As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, the landscape of the league is buzzing with projections and new dynamics that could shape the upcoming year. The Boston Celtics find themselves in a favorable position with a win total projection set at 58.5, motivated by their impressive 64 wins last season. This comes as a refreshing milestone, marking the first time since 2009 that the Celtics have surpassed the 58.5 win mark.
Contrarily, the outlook is less optimistic for the Brooklyn Nets. With the lowest win total projection, the Nets are undergoing a significant rebuild following the trade of Mikal Bridges. Expectations are modest as they navigate this phase of transition.
Contenders and Rebuilding Teams
Over in the Western Conference, the Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards also face challenging forecasts with win projections of 21.5 and 22.5, respectively. The Detroit Pistons, who finished last season with the league's worst record, are looking to turn a corner. They’ve made critical changes, including bringing in J.B. Bickerstaff as their new head coach. The Pistons have bolstered their roster by adding Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Paul Reed to support their promising young core of Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Jaden Ivey. Bickerstaff expressed optimism, noting, "The only way to go is up and Detroit has a promising young core in Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey that should excite bettors."
In Cleveland, the Cavaliers are banking on improved chemistry among their stars Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, who had limited on-court time together last season. With Kenny Atkinson now at the helm as head coach, the Cavaliers aim to build on their 48-win season and push further into competitive territory.
High Hopes in the West
The Phoenix Suns are also undergoing a leadership change, with Mike Budenholzer taking over from Frank Vogel as head coach. The team secured 49 wins last season and will be vying to enhance their standing under Budenholzer’s guidance. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to be a team in focus, having won 47 games last season. They boast a roster that includes NBA legends LeBron James, who played 71 games last season, and Anthony Davis, who played 76. Despite ranking 15th in offensive rating and 17th in defensive rating, there is cautious optimism about the Lakers’ prospects. An NBA analyst aptly posed the crucial question, "The question for this year is whether the Lakers can count on both James and Davis to stay healthy in 2024-25." Adding rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James could also offer fresh impetus.
The Los Angeles Clippers, who secured 51 wins last season, traded Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers during the offseason. With Kawhi Leonard missing the final eight games of the previous season, keeping him healthy will be instrumental to the Clippers' success.
Bucks' Season Outlook
Reigning closer to the middle of the pack, the Milwaukee Bucks won 49 games last season and notably ranked 19th in defense. As Giannis Antetokounmpo enters his age-30 season, the Bucks are looking to inject young talent into their roster with 2024 NBA Draft picks AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith. Despite these additions, they’re not favored to win the Eastern Conference, falling behind the Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks in the projections.
As the 2024-25 NBA season tips off, these narratives and significant changes in team compositions and leadership are set to shape a competitive and unpredictable year of basketball. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these projections unfold on the hardwood.