Indiana was three quarters and a torn ACL away from the eastern conference’s second straight championship. Several teams, including the Pacers, lost star franchise players to season ending injuries. With numerous stars out for the whole regular season, this means only a few teams will be solidified playoff favorites. There will be a lot more competition from teams that missed out last year. New York could be the top team in the conference. Orlando and Cleveland desperately want a championship appearance. Boston, Milwaukee and Philadelphia view anything less than a conference finals appearance a failure. It will be a fun and competitive regular season.
Time to break down which eight teams in the east have the best chance of making the playoffs.
New York Knicks
New York’s Jalen Brunson should be a candidate for MVP this season.
Boston without Jayson Tatum and Indiana without Tyrese Haliburton means New York is the east’s most complete, veteran team to start the 2025-26 regular season. Unless injuries are a factor, the Knicks are the top choice to make the playoffs.
Orlando Magic
This is the season Orlando breaks out. Every veteran team outside New York has at least one star player out for almost the whole regular season. The young, poised Magic have a great starting five and bench depth returning from previous injuries. We will also have a full year of starting forward Paolo Banchero playing with last season’s acquisition Desmond Bane.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland dominated the eastern conference last season. That probably won’t happen again this year.
Point guard Darius Garland and Max Strus are out at least a few months due to serious injuries. Cleveland should have a good regular season, but don’t expect them to dominate the standings like they did 2024-25.
Milwaukee Bucks
The signings of point guard Cole Anthony, forward Taurean Prince and center Myles Turner should make Milwaukee a better, more complete team this season. While the three names above are favorites to show progress in the regular season, keep the Bucks in mind for a deep playoff run. Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is still in his prime.
Detroit Pistons
Detroit went from worst NBA team two years ago to playoff team last season. The Pistons should be an interesting team to watch the remainder of 2025.
Despite a first round exit against New York in round one, Detroit finally won two playoff games and pushed the Knicks to their limits. The Pistons have a young, talented roster that should continue growing and return to the playoffs this year.
Indiana Pacers
Both point guards Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell being out the whole regular season is a blow to Indiana’s chances at clinching a top four seed. Fortunately there is still enough depth and coach Rick Carlisle has dealt with short-handed rosters before. The Pacers must play better defense and maintain their high-octane offense. That will be a hard balance to work through.
Boston Celtics
With no Jayson Tatum for at least the rest of 2025, Jaylen Brown is the best player Boston has every game.
Although Jayson Tatum is the only player on IR to start the season, Boston lost a lot of their scoring depth in the offseason. The Celtics still have a solid starting five without Tatum, but they won’t rest as much as they did last year.
Charlotte Hornets
Several teams could clinch the final spot in the east, but Charlotte stands out because of their scoring depth.
I imagine every reader who nodded along with the seven picks above are shocked to see Charlotte, a bottom three team from last year, in this prediction. Let’s keep in mind that after the seven teams listed, most of the remaining eight are going to be in a race to try and at least make the play-in round.
Washington, Chicago, Brooklyn and Miami don’t have the stars to make a postseason push. Even if one of these four teams goes on a run, there’s little scoring depth that can make a veteran team play more cautious. Atlanta and Toronto have no scoring depth and will wear out their starters for sub .500 records. Philadelphia would be favored by many, but viewers know center Joel Embiid and point guard Paul George are injury prone and can’t push the 76ers far enough. Point guard Kyle Lowry is near retirement and depth point guard Jared McCann is on IR.
This leaves Charlotte as an underrated pick. Viewers know franchise star point guard LaMelo Ball will get hurt again and miss a chunk of the season. However, the Hornets have veteran depth to cushion the loss. Guards Collin Sexton, Spencer Dinwiddie and Antonio Reeves add a lot to Charlotte’s back court. Forward Pat Connaughton was a smart free agent signing and center Ibou Badji should have more time to develop this season.
Play-in losing teams: Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers
The NBA conference finals went faster than many expected. Oklahoma City dominated Minnesota in five games while Indiana won a thriller series against New York in six. The Thunder lost only four games in three western conference matchups. Whoever wins this year’s championship deserves the praise and accolades. It’s time to break down which team has the best chance of winning their first franchise championship in the NBA’s 78th season.
#4 Indiana Pacers v. #1 Oklahoma City Thunder
This is the first thrilling NBA finals matchup we’ve had since Golden State won their last championship in 2022. Both teams are young, have fast-paced offenses and improved defenses. The Thunder have more depth while the Pacers have better coaching.
In both regular season games between Oklahoma City and Indiana, two things stood out: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored at least 33+ points, and forwards Luguentz Dort and Jalen Williams combined for 30+ points. There were roster changes and coverage improvements since both games were between late January and late March. Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton struggled shooting the ball in both games finishing with 50% accuracy or less and scored a total of 22 points.
If there is anyone who can elevate the Pacers in an unlikely finals run, it is coach Rick Carlisle. Back in 2011, Carlisle’s Mavericks won their first and only franchise title in what many believe is one of the most well-earned championships of all time against the star-studded Miami Heat. Unlike those Mavericks, the Pacers never beat their finals opponent in the regular season. If Carlisle steals a few wins against Oklahoma City, Haliburton has to play better, forward Pascal Siakam and center Myles Turner have to play their best on both ends of the court and bench players like Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell need to win their matchups against Cason Wallace and Jaylin Williams.
