NBA 2024-25: Favourites, Main Challengers, Underdogs
by Devesh Jaganath | by Cydias Aujard
Busy Offseason Sets the Stage for Intriguing 2024-25 NBA Campaign
It has been an eventful offseason with arguably the biggest shock to date arriving just days before the tip-off of the preseason matches. Indeed, a bombshell dropped last weekend as the New York Knicks announced the signing of Karl-Anthony Towns, making the now-former Minnesota Timberwolves man the latest All-Star to head to a new home for the upcoming season.
Other notable moves over the past few weeks included Klay Thompson departing his long-time employers Golden State Warriors, while Paul George and Chris Paul are also set to don new colours for the 2024-25 campaign. Not to mention, the Lakers will have not just a new coach on the line but also a fresh face on the roster in Bronny James, the eldest son of the NBA’s leading point-scorer Lebron. Let’s see how these moves could impact the standings this season.
Bet on the 2024-25 NBABoston Celtics Fancied to go Back-to-Back in 2024-25
After romping to the title last season, the Boston Celtics are already the out-and-out favourites to repeat this season, and become the first team to win back-to-back NBA Championships since the Golden State Warriors managed to do so back in 2017-18. Following their 18th Championship in 2023-24, the Celtics, powered by Jayson Tatum, who has been handed a stunning contract that will make him the highest-paid player in NBA history from 2025, have solidified themselves as the frontrunners, with Bet365 pricing them at 3.0 to secure a second consecutive title this season. With the addition of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Pozringis last season, which gave them a notable boost defensively, combined with the dynamic play of Jaylen Brown and Tatum, the Celtics have a core that is sure to stand them in good stead to go above and beyond the 64 wins they put up last season. The only potential concerns for the champs are their ageing frontcourt with Al Horford turning 39 this year and the likelihood that Porzingis will be sidelined with an injury at the start of the campaign.
The preseason tips off with the Boston Celtics vs the New York Knicks in Abu Dhabi this week and you can check out all our NBA predictions for this season right here!
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OKC, 76ers, Knicks and Nuggets Among the Chasing Pack
Behind the Celtics in the latest NBA betting odds are the steadily improving Oklahoma City Thunder, who are currently showing up at a very attractive 7.50 with William Hill to win the Championship this season. Following a 57-win season in 2023-24, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC became the youngest team ever to finish top of the Western Conference and they are now firmly in the title conversation. Third in the betting market to go all the way this season are the New York Knicks, who Betway are giving an 8.0 chance of lifting the title. Notably, the Knicks’ price has shortened fairly significantly in recent weeks, particularly after they announced the acquisition of Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets.
The Knicks leapfrogged the 76ers in the betting market, meaning that the Philadelphia side is now fourth-favourite for the title this season, though only by a fraction with odds of 9.0 on offer. Last season, the Sixers battled adversity with their star centre Joel Embiid missing over two months with a knee injury, but they’ve brought in serious reinforcements this term, including the likes of Paul George, Andre Drummond and Caleb Martin. Rounding out the chasing pack are, of course, the Denver Nuggets, who commence the season with odds of 10.0 available by most bookmakers. Nikola Jokic locked up a third MVP award last season and will need to put in another big performance in this campaign given the Nuggets' difficulties in retaining talent due to salary cap restrictions.
Timberwolves, Mavericks and Bucks Installed as Potential Dark Horses
With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving thriving, the Dallas Mavericks proved last season that they are one to look out for, but it became clear that were still some way from challenging for the top honour in the Finals when the Celtics overpowered and outplayed them for the title. Cue Klay Thompson. Yes, the Mavs snapped up Thompson through a six-team sign-and-trade to bolster their now-star-studded backcourt, and also brought in frontcourt reinforcements in Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. All totted up, Nico Harrison’s side look primed to make another title push this season and you can lock in odds of 11.0 on the Mavericks to go all the way right now. Finally, there is no NBA title conversation to be had without mentioning the Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks. Both teams are currently showing up with odds of around 12.0 with most bookies while Boylesport are offering a tempting 14.0 on Giannis Antetokounmpo and co to get the job done. With Doc Rivers now at the helm and Damian Lillard joining the roster, the Bucks’ veteran core could prove to be formidable. For the Timberwolves, the combination of Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert looks like a tantalizing prospect again this term, and it would not come as a huge surprise if the former is in the MVP conversation this season.
Preseason gets underway on Friday and you can keep right up with all the action from the hardwood via our NBA Livescores right here on SportyTrader!
