Who are our picks for teams to shine in the forthcoming NBA season?
The NBA pre-season got underway early in October and teams have been busy making adjustments to their roster and getting their players ready for the start of the season.
That begins on 22nd October in the United States (early hours of 23rd October in the UK) when the current NBA Champions, the Boston Celtics face the New York Knicks in the opening game of the season.
So which teams are looking like they could be in the race for a spot in the playoffs, or even a shot at winning the 2025 NBA Finals?
Let’s take a look at some of the contenders from each conference. Odds shown were correct with bet365 Sport at the time of writing.
Eastern Conference
- Boston Celtics (4.00 favourites)
Current Champions and one of the most gifted squads in the NBA. They should be there or thereabouts when the playoffs come around at the end of the regular season.
Star Men: Jaylen Brown (7), Jrue Holiday (4), Jayson Tatum (0)
- New York Knicks (8.50)
The Knicks have been slowly building over the years and could be set for a realistic tilt at the NBA Finals. Much will depend on keeping their star men fit.
Star Men: Jalen Brunson (11), Mikal Bridges (25), Karl-Anthony Towns (32)
- Philadelphia 76ers (9.00)
This 76ers team is still dangerous, even if their peak has probably passed. An over reliance on their star men could be an issue, unless they can all stay fit.
Star Men: Joel Embiid (21), Tyrese Maxey (0), Paul George (8)
- Milwaukee Bucks (13.00)
Former Champions, they still have Giannis and added Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton. If they are going to win it again, this season may be their best chance.
Star Men: Giannis Antetokounmpo (34), Khris Middleton (22), Damian Lillard (0)
Western Conference
- Oklahoma City Thunder (8.00)
After years in the doldrums, the Thunder won the Western Conference last season and the team looks set to make another challenge again this season.
Star Men: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), Chet Holmgren (7), Alex Caruso (9)
- Dallas Mavericks (11.00)
Dallas reached the NBA Finals last year and with Luka Doncic running the show and the point-scoring threat of Irving and Thompson, they could go close again this season.
Star Men: Luka Doncic (77), Kyrie Irving (11), Klay Thompson (31)
- Denver Nuggets (11.00)
The Champions from 2022/23 still have arguably the best player in the West in Nikola Jokic and as long as he stays healthy, the Nuggets should be in the mix.
Star Men: Nikola Jokic (15), Jamal Murray (27), Michael Porter Jr. (1)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (11.00)
Finished third in the west last year to the surprise of many, running the Thunder and Nuggets close for the top spot. Can they improve on that again this year?
Star Men: Rudy Gobert (27), Anthony Edwards (5), Julius Randle (30)
Potential NBA Finalists?
The dominance of the Celtics last season makes them an obvious pick in the East, but watch out for the Bucks who may have the best chance of beating their rivals in this conference. The west is far more open, but expect the Timberwolves to be in amongst the top teams next season.
