2024-25 NBA Season Preview, NBA season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with revamped superteams, rising young cores, and multiple franchises facing make-or-break years. After an offseason that reshaped the league’s power structure, we break down all 30 teams with exclusive predictions, X-factors, and championship odds.
In this 2,500-word definitive guide, you’ll discover:
✔ The 5 legitimate title contenders (and their fatal flaws)
✔ 3 surprise teams that could crash the playoffs
✔ Veteran squads on the verge of collapse
✔ Rookie impacts that will shape the season
✔ Expert predictions for all major awards
2024-25 NBA Season Preview, With insights from NBA NewsZ, we provide the most comprehensive season preview available anywhere online.
The Championship Tier: 5 Teams With Real Title Dreams
1. Boston Celtics (+350)
Why They’re Favored:
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Returning all key pieces from 2024 champs
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Tatum/Brown entering absolute primes
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Best two-way roster in basketball
Potential Fatal Flaw:
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Health concerns for Kristaps Porziņģis
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Potential championship hangover
2. Philadelphia 76ers (+400)
New Look Trio:
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Embiid/George/Maxey could be best Big 3
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Finally have elite wing defense
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Maxey’s continued ascent
Potential Fatal Flaw:
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Embiid’s playoff durability
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George’s age (34) and mileage
“This is the best roster Embiid’s ever had,” noted NBA NewsZ analyst Rachel Nichols.
The Western Conference Bloodbath
Denver Nuggets (+600)
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Jokić remains best player alive
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Lost some depth but kept core intact
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Michael Porter Jr. could make leap
Oklahoma City Thunder (+800)
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Added Hartenstein/Caruso
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SGA + Chet + J-Dub year older
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12 deep with NBA talent
Dallas Mavericks (+900)
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Luka coming off historic playoffs
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Klay adds elite shooting
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Defensive questions remain
3 Surprise Teams That Could Shock the NBA
1. Orlando Magic (+2500)
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Added Chris Paul’s leadership
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Paolo/Franz ready to explode
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Elite defense gets veteran boost
2. Houston Rockets (+3000)
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Amen Thompson Summer League MVP
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Reed Sheppard perfect fit
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Veterans FVV/Brooks provide edge
3. Memphis Grizzlies (+3500)
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Healthy Ja Morant changes everything
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GG Jackson breakout candidate
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Edey adds much-needed size
Teams Facing Potential Disaster
Los Angeles Lakers
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Oldest roster in NBA
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LeBron’s age (40) concerns
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No point guard depth
Golden State Warriors
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Lost Klay’s shooting
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No size in frontcourt
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Curry’s heavy workload
Chicago Bulls
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No direction or hope
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Lavine unhappy
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Worst contract in NBA (Ball)
Rookie Impact Predictions
| Player | Team | Projected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Zaccharie Risacher | ATL | Starter by All-Star break |
| Alex Sarr | WAS | Elite rim protection |
| Reed Sheppard | HOU | 6MOY candidate |
| Bronny James | LAL | G-League to rotation |
Expert Award Predictions
MVP: Luka Dončić (DAL)
DPOY: Victor Wembanyama (SAS)
ROY: Alex Sarr (WAS)
6MOY: Malik Monk (SAC)
MIP: Jalen Williams (OKC)
10 Must-Watch Early Season Games
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Celtics @ 76ers (Oct. 22) – Banner night vs. new rival
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Nuggets @ Thunder (Nov. 5) – West supremacy test
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Lakers @ Warriors (Dec. 14) – Dynasty twilight
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Spurs @ Wizards (Jan. 3) – Wemby vs. Sarr
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Mavericks @ Knicks (Jan. 16) – Luka vs. Brunson
Full schedule analysis at NBA NewsZ
Read More: NBA Trade Deadline 2024: Blockbuster Deals, Surprise Sellers and Championship Reshuffling
Final Season Prediction
Eastern Finals: Celtics over 76ers in 7
Western Finals: Thunder over Nuggets in 6
NBA Finals: Celtics over Thunder in 5
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