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The NBA season is only just underway, but we are starting to get hints of the contours of what we can expect before the Playoffs begin. From early surprises, the teams looking to challenge, and the likely MVP, these are our 2024/25 predictions.
Warriors Resurgence?
When Klay Thompson was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, it marked the end of an era for a team that set records, changed the way the game is played in the NBA, and won multiple championships. Most expected that the Warriors would struggle, with both Draymond Green and Steph Curry now in the latter stages of their careers.
But in one of the season's surprise packages so far, Golden State is poppin’, as Kendrick Perkins so aptly described it in a recent ESPN episode. The team currently sits second in the West, just 1 game behind OKC.
It’s unlikely the Warriors will manage to keep up their stellar early season record, but even making the playoffs in a stacked Western Conference would be an achievement. But then again, Steph and crew were not expected to get this far.
Prediction: a strong early run will stall, but the Warriors will still make the top 5 in the West. But the competition will be too strong, with a second-round exit the conclusion.
Jokic Will Make it 4 out of 5
He’s won 3 of the last 4 MVP trophies, and many believe he was robbed in Embiid’s victory year. In the early stages of the 2024/25 season, most believe that he won’t be denied back-to-back MVP honors.
The preseason favorite, Luka Doncic, is having a less-than-stellar year so far, and he’s also struggling with injuries. Anthony Davies is great, but what are the chances his body will last the season? Tatum and SGA are also playing excellent basketball, and would be MVP candidates any other season, but Jokic is clearly a step above.
So far, he’s averaging a triple-double and is performing with ridiculous efficiency. He’s also carried the team with Gordon and Murray out injured, keeping the Nuggets in playoff contention. Most bookies expect Denver to go even further, with a Celtics vs. Nuggets final seen as the most likely.
Prediction: Jokic will win another MVP trophy, making it 4 total. People will tentatively start whispering it: Jokic has a real chance to be added to the GOAT debate (but MJ still reigns supreme!).
Houston Rockets: Title Contender?
The Rockets haven’t been title contenders since The Beard left Houston for the Brooklyn Nets, and many believed the team would once again miss the playoffs this season.
But so far, Ime Udoka’s troops have surprised everyone by posting a 13-6 record, good for third in the West. They also continue to improve, with an 8-2 record in their last 10 games.
The future for the Rockets is downright scary. The core of the team is young, inexperienced, but hungry. They have real defensive solidity, as you’d expect from a Udoka team, and Sengun has the potential to become an All-NBA player.
The only concern so far is Jalen Green, who is really struggling following his 3-year, $106 million extension. For many fans, the Rockets will not reach the next level unless they trade Green, and it may be time to call it quits.
It may be a strange move to some considering he just signed a new contract, but the Rockets purposefully structured the deal to make him a tradeable asset.
Prediction: The Rockets have a legitimate chance of making it to the NBA Finals this season. It’s a bold prediction, but we think Houston is going to be the surprise package.
Embiid’s Dropoff
Just a season ago, Embiid was still polishing his fresh MVP trophy. Now, in the early stages of the 24/25 season, many consider the Sixers star a fading force.
There’s a lot of negativity around Embiid, with the 30-year-old involved in a lot of controversy in recent seasons. He’s missed a lot of games through injury, which isn’t his fault, but telling reporters he’s not going to play back-to-backs was not a good move.
He’s also creating tension in the dressing room, with teammate Tyrese Maxey criticizing Embiid for being late to team events. The fact this was leaked to the media is only mounting the pressure.
Prediction: It’s not going out on a limb, but we’re going to have to say it. The Sixers will not make the Playoffs. Based on their record so far, it’s already becoming difficult to turn the ship around. Still, with an ex-MVP and a certain Hall of Famer on the roster, it’s a massive disappointment for Philadelphia.
We’re still early in the NBA season, and everything can change. Embiid may turn it around, the Warriors will potentially run out of gas, and there’s every chance Luka Doncic will get his act together. The beauty of the NBA is that it’s always full of surprises.
