The 2024-25 NBA season is almost here and anticipation is growing among fans as they try to deduce who will emerge victorious ahead of another gruelling and exciting campaign.
Current champions Boston Celtics will aim to begin a potential dynasty by putting on another strong showing but there are a number of other title contenders with the intention of stopping them in their tracks.
In our season preview, we look at who is most likely to be crowned NBA champions in 2025 – and you can keep up to date with the latest NBA odds and markets with NetBet. Make the most of your sports betting experience with our generous welcome offer.
NBA 2024-25 Season Preview
The tip-off for the new season is scheduled for October 22, when the Boston Celtics will host the New York Knicks. As is tradition, the Celtics will be presented with their Championship rings in a ceremony before the game.
The off-season has seen many trades that have surprised fans and players alike, while General Managers attempt to blend the ingredients of a Championship-winning roster. Below, we will assess the favourites to become NBA champions and try to provide insight into some of the most interesting markets available.
The Favourites
Boston Celtics
As the reigning NBA champions, it is no surprise that many analysts, commentators and fans have the Celtics as favourites ahead of the 2024-25 season. The prime duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown fulfilled the potential that many had spoken of since their formative years in the league. Now equipped with the aura that only winning Championships can bring, they are likely to develop even further.
Such is the management’s belief in the current roster, there has not been many trades completed during the off-season, with the management preferring to reward players with contract extensions instead, keeping the nucleus of last year’s Championship-winning team.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Last year, OKC surprised many by winning the Western Conference, just ahead of the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. This success was spearheaded by point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had an exceptional season where he averaged just over 30 points per game, tying for fourth overall in the NBA.
The roster has since been supplemented by the defensive solidity of Alex Caruso, who signed from the Bulls, but without the element of surprise that they had last season, it remains to be seen as to whether they can reach those similar heights. Their fantastic run ended in the Western Conference semi-finals, where they lost in six to the Dallas Mavericks.
New York Knicks
Is it finally time for the Knicks to shine? The bookmakers seem to think it might be, placing them firmly among the favourites. This is partly due to their off-season dealings, which includes perhaps the biggest trade of the summer – acquiring Karl Anthony Towns from the Timberwolves, in addition to Mikal Bridges from their neighbours the Brooklyn Nets.
These two, added to the likes of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, you have a starting five that can definitely compete in the East, which, of course, they did last year by finishing second behind the Celtics in the regular season. They beat Philadelphia in the first round of the Playoffs, before narrowly losing out in seven to the Indiana Pacers in the semis.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers management have actively sought to support star player Joel Embiid in various guises over the past few years, with none of the moves proving to be the solution to their Championship-winning problem.
Next in line to take up this challenge is perennial all-star Paul George who, now aged 34, is running out of time to secure the so far elusive Championship ring. They also have Tyrese Maxey at the point, who is fresh off of a breakout season where he averaged 29 points per game, helping drag Philadelphia to the Playoffs after finishing eighth in the regular season.
Sixer fans are hoping the trio of Embiid, George and Maxey can fare better than other recently-assembled teams.
NBA Betting Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Eastern Conference No1 Seed
Boston Celtics @ 2.00
New York Knicks @ 4.60
Philadelphia 76ers @ 6.00
Milwaukee Bucks @ 8.00
Western Conference No1 Seed
Oklahoma City Thunder @ 2.50
Minnesota Timberwolves @ 5.00
Denver Nuggets @ 5.00
Dallas Mavericks @ 8.00
NBA Betting Tips
NBA Cup Winner: New York Knicks @ 10.00
The addition of an in-season cup competition – much like you would see in football (soccer) – is a very interesting prospect, offering teams and players an alternate chance of success aside from the NBA Championship. With the Celtics more likely to focus on back-to-back titles, we fancy a burgeoning team like the Knicks to show their title credentials in the NBA Cup.
Regular Season MVP: Luka Doncic @ 4.60
If the Mavericks are going to challenge for a Championship again after last season’s run to the NBA Finals, then Doncic – with help from Kyrie Irving and the newly acquired Klay Thompson – is going to have to produce another outstanding season, and maybe one worthy of the MVP crown.
To Win 45 Matches or More: LA Lakers @ 2.40
Will father and son duo LeBron and Bronny James inspire the Lakers to more than 45 regular season wins? After an underwhelming season last time out, finishing eighth (47 wins), it is difficult to judge if 40-year-old LeBron can still haul an under-strength team like this into the Playoffs.
When you choose NetBet Sport, you can enjoy a whole range of top quality sports and markets. Whatever you choose, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at NetBet, player wellbeing is our number one priority – check out our Responsible Gambling tips and tools page for more information.