Unlike last year’s finals, the favored team won’t have it easy. Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault doesn’t have experience coaching in the NBA finals compared to the Pacers’ Rick Carlisle. This series could have a rough patch for the young, mostly inexperienced Thunder. Regardless of probable hiccups, Oklahoma City showed how to clamp and shut down Indiana’s stars. If the Thunder win this series, they’ll go into the offseason with a championship trophy, lots of draft capital and a parade to plan. Oklahoma City’s first franchise championship will make them the envy of the league and general manager Sam Presti one of, if not the best general manager in American sports this century.
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 4-2 and win their first ever Larry O’Brien Trophy
The first round was fun but didn’t have many surprises or upsets. New York’s last second win in Detroit helped avoid a full, seven game series. Cleveland swept Miami and both Boston and Indiana took care of Orlando and Milwaukee respectively in five games. All teams in this upcoming round made it to last year’s semi-conference finals. The Celtics and Knicks have great offenses and defenses to make a fun series while the Pacers will be more of a challenge for the Cavaliers. Two of the remaining four will advance to the conference finals. Time to break down which of the two have the best chance to make round three.
#3 New York Knicks v. #2 Boston Celtics
New York point guard Jalen Brunson (11) might not be enough to overcome Boston forward Jaylen Brown (7) and center Kristaps Porzingis (8)
This is the easiest series in either round. New York cannot beat Boston to save their lives. Asking the Knicks to beat the Celtics four times in seven games is too much. Pencil in Boston for the eastern conference finals.
Prediction: Celtics win series 4-1
#4 Indiana Pacers v. #1 Cleveland Cavaliers
If Cleveland wants to make this a fast series, players like center Jarrett Allen (31) have to shut down Indiana’s offense each game.
This isn’t the easy series many expect for Cleveland. Both teams pulled their starters in two of their four regular season games and Indiana has improved each week and month. We’ll see how ready the Cavaliers are to take the next step by winning a championship without LeBron James.
Cleveland is fortunate to have the better roster depth and to know the Pacers weren’t challenged much last round against Milwaukee. Both teams will go all-out in this series and try to undermine the other’s patience. Unlike the Cavaliers, Indiana’s defense isn’t as good and still reverts to bad habits when tested by star scorers. It might be a longer series many expect, but there’s no doubt who wins.
Prediction: Cavaliers win series 4-2
Eastern conference first round playoffs record: 4-0
The east was the first conference to seal both playoff and play-in spots. Milwaukee and Detroit clinched the fifth and sixth seeds before their final game last Sunday. Indiana and Orlando are young teams that again exceeded expectations and will use this postseason to learn how to improve for future playoff appearances. Most believe the conference finals will be a Boston and Cleveland matchup. Milwaukee missing key players throughout the playoffs solidifies this belief. Regardless, four talented and competitive teams will advance to the second round. Time to break down which four have the best chance.
#8 Miami Heat v. #1 Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland guard Donovan Mitchell should be the most dominant player in this series.
This is an embarrassingly lopsided series. Cleveland has better coaching, roster depth and all-around offense and defense. The Cavaliers should make quick work of Miami.
Prediction: Cavaliers win series 4-0
#5 Milwaukee Bucks v. #4 Indiana Pacers
It’ll be a long series for Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo against Indiana’s improved defense.
Similar to last year’s second round series, Indiana’s hot offense will face early tests from Milwaukee’s defense. Also similar is how the Pacers know how to beat and get past the Bucks in almost every way. Milwaukee will be the under-manned, lesser talented team the first few games of series with no Damian Lillard. Indiana’s defense has improved and their offense gets better each month. This should also be a quick series.
Prediction: Indiana wins series 4-1
#6 Detroit Pistons v. #3 New York Knicks
Detroit’s star point guard Cade Cunningham is a bright spot in a turn-around year. Unfortunately, that might not be enough against the veteran Knicks.
This should be one of the funnest playoff series regardless of the round. The physical, resurgent Pistons are this year’s darlings after an awful 2023-24 season. Forward Tobias Harris and guards Cade Cunningham and Tim Hardaway Jr. will be tough to defend against for New York’s Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. The Knicks do have the edge at center and small forward with Karl Anthony-Towns and Josh Hart. New York also has more depth and are better defensively than Detroit. On paper, the talent easily goes to the Knicks. Yet the Pistons will make this a longer series due to how well they match up.
Prediction: Knicks win series 4-2
#7 Orlando Magic v. #2 Boston Celtics
If Orlando wants to win this series, guards like Cole Anthony (50) have to consistently play their best on both sides of the ball.
This could be the east’s best first round series. Orlando won the regular season series despite both wins (one at the beginning of the season and one at the end) being months apart. Regardless, the Magic have the players, talent and coaching to take Boston a full seven games.
The Celtics have one of the deepest, most experienced rosters in the NBA. However, Boston hasn’t played at a consistent level like last year. If the Celtics want to keep the edge and escape a first round upset, they need guards Derrick White, Jrue Holliday and Peyton Pritchard to consistently play great.
Given how both of these teams didn’t play each other much throughout the regular season, Boston gets the nod given how well their deep roster adapts and has enough experience to get past a thinner Orlando roster.
Prediction: Celtics win series 4-3
Regular season eastern conference playoffs and play-in predictions record: 9-1
Golden State’s interior went from overmatched to one of the league’s best after the trade deadline.
There was a startling trade in early February that sent the media into a frenzy. A superstar on a southern team that recently went to the NBA finals was traded to a pacific division franchise in California. The southern team that traded away their superstar clinched a play-in spot this past weekend while the California team is closer to a championship run than the last few years.
