NBA Season Preview: 2025 Finals Odds, General Manager Predictions, and Offseason Transformations
As the 2024 NBA season approaches, excitement is already building around the league, with fans eager to see how offseason moves will impact the championship race. According to the latest odds from DraftKings, the Boston Celtics are leading the charge as the favorites to repeat as champions at +295. Following closely behind are the Oklahoma City Thunder at +700, the Philadelphia 76ers at +850, and the New York Knicks at +900. Notably, in a recent survey of all 30 general managers, the Celtics were overwhelmingly chosen as the team most likely to win the title, garnering 83% of the votes. This overwhelming support highlights Boston’s status as the team to beat in the upcoming season.
Top Contenders and Offseason Winners
The Celtics’ stronghold as title favorites stems from a successful offseason that reinforced their already formidable roster. They are poised to defend their title, aiming to become the first back-to-back champions since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. Meanwhile, the 76ers have made significant waves by signing superstar Paul George to a lucrative four-year, $112 million contract. This move, alongside the retention of MVP Joel Embiid and the rise of young star Tyrese Maxey, positions Philadelphia as a formidable contender. The team also bolstered its roster by re-signing Kelly Oubre Jr. and adding veteran Eric Gordon and versatile swingman Caleb Martin, further enhancing their championship ambitions.
The New York Knicks have also made headlines this offseason, largely due to their acquisition of Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. This strategic move has catapulted their odds to +900, making them serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, re-signing OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5 million deal demonstrates New York’s commitment to building a competitive squad. With these impactful changes, the Knicks aim to make a legitimate Finals run and reclaim their place among the league’s elite.
Rising Stars of the West
Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder are emerging as a breakout team following a stellar 2023-24 season, where they earned the top seed in the Western Conference and reached the second round of the playoffs. With All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren leading the way, the Thunder have enhanced their roster with the acquisitions of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. This has propelled them to the second-best Finals odds at +700, positioning them as the team to beat in the West.
The Los Angeles Lakers, despite odds of +3000, have had a promising offseason as well. They selected sharp-shooter Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick in the draft, adding a crucial piece to their roster. The real showstopper, however, is the drafting of Bronny James, marking the historic pairing of father and son in the league. The Lakers are looking to leverage these additions to get back into title contention.
General Manager Insights and Team Predictions
In the General Manager survey, the Celtics were not only the favorites to win the championship but also received unanimous support to finish atop the Eastern Conference. This reflects the confidence GMs have in Boston’s ability to dominate the competition. The survey indicated that the Thunder are viewed as a rising power, showcasing their offseason moves that could lead to significant success.
The Memphis Grizzlies, who have seen their odds rise from +4500 to +4000 following the selection of National Player of the Year Zach Edey, are looking to bounce back from a challenging season plagued by injuries. With the return of superstar Ja Morant, they are determined to reestablish themselves as playoff contenders. The league’s odds reflect a competitive landscape where teams like the Milwaukee Bucks (+1300), Los Angeles Clippers (+8000), and Miami Heat (+4500) are also eager to make their mark.
Conclusion: The Countdown to Glory Begins
With the 2024 NBA season on the horizon, fans are gearing up for a thrilling ride filled with star-studded performances and unexpected twists. From the favorites in Boston to the hungry challengers in Philadelphia and Oklahoma City, the chase for the championship is wide open. As anticipation builds and with insights from league executives guiding expectations, one thing is clear: this season will not only showcase the talent of the league’s brightest stars but will also determine which team will rise to the occasion and ultimately hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy come June. Packed House Sports will be there to give you the updates and takes, and we think some challenger not being accounted for will take the snub personally. There’s always one! Let the games begin!