The Boston Celtics, reigning NBA champions, are once again favorites to claim the title as the 2024-2025 season tips off. The Celtics will open the season on Tuesday with a highly anticipated matchup against the New York Knicks at the TD Garden, featuring the traditional championship ring ceremony. This season also marks the possibility of NBA expansion, potentially being the last with 30 teams.
Celtics enter the season as title favorites
Boston’s core, including Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis, remains intact. After finishing the 2023-2024 season with the league’s second-best offense and a top-five defense under coach Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics have established themselves as the team to beat. The challenge now is to secure back-to-back titles, a feat not accomplished in six seasons. A 19th championship would also further distance them from the Los Angeles Lakers, who have 17 titles.
As the season opener against the Knicks approaches, Boston is expected to face tough competition, with the Knicks determined to make their mark after winning 50 games last season for the first time in over a decade. Karl-Anthony Towns has been added to New York’s roster to bolster their defense, which was already a strength under coach Tom Thibodeau.
The rise of the Knicks in the Eastern Conference
The Knicks are seen as one of the few teams capable of dethroning the Celtics in the Eastern Conference. With the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns, they have strengthened their frontcourt, complementing their already solid defense. However, the departure of key players like Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves will require adjustments, particularly for their leading scorer, Jalen Brunson, who remains the centerpiece of the team.
Mikal Bridges, one of the league’s most efficient forwards, has also joined the Knicks and will reunite with former college teammates Brunson and Josh Hart. New York, still seeking its first title since 1973, aims to be a strong contender this season.
Dallas Mavericks eye a stronger season after finals defeat
Last season’s Western Conference champions, the Dallas Mavericks, have strengthened their roster by signing Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors. Thompson, a four-time NBA champion, is expected to alternate between his natural shooting guard position and playing more inside, based on the Mavericks’ tactical needs. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the charge, Dallas enters the season with high hopes after falling to the Celtics in last year’s NBA Finals.
Despite losing key players like Josh Green and Tim Hardaway Jr., Dallas boasts the third-best offense in the West and is among the league’s best three-point shooting teams. Doncic, the league’s top scorer last season, returns with valuable experience and a hunger to finish what the team started.
Oklahoma City Thunder and other rising contenders
The Oklahoma City Thunder were one of last season’s biggest surprises, finishing with 57 wins, the best record in the Western Conference. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder swept the New Orleans Pelicans and made a strong push in the conference semifinals before being defeated by Dallas.
This season, Oklahoma City added veteran center Isaiah Hartenstein to their young core while trading away Josh Giddey for the reliable Alex Caruso, bringing a balance of youth and experience to their roster.
Elsewhere in the West, the San Antonio Spurs hope to build on the success of last season’s Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama. Now in his second season, Wembanyama has the backing of veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, who were brought in as mentors to guide the young phenom. The 7’4” forward averaged an impressive 21.4 points and led the league with 10.6 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game last year.
LeBron and Bronny James: making NBA history with the Lakers
One of the most anticipated storylines of the season involves LeBron James, entering his 22nd year in the league, potentially playing alongside his son Bronny James. This unprecedented father-son duo will suit up for the Los Angeles Lakers, and fans are eager to see if they will share the court. For LeBron, now 40 years old, this season could be a defining moment as he continues to cement his legacy as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
The success of the Lakers this season depends not only on LeBron but also on Bronny, who faces criticism from those who doubt his ability to live up to the expectations set by his famous last name. He will have to prove his worth as a 20-year-old point guard in one of the league’s most storied franchises.
Western Conference teams pose serious threats
Several teams in the Western Conference are positioning themselves as serious threats to the Mavericks and Celtics this season. The Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalist Anthony Edwards, hope to improve their playoff chances with new additions Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets, champions in 2022-2023, return with Nikola Jokic, who recently earned a bronze medal at the Olympics with Serbia. Jokic, fresh off an MVP season, is joined by veteran Russell Westbrook, strengthening the Nuggets’ already potent lineup.
In the East, the Milwaukee Bucks, now featuring the dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, look to reclaim the title they won in 2021. The Philadelphia 76ers, led by Joel Embiid and new addition Paul George, are also considered strong contenders, aiming to capitalize on their star power and deep roster.
NBA In-Season Tournament returns for second edition
The 2024-2025 season also features the second edition of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament, following the same format as last year. Group stage games will be played within the regular season, with the semifinals and finals set to take place in Las Vegas. The Los Angeles Lakers are the reigning champions, having defeated the Indiana Pacers in the inaugural tournament final.
Key dates for the 2024-2025 NBA season:
- October 22, 2024: Season begins
- November 12, 2024: In-Season Tournament begins
- December 17, 2024: In-Season Tournament final
- February 6, 2025: Trade deadline
- February 14-16, 2025: All-Star Weekend (San Francisco)
- April 13, 2025: End of regular season
- April 15-18, 2025: Play-In Tournament
- April 19, 2025: Playoffs begin
- June 5, 2025: NBA Finals begin