That’s right. As most know, the most immediate impactful trade at the deadline was Jimmy Butler III going from Miami to Golden State. The Warriors went from hanging on to a play-in spot to most likely to land the sixth, fifth or fourth seed. Given how Golden State’s star point guard Steph Curry is 37, passing the play-in round is important. Not only are the Warriors in a position to clinch a middle seed, they’ll draw an easier first round opponent should they remain in the top six.
Let’s take a look at the other teams in or tied for the top six, starting with both Los Angeles teams. The Lakers are still figuring out how to play point-guard Luka Doncic and forward LeBron James together. They had an inconsistent March despite quality wins. The Lakers might not play Golden State in the first two rounds. Meanwhile, the Clippers are playing their best basketball. There are questions about the long-term health of stars like Kawhi Leonard and Ben Simmons, but this team is likely to clinch a middle seed and avoid the Warriors unless it’s the conference finals.
Three younger teams dominate half the remaining spots. The Oklahoma City Thunder is the favorite to at least make the conference finals. Houston has impressed and is the second seed in the west. Memphis is the more veteran of the three and has better depth. The Thunder and Rockets have done well, but serious predictions show neither will last long in the postseason due to how their young cores don’t have as much playoff experience. The postseason shows which teams learn the most about their opponents’ weaknesses. We don’t know how Oklahoma City will play if MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is constantly double teamed. The Grizzlies may be an interesting watch, but general manager Zach Kleiman fired coach Taylor Jenkins last week (more on that later). Memphis could be one of the first teams out of the playoff race in both basketball and hockey should they stay in a slump.
That leaves the Denver Nuggets as the lone competent, veteran and former championship team. Not only does their future depend on the health of center Nikola Jokic, guard Jamal Murray and forward Aaron Gordon, the organization took multiple hits when owner Stan Kroenke fired both general manager Calvin Booth and coach Michael Malone this past Monday afternoon. It’s possible the Nuggets fizzle out and get bumped into the play-in bubble. Denver’s play will determine who gets to the conference finals. That means Golden State’s only real threats are the inconsistent Lakers and the falling Nuggets. Given how both teams played in March, they could also be eliminated before the conference finals.
Both Charles Barkley on TNT’s Inside the NBA and Bob Myers on ESPN believe Golden State is the best team after Oklahoma City in the western conference. Some of those reasons include better rebounding and interior play with Butler and Green working together near the basket, a more consistent scoring threat to help take pressure off Steph Curry, and Butler’s instant desire to win helps younger players like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga play better without doing most of the scoring. The Warriors lost four games in March, three to lesser, play-in opponents. Their losses to Denver and Houston have been the only real challenge to the revamped roster.
It’s almost hard to believe most of Golden State’s 2024 stories were questions surrounding possible Steph Curry trade rumors this upcoming offseason to sports analysts on every major network and website wondering if this will be the franchise’s fifth championship in a decade. Not only is winning a title a possibility, most analysts believe it wouldn’t be a shock if the Warriors dominate the postseason. General manager Mike Dunleavy turned desperation at the trade deadline into a winning formula in one month.
Golden State’s Steph Curry (30) takes a three point shot in Madison Square Garden March 4th. Despite some minor injuries this season, Curry’s played well the last month because he’s not relied on to create all the scoring opportunities.
Here are the final 2024-25 NBA regular season power rankings.
#30 Utah Jazz (last ranking: 29)
After their March 31st 110-106 loss to Charlotte, Utah clinched their first 60 loss season in franchise history. Despite how long it took to reach this milestone, there were no positive moments for the Jazz this year. Thankfully, no one will remember.
#29 Washington Wizards (last ranking: 30)
Washington went from having one road win the first four months of the regular season to winning more on the road than at home to start April. The Wizards had a predictably awful 2024 but there are some positives to build on for next season.
#28 Charlotte Hornets (last ranking: 27)
Star point-guard LaMelo Ball was again placed on season ending injured reserve last month. Charlotte needs to prioritize adding depth scoring and getting to the free-throw line. All options should be considered on how to build a playoff-contending team.
#27 New Orleans Pelicans (last ranking: 28)
Starting forward Zion Williamson and shooting guard C.J. McCollum were placed on season ending injured reserve March 31st. Williamson played 30 games this season and McCollum’s not the same player he used to be. The Pelicans have big financial troubles and could dump most of their roster to both cut costs and not build a team in free agency. New Orleans is a failure after going all-in for and with Zion Williamson.
#26 Philadelphia 76ers (last ranking: 23)
Whenever ESPN does a 30-for-30 on the 76ers Trust the Process era, it is going to be a wild watch. How mind-blowing that after the mid-2010s historically awful tanking by Philadelphia, none of it paid off in the draft, mid-season trades, or free agency. The highlight of Trust the Process is the infamous 2019 second round playoff exit where then-Raptor Kawhi Leonard hit a game winning three pointer and sent the Sixers home crying. No one could have predicted that before or after the COVID-19 pandemic.
#25 Brooklyn Nets (last ranking: 24)
How much does ownership regret not building a more competent team over trading for forward Kevin Durant and signing point guard Kyrie Irving? Much like Phoenix (more on them later), Brooklyn blew up a talented young core to try and make the NBA finals. The Nets were half a foot behind the three-point line away from the finals and maybe a championship. Still, would Brooklyn have been more competitive and in a better place than the previous win-now mindset?
#24 Toronto Raptors (last ranking: 26)
Toronto’s a great example of why it’s hard to make a play-in spot if there are too many losses before the final month and a half of the regular season. The Raptors won all but five games in March, but three of the five were by three points or less. Toronto had to win all seven of their April games and hope Chicago and Miami bottomed out in theirs. What a disappointing way to end the regular season!
