most Improved: Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio)
Sixth Man: Naz Reid (Minnesota)
Coach: Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City)
Rookie: Reed Sheppard (Houston)
Rookies of note: Zach Edey (Memphis), Matas Buzelis (Chicago), Kel’el Ware (Miami), Tristan da Silva (Orlando), Ja’Kobe Walter (Toronto)

Eastern Conference
1. Boston Celtics
2. New York Knicks
3. Milwaukee Bucks
4. Orlando Magic
5. Indiana Pacers
6. Cleveland Cavaliers
7. Miami Heat
8. Philadelphia 76ers
9. Charolotte Hornets
10. Toronto Raptors

Western Conference
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Dallas Mavericks
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
4. Phoenix Suns
5. Denver Nuggets
6. Golden State Warriors
7. Sacramento Kings
8. New Orleans Pelicans
9. Houston Rockets
10. Los Angeles Lakers

Eastern Conference Finals: Milwaukee Bucks/Boston Celtics
Eastern Conference Winner: Boston Celtics
Western Conference Finals: Dallas Mavericks/Oklahoma City Thunder
Western Conference Winner: Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA CHAMPIONS: Boston Celtics