2024-25 NBA Regular Season Standings, Awards & Playoff Predictions

Although it's always difficult to predict the standings before a season begins, I'm going ahead and making my NBA predictions for the 2024-25 season tips off. The increased level of parity throughout the league in the early 2020s has made this task more challenging than it once was. The competition around the league has never been so spread out and with so many teams showing promise and potential room for major improvement. As I examine the strengths and weaknesses of each team, it’s clear that a variety of outcomes could unfold, making this season one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.

Eastern Conference Standings Predictions

1. Boston Celtics: 59-23

2. Cleveland Cavaliers: 52-30

3. New York Knicks: 51-31

4. Philadelphia 76ers: 49-33

5. Milwaukee Bucks: 48-34

6. Orlando Magic: 48-34

7. Indiana Pacers: 48-34 (Play-in Tournament)

8. Miami Heat: 46-36 (Play-in Tournament)

9. Atlanta Hawks: 37-45 (Play-in Tournament)

10. Chicago Bulls: 29-53 (Play-in Tournament)

11. Toronto Raptors: 28-54

12. Charlotte Hornets: 28-54

13. Detroit Pistons: 27-55

14. Brooklyn Nets: 19-63

15. Washington Wizards: 16-66

With their dynamic roster, outstanding defense, and top-tier talent, the Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, remain the obvious favorites in the East. I think they'll have the best record in the East even without Kristaps Porzingis starting. Following closely behind are the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, both of whom are building on successful seasons with young, developing cores. Despite some potential chemistry issues with new additions, the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks are still among the elite but show some vulnerability compared to previous seasons. The Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, and Miami Heat all return to the post-season. The Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks get into the Play-In tournament while the bottom half, led by the Raptors and Hornets, find themselves in various stages of rebuilding. While Brooklyn and Washington round out the standings as clear rebuilding projects, with little hope of success this season.

Western Conference Standings Predictions

1. Oklahoma City Thunder: 61-21

2. Minnesota Timberwolves: 53-29

3. Phoenix Suns: 51-31

4. Denver Nuggets: 50-32

5. Dallas Mavericks: 48-34

6. Memphis Grizzlies: 48-34

7. Sacramento Kings: 46-36 (Play-in Tournament)

8. Los Angeles Lakers: 44-38 (Play-in Tournament)

9. Houston Rockets: 43-39 (Play-in Tournament)

10. New Orleans Pelicans: 42-40 (Play-in Tournament)

11. Golden State Warriors: 40-42

12. Los Angeles Clippers: 35-47

13. San Antonio Spurs: 35-47

14. Utah Jazz: 29-53

15. Portland Trailblazers: 17-65

After a great year last, the Oklahoma City Thunder for the second straight year finish first in the Western Conference thanks to their youthful, gifted core and ongoing growth. The Minnesota Timberwolves, who I have finishing second thanks to their outstanding defense and well-rounded roster, finally put things together. Despite having elite players, the Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, and Dallas Mavericks are unable to dominate due to minor problems like depth or injuries. Inconsistencies cause teams like the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers to drop into play-in territory, but the Houston Rockets' impressive season surprises many. Unfortunately, due to injuries and aging rosters, the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers fall short of the play-in all together. The rebuilding teams, led by the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trailblazers, focus on future development and finish near the bottom.

Play-In & Playoff Predictions:

Play-In Tournament

East:

• 7. Pacers vs 8. Heat- Heat

• 9. Hawks vs 10. Bulls- Hawks

• 8. Pacers vs 9. Hawks- Pacers

West:

• 7. Kings vs 8. Lakers- Kings

• 9. Rockets vs 10. Pelicans- Rockets

• 8. Lakers vs 9. Rockets- Lakers

Eastern Conference First Round

• 1. Celtics vs 8. Pacers- Celtics 4-1

• 2. Cavaliers vs 7. Heat- Heat 4-2

• 3. Knicks vs 6. Magic- Knicks 4-1

• 4. 76ers vs 5. Bucks- 76ers 4-2

Western Conference First Round

• 1. Thunder vs 8. Lakers- Thunder 4-1

• 2. Timberwolves vs 7. Kings- Timberwolves 4-1

• 3. Suns vs 6. Grizzlies- Grizzlies 4-2

• 4. Nuggets vs 5. Mavericks- Mavericks 4-2

Eastern Conference Second Round

• 1. Celtics vs 4. 76ers- Celtics 4-1

• 3. Knicks vs 7. Heat- Knicks 4-3

Western Conference Second Round

• 1. Thunder vs 5. Mavericks- Thunder 4-2

• 2. Timberwolves vs 6. Grizzlies- Grizzlies 4-3

Eastern Conference Finals

• 1. Celtics vs 3. Knicks- Celtics 4-2

Western Conference Finals

• 1. Thunder vs 6. Grizzlies- Thunder 4-1

2025 NBA Finals: Oklahoma City Thunder Beat Boston Celtics in 7 Games

The Thunder have assembled a formidable team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. This offseason, General Manager Sam Presti decided to build even more around this trio by trading for guard Alex Caruso and signing big man Isaiah Hartenstein. These two additions helped solidify the roster among the league's best. I believe they will defeat the Celtics in a thrilling seven-game battle this spring to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

NBA Finals MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Award Predictions

• MVP: Anthony Edwards

• Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama

• Sixth Man of the Year: Malik Monk

• Rookie of the Year: Reed Sheppard

• Most Improved Player: Brandin Podziemski

• Coach of the Year: Kenny Atkinson