#23 San Antonio Spurs (last ranking: 23)
As if February didn’t bring enough hardships, newly acquired forward De’Aaron Fox had season ending surgery on his left pinkie finger shortly after the last rankings were published. There are few teams that wanted the season to end faster than the Spurs.
#22 Phoenix Suns (last ranking: 20)
For the new readers and subscribers to this website, there is a great article about Kevin Durant in one of the first power rankings back in January 2024. With Durant done, Phoenix has to figure out how to re-build a competitive roster. To think the Suns at one time did an eight game trial run with Durant, Chris Paul, DeAndre Ayton and Devin Booker (the quartet was 8-0 playing together) before blowing it up for Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic shows exactly why this is the oldest NBA franchise to never win a title.
#21 Portland Trailblazers (last ranking: 21)
Coach Chauncey Billups struggled to make good decisions last year in Portland. This season he has done a much better job of coaching younger players, analyzing games and playing his starters’ minutes more efficiently. There weren’t many poor performances, and management has surprised viewers with how the Blazers’ roster is still developing and playing hard almost every game.
#20 Chicago Bulls (last ranking: 22)
Right now the national media wonders if Chicago will extend guard Josh Giddey or let him go back to Oklahoma City or sign with another team this offseason. The bigger questions are what will the Bulls do with guards Lonzo Ball and Ayo Dosunmu? Ball cannot stay healthy and probably should retire given how long it has taken his legs to recover. Trade rumors with Dosunmu have been constant since December. Chicago has been locked into the play-in round for a while. Will their frugal owner want to do a re-build again instead of paying top talent? We’ll find out in the upcoming months.
#19 Miami Heat (last ranking: 18)
Miami lost all but one game in March until the recent five game winning streak. Coach Erik Spoelstra is doing his best with what he has on the roster but this is not a team that will be taken seriously once the playoffs start. Don’t expect a stellar offseason either with how well former star Jimmy Butler’s playing and how he immediately re-signed to stay in Golden State.
#18 Atlanta Hawks (last ranking: 19)
If we took Atlanta’s hilarious mediocre records aside, third year guard Dyson Daniels should be a big name in the NBA right now. He has 224 steals in 74 games, averaging three per game. No one has had 200 in the last 15 years and no NBA player’s averaged three a game in the last 35 years. Dyson Daniels will be fun to watch in the play-in.
#17 Sacramento Kings (last ranking: 15)
Remember in February when I wrote interim Doug Christie had it easy until the next negative issue came up? Sacramento has lost eight of their last 12 and 12 of their last 18. The Kings are back to early season struggles and former franchise star forward De’Aaron Fox’s words about how it was the roster and not former coach of the year Mike Brown that let the team down rings more true now. The Kings might have a full re-build incoming.
#16 Dallas Mavericks (last ranking: 16)
Given everything that has happened to Dallas since February, would it be fair to put Jason Kidd in the coach of the year nomination? I don’t think most, if any of the other 29 coaches could do what Kidd’s done in two months. The Mavericks have a blueprint on how to stay competitive and despite rumors possible forfeited games due to most players being injured early to mid-March, Dallas has won five of their last ten games. The Mavericks could be favored in their play-in elimination game depending on who they play. That’s just as good as what Kenny Atkinson or Mark Daigneault’s done.
#15 Orlando Magic (last ranking: 17)
A young, competitive team is going to take bad losses once in a while. All of Orlando’s losses in March were to playoff hopefuls. On the plus side, the Magic snapped Cleveland’s impressive 17 game winning streak, won by 12 against the Lakers, and beat Milwaukee by two. Orlando is building something special that viewers should pay attention to the next few years.
#14 Detroit Pistons (last ranking: 11)
The only reason Detroit has bumped down despite their east conference position is because of how well Golden State has done since the trade deadline. The Warriors’ rise means a good number of teams got bumped a bit lower. The Pistons became the first NBA team this century to triple their total wins in one season. Detroit’s first round opponent will have their hands full.
#13 Milwaukee Bucks (last ranking: 9)
Milwaukee’s hopes for a deep playoff run ended when star point guard Damian Lillard was put on season ending injured reserve due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. Remember, forward Bobby Portis is still serving his 20+ game suspension. There is no guard depth that will keep the Bucks in close games against championship caliber opponents. That’s a shame since Milwaukee was playing some of their best basketball before Lillard’s diagnosis.
#12 Los Angeles Clippers (last ranking: 13)
If Los Angeles wound up as the seventh or eighth seed, they would give the second or first seed a lot of problems. Right now star point-guard James Harden and power forward Kawhi Leonard are fully healthy. Center Ivica Zubac and guards Ben Simmons and Kris Dunn are fantastic on defense. While it would be miraculous if everyone stays healthy given past injury patterns, the Clippers could do a lot of damage once they’re past the play-in round.
#11 Memphis Grizzlies (last ranking: 6)
It has been a chaotic April for the Grizzlies. Taylor Jenkins did a great job with a talented young core that at times needed more discipline. While we don’t know much about exactly why Jenkins was fired despite Memphis being the fifth seed before April first, one possible factor could be how the coach’s voice lost its impact within the locker room, according to Daily Memphian Chris Herrington. Another possiblity was Taylor Jenkins’ decison to diminish franchise star point-guard Ja Morant’s primary role in the offense. If so, that is a bold move coming from the general manager and front office. Morant’s injury history along with his on and off-court scandals involving firearms were valid reasons Jenkins may have believed a younger, more complete team was worthy of pivoting and playing to their strengths each week. General manager Zach Kleiman had better be right about this.
#10 Minnesota Timberwolves (last ranking: 14)
Minnesota has lost two games by more than five points once since the beginning of March. The Timberwolves are playing how many envisioned before the regular season began. The whole team is confidently playing their best and have beaten a lot of playoff contenders since the last rankings.
#9 Indiana Pacers (last ranking: 10)
It’s official. The third to sixth seed matchups we see in the first round of the eastern conference playoffs are the quartet of Milwaukee, Detroit, Indiana and New York. Indiana is the most exciting of the four teams and most dangerous. The Bucks and Pistons stand little chance of getting past their division rivals, but the Knicks would love a rematch of last year’s series if the Pacers take a few more losses by Sunday.
#8 Golden State Warriors (last ranking: 12)
How great would the Warriors be right now if Klay Thompson had stayed and general manager Mike Dunleavy still made the Jimmy Butler trade? Steph Curry might have more than 30 points per game and a better field goal and three point percentage (49% and 43% respectively). Golden State might also have more points off turnovers (25.3), turnovers forced (18.1) and assists (31.3) since the Butler trade. All three of those latter stats are best in the league. It’s possible we’d again be talking about how unfair it is the Warriors have another stacked roster and their dynasty won’t end.
#7 Denver Nuggets (last ranking: 4)
Years from now, we might look back at Denver’s double overtime home loss to Minnesota April first and wonder what would’ve happened had Russell Westbrook made his last second layup in double overtime to seal the win. The Nuggets struggled to score when center Nikola Jokic wasn’t playing and crumbled on defense after they started the game with a 21-5 lead. Former championship coach Michael Malone went off on his players for how they stopped listening to him and then Denver lost every game since that missed layup. This is a pivotal time for the Nuggets.
#6 Los Angeles Lakers (last ranking: 7)
Per Stat Mamba Luka Doncic averaged 30 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 8.6 apg, 4.3 3pm and a 40.5% 3pt in March. He’s the youngest Laker to average 30+ points per game in a single month since Kobe Bryant in 2003. Luka playing this well on a new team he was randomly traded to while recovering from mid-season injuries is terrifying for the other 29 teams.
#5 Houston Rockets (last ranking: 8)
There’s a lot to love with how Houston plays, especially when they out-rebound opponents and dominate near the basket. The Rockets can beat almost every team except the title and conference championship contenders. Any young, rising team would love to be where Houston is right now.
#4 New York Knicks (last ranking: 5)
Turns out New York gets a promotion after last month. They’re easily the best team of the third to sixth seed quartet. Now they have to focus on how to beat Boston and Cleveland.
#3 Boston Celtics (last ranking: 3)
Don’t let the ranking deceive you. Boston is the most dangerous of the top three teams in the NBA right now and they are heating up at the best time. Still, they also are not the unstoppable juggernaut they were last year. A series with Indiana, New York, Cleveland or Orlando could push the Celtics to at least six games. Boston also isn’t playing near the same level as western teams like Oklahoma City or Golden State.
#2 Cleveland Cavaliers (last ranking: 1)
It took until the beginning of April for Cleveland to fall out the number one spot. Losing four of eight games after their winning streak snapped against Orlando is part of it but the Cavaliers also needed some rest before the regular season ended. Three wins in four games to start the month helps.
#1 Oklahoma City Thunder (last ranking; 2)
Pick any Oklahoma City stat from this season, from the average point differential to the top scoring duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, nothing compares to this one: the Thunder went 29-1 against the eastern conference. That’s unheard of in league history. If OKC somehow wins the conference championship, nothing will stop them from winning the NBA finals.
MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander eases around Chicago’s Patrick Williams (44) during Oklahoma’s 145-117 home rout of Chicago on March 31st.
NBA ratings have fallen for years. Some factors for the decline include the league leaning on older veterans stars and poor promotion.
Read with discretion: this article contains multiple, public opinions that have been supported and given the green light by the editor, promoter and owner of this website. These views contain the true thoughts of the writer in regards to what’s going on with one of America’s top sports.
In part one of Adam Silver’s decade long analysis, I wrote about a lot of active, on-court issues the league’s struggling with such as All-Star game changes, the in-season tournament and sometimes lack of respect for current leadership. Many people agree the new rules created many issues that’s turning the sport into a laughingstock (see Philadelphia 76ers). Puns are everywhere online and even shows like TNT’s Inside the NBA joke about them. While a lot of these issues can be quickly fixed, the long term problems show the league’s in worse shape than many believe.
The biggest issue is the rise of sports gambling since its legalization in spring 2018. Play rapidly became an afterthought. Yes, the profits are too good to pass up and there are many benefits the move brings. However for this league, it’s a cause for concern. For those who may not or don’t remember, former referee Tim Donaghy fixed NBA games in the early and middle 2000s before sports gambling was legalized. Donaghy began as an honest ref who cared about the game. However his eventual greed led to a lifelong ban from the sport. Throughout then-commissioner David Stern’s tenure, there were theories and reports of rigging games, seasons, stats and even dynasties (Shaquille O’Neal’s story on how he went to Orlando is worth a read if you’re suspicious). That doesn’t go away just because the executive changes or something becomes legalized. On the contrary, it grows.
Legalized sports gambling has affected every major North American sport, but Adam Silver was the first commissioner and executive to openly embrace it once the U.S. Supreme Court legalized the industry. A good number of viewers aren’t enamored with the NBA anymore because of nightly or weekly bets. We’ve seen people go from fans and viewers of the game to watching the sport because they can hit a parlay or a correct over/under if certain stat-lines and point margins are final.
This isn’t the only financial issue the NBA’s going through. Since the pandemic ended, Silver’s failed to promote its product to a broad range of people. Consider this: when Michael Jordan retired from Chicago in 1999, he took 50% of the NBA fandom. Jordan’s popularity was (and still is) unlike anything we’ve seen outside the NFL. It grew so much that when he left the NBA the sport never recovered nor found the desired replacement. This isn’t about stars Kobe Bryant or LeBron James not being some of the best players since Jordan retired either. It’s about who could win the public over in droves and entertain like none other.
Losing half the fandom with a retirement meant an inevitable decline. We’re now seeing the effects. NBA supporters are mostly older adults (anyone born in the early 1990s and before) or those who became fans last decade. Casual fans are at a loss and struggle to follow what goes on. Ask the average NBA fan who was this year’s number one draft pick. They might know the team that had the pick, but not the player. What about the other picks in the top five? That’s a serious problem.
Both audiences and players are hit with another financial problem: the sport is expensive. Unless you have a kid who’s into basketball and played it recently or even gone to summer camps, it would be eye-opening to learn that the sport costs around $30-100 an hour to train. Playing for an AAU team costs around $300-600. That’s without travel, shoes, food, hotels, gas, fluids and much more factored in. Watching the sport is expensive too. Many audiences found out when the Los Angeles Clippers opened their brand new stadium, tickets cost around $200 to attend, and that’s without parking fees. Then there’s television and broadcasting rights issues. Most games aren’t shown on national television, dampering potential interest on new or rising fans. The league’s making so much money because of t.v. deals but struggles to air games that would draw huge ratings. A great example of this was December first’s Houston Rockets v. Oklahoma City Thunder 6 p.m. (U.S. central time) game. It was a matchup between what’s now the top two teams in the western conference and it should’ve been aired on either ESPN or TNT. Instead it was blacked out on all t.v. stations and was only aired if someone bought NBA’s League Pass.
This is why the NFL is king and everyone else takes a backseat. For all the complaining audiences and analysts do about the U.S.’ most popular sport, commissioner Roger Goodell has an understanding of when to air and flex games. The NFL even passed rules to flex certain matchups on different nights of the season. Sadly, the NBA usually airs one of four teams (usually New York, Boston, Golden State or a team from Los Angeles) and let the remaining 26 fight over what’s left.
Finally, one of the biggest issues the league has is competing against overseas programs that play more physical and have better coaches. Some stars recently said that leagues in China are better because they play the more physical 1990s and early 2000s version of basketball. Former champion point guard B.J. Armstrong said earlier this month that, “the coaching there (Europe) is better than over here.” Former players recognize that the sport’s top talent is coming from Europe, Africa and even east Asia. It won’t be a surprise when the NBA’s problems grow and top talent leaves to play elsewhere.
Nothing’s more American than gambling your future away in a bundle for NBA League Pass. For the love of God, please call that number.
Here’s the first power rankings of 2025. Similar to the NHL rankings, this one will be objective in placement as there’s been just two articles throughout the season.
#30 Washington Wizards (last ranking: 30)
The trade of Jordan Poole to Denver for Michael Porter Jr. says more about how the Wizards didn’t want Poole anymore. Poole wore out a six win team. He has nowhere to go but up.
Charlotte’s won five of their last ten (including a split with the Suns) and stole a win from Dallas on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Considering the Hornets won one game last month, they look good to start 2025. Now they have to work on offensive scoring.
#27 New Orleans Pelicans (last ranking: 21)
If we want to defend the NBA for one thing that’s out of their control, it’s the promotion of a younger generation of players who were labeled the next big stars. The league and many fans of the sport believed Pelicans forward Zion Williamson was going to be the next big name back in 2019. Commissioner Adam Silver, analysts and fans couldn’t foresee his weight issues, constant injuries or him getting bogged down in porn scandals. In five seasons, Williamson went from the hottest name and number one pick to being suspended for showing up late to the team’s January 10th flight to Philadelphia and possible trade talks. He’s played in fewer games this regular season than NFL San Francisco 49ers rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall, and Pearsall was shot in the chest before training camp. You can’t blame that on the commissioner.
#26 Toronto Raptors (last ranking: 28)
Toronto won more games in January than they did all of December. The Raptors weren’t going to make the play-in but losing all but two games to end 2024 damages a potential run to end the regular season.
#25 Brooklyn Nets (last ranking: 19)
The current losing streak all but eliminates Brooklyn from any potential play-in talk. It’s surprising given how many good players are on the roster. General manager Sean Marks could deal a lot of talent at the trade deadline in March.
#24 Portland Trailblazers (last ranking: 25)
More teams are learning to play Portland hard. The Trailblazers occasionally steal a win from contenders like Denver or Milwaukee. Whether it’s Chauncey Billups’ coaching or a better roster this season, there’s sustainable growth and development.
#23 Philadelphia 76ers (last ranking: 27)
Nothing highlights the on-court problems plaguing the NBA like Philadelphia. If Joel Embiid’s load management stories weren’t bad enough, the ongoing Paul George controversies where he’s bored of playing center makes anyone laugh, scream or grow outraged. Certain dynasties, stars and eras have been hated more for doing less, but boredom of playing a position and sitting out games because of small injuries has got be one of the most blatant offenses to the sport and anyone looking up to athletes. It has to be fixed.
#22 Chicago Bulls (last ranking: 24)
Given how sloppy and soft the 76ers are, it wouldn’t be a shock if the Bulls clinch the last play-in spot early. Despite the constant trade rumors of forward Zach LaVine, Chicago plays hard and has enough to keep the three game gap ahead of Philadelphia.
#21 San Antonio Spurs (last ranking: 23)
If there’s any young star the NBA needs to slam audiences in the face with, it’s San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama. Last month he became the first NBA player to record multiple games of 10+ blocks at the age of 20 or under. Wembanyama plays in a beautiful city that’s growing in size and popularity and is located in the second most populous state. San Antonio is also well integrated and friendly to foreigners. This is a reflection of the demographic changes within the U.S. and if the NBA can’t capitalize off of the perfect opportunities Victor Wembanyama creates for marketing, the sport will not survive.
#20 Phoenix Suns (last ranking: 12)
The decision to move on from guard Bradley Beal and center Jusuf Nurkic means Phoenix’s front office was fed up with how both players underachieved. It also helps keep franchise star forward Kevin Durant satisfied and find better complimentary players. Don’t be surprised if the Suns trade for talented players in Brooklyn or New Orleans in March.
#19 Sacramento Kings (last ranking: 14)
Maybe the firing of former coach of the year Mike Brown was justified. The team regressed after a return to the playoffs two years ago and a trip to the play-in last year. However there’s uncertainty and a disturbing feeling that the players quit when things got difficult. Right now it won’t matter because the Kings have won seven of their last ten. It is something to keep in mind when Doug Christie has the interim tag removed and there’s another losing streak.
#18 Miami Heat (last ranking: 20)
The Jimmy Butler fiasco is a black eye for the organization. Butler’s personal issues go back to earlier 2024 and the franchise hasn’t let up. Owner Pat Riley’s been right on a lot of things throughout his time in the NBA but this is not one of them. If anything, Riley might have alienated a lot of top talent from ever coming to play for the Heat. As for Butler, it would make sense to let him go where he wants with little pushback.
#17 Minnesota Timberwolves (last ranking: 7)
Watch this important four and a half minute clip that aired on January second on TNT’s Inside the NBA after Boston beat Minnesota 118-115. What Shaquille O’Neal said about what’s gone on with franchise star guard Anthony Edwards at the 2:03 mark was perfect. Edwards is a young, fantastic player who’s still learning how to read defenses. Opposing teams don’t care about complaints and they sure don’t mind if he isn’t learning when to pass the ball and find open lanes to the basket. Kenny Smith had a great followup on how great players make their teammates better by making plays and the focus on being a scorer. That clip is the Timberwolves’ lesson from the 2024-2025 regular season.
#16 Golden State Warriors (last ranking: 6)
Wow. Golden State went from one of the western conference’s best teams to being just outside the play-in. A lot of issues keep popping up and it’s a wonder they’re still competitive any given week. The Warriors will be active at the trade deadline. Who they trade and move on from is hard to predict.
#15 Detroit Pistons (last ranking: 22)
There are a lot of underrated stars in the NBA but Detroit’s franchise star point guard Cade Cunningham is one of the most overlooked. After a dismal 2023-24 season, Cunningham’s in the top three of the Pistons scoring, rebounding, assist, steals and block shots stats. Detroit will be a fun postseason watch if they can make the play-in or steal a top six playoff seed.
#14 Dallas Mavericks (last ranking: 11)
It’s one thing to lose by double digits to Houston, Cleveland, Memphis and Denver. Most viewers knew all four would be some form of good this season. Losses to lowly New Orleans and Charlotte in a week was concerning. Dallas has to play better next month if they want to reach the playoffs and not have a hard opponent in the play-in round.
#13 Orlando Magic (last ranking: 5)
Injuries battered Orlando the last month and a half. Losses included both Wagners, Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac and Cole Anthony. While former first overall pick Paolo Banchero returned, the Magic are bottom three in almost every offensive category. No one needs the All-Star break more than Orlando.
#12 Atlanta Hawks (last ranking: 18)
Atlanta’s 10-12 since the last rankings and for those keeping track, that means they’re a hilarious 22-24 throughout the season. Hawks fans may not like how I’ve made their beyond average record a running theme, but this is how sports journalism works. It’s also alarming that Atlanta’s a few wins from being top four team in the eastern conference.
#11 Los Angeles Lakers (last ranking: 9)
NBA Network had a wild stat for the Lakers; they have have lost by 20+ points seven times this season, the most for any team in the league. For the most part Los Angeles has been a solid team most of the year. When the Lakers play well, they can hang with almost anyone. When they lose, they play like one of the NBA’s worst teams. Go figure.
#10 Los Angeles Clippers (last ranking: 10)
Only Oklahoma City and Memphis have won more than 17 home games this season in the western conference. Intuit Arena is glamorous and the Clippers finally play well in their new building. While it was later than anyone expected, it wouldn’t be a shock if that gave Los Angeles a different kind of home court advantage the rest of the season.
#9 Indiana Pacers (last ranking: 17)
The top offensive unit from 2023-2024 is finally back after sleepwalking through the first two and a half months of the season. Indiana should be fun to watch next month with how everything’s clicking on offense and the defense has improved.
#8 Denver Nuggets (last ranking: 4)
Center Nikola Jokic proves almost every game he’s the best player in the NBA. Outside of Jokic, Denver can’t figure out who’s their second best player. While most agree it’s point guard Jamal Murray, he needs to get back to his old championship form and forward Aaron Gordon has to step up. It would be a shame if the Nuggets can’t make another deep postseason run because no one outside of Jokic breaks out.
#7 Milwaukee Bucks (last ranking: 15)
Many believe Milwaukee’s the team that trades for Heat star forward Jimmy Butler after the organization told forward Khris Middleton he’s out of the starting lineup indefinitely on January eighth. Last week ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported forwards Middleton, Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton could be moved to bring in a major impact player. If Butler is that player, the trade would vindicate the Damian Lillard move and instantly make the Bucks the championship favorite…even if Doc Rivers is their coach.
#6 Memphis Grizzlies (last ranking: 16)
It shouldn’t surprise many readers Memphis is this high. Unless you were new to the NBA last season, the Grizzlies haven’t been awful for a while due to their abundance in young talent. With few injuries this year, Memphis picked up where they left off in the 2022-23 season. Now viewers can wonder if they’ll make a deep playoff run.
#5 New York Knicks (last ranking: 6)
New York looked tired until they picked up three wins last week. If the Knicks keep this winning streak going, they could be one of the league’s best teams the second half of the regular season. That should worry the other eastern conference favorites.
#4 Houston Rockets (last ranking: 13)
Houston’s progress is legit and they don’t yet have a top ten scoring offense. General manager Rafael Stone’s building a roster that will be dangerous for years to come. Beating the Rockets in a best of seven series will be hard for any western conference team to do no matter the veteran talent available.
#3 Boston Celtics (last ranking: 2)
If any other NBA team was 32-15, we’d be praising their playoff potential and coaching. Boston’s looked vulnerable much of the last month and a half which is surprising given how they could jump over Cleveland. Perhaps the Celtics will unleash that next level once March starts, but it’s got to be puzzling for those who look at the roster and last year’s championship and not see a team dominate almost every game.
#2 Oklahoma City Thunder (last ranking: 3)
Thunder fans may not like this ranking but the team up next has the better conference and home record. Plus Oklahoma City is still young and figuring out how to play to their strengths. That’s chilling for the rest of the league.
#1 Cleveland Cavaliers (last ranking: 1)
Donovan Mitchell is having an MVP season (he’s top four in team stats in points, rebounds, assists, and steals) and Kenny Atkinson is an easy coach of the year candidate. Cleveland’s held up after their fiery start to the season and it doesn’t look like that’ll end anytime soon.
Guards Jaylon Tyson (left) and Darius Garland (right) celebrate during a thrashing of Phoenix on January 20th.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver implemented a lot of changes since the COVID-19 pandemic. However the league doesn’t have a good direction moving forward like it did with predecessor David Stern.
Yahoo senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill ended March with a well-written article detailing the fast-changing landscape taking place in the league. In Goodwill’s article, the main focus was how commissioner Adam Silver has been tasked with maximizing profits, growing the game and making sure the players compete after new rules take place. The league’s improved with players rights, safety and dialogue compared to 20 years ago. Most of the improvements are because Silver values the league and cares about who benefits.
There has been a lot of difficult things to navigate through. Most issues took place after the COVID-19 pandemic almost five years ago. The play-in at the end of the regular season draws ratings, but many viewers complain it disrupts a sport that should be determined by the top eight teams. A good number want to forget about the remaining four play-in teams not in the top eight. There’s the creative and new in-season tournament, but it isn’t needed less than one month into a new season. What’s there to show for a tournament that doesn’t stand out compared to the playoffs in April?
There’s also the recent All-Star game format fiasco. Silver believes that how the NHL does their All-Star game, so should the NBA. While it’s a preposition, popular analysts like Stephen A. Smith had a strong rebuke of the new format idea. The NBA has been criticized for constant elimination of defense, terrible officiating and a growing season schedule. There’s now a rule in place that any player up for an award must play 65 games to be considered. Silver’s not respected nor taken seriously enough by the players when it comes to play and events like the All-Star game.
While some of these changes are to grow revenue and make the game safer, it’s also difficult to watch and pay attention to for nine straight months. Silver’s predecessor David Stern got many things wrong in his 30 year tenure, but he also got a lot of things right. Stern knew how to grow the league, who to promote and market, how to get players and owners on the same page and how to make events fun. Adam Silver has failed to make the NBA fun once play resumed (minus increasing the number of games), made both the players and owners unhappy (for various reasons) and doesn’t know how to grow the league past revenue, sales and promotions.
It doesn’t help commissioner Adam Silver that with the longer schedule and added tournaments, the playoff race is a non-factor. Yes, all but a half dozen teams can clinch high seeds, but there’s no reason to watch a sport an extra week or two when audiences know who’s going to at least a play-in game for two or three more extra days.
While it’s important the consumer understands the league’s current business model, viewership has declined every week of this new season. I’ll discuss in the next NBA power rankings (part two) how gambling has tied in and how the league struggles to stay at or near the top while balancing revenue and growing the brand for future generations. Commissioners consistently balancing both is how they leave a positive mark once stepping down. They also need to deal with certain obstacles and detriments that harm the sport. When one is prioritized more than the other, business plateaus. There should be easier solutions implemented before the profits become losses.
Minnesota center Rudy Gobert was ejected out of a March 8th loss to Cleveland for making the money gesture at referee Scott Foster. While Gobert’s a controversial player on and off court, it’s another chapter in how the players don’t trust officials to make the right calls.
Here’s the first power rankings of the new season. Similar to the NHL rankings, this one will be objective in placement as the season is still young.
#30 Washington Wizards (last season’s final ranking: 30)
Congratulations to Washington on their recent accomplishment. The Wizards join last year’s Pistons as the second team in the last nine years to lose every game in November. Unlike Detroit, there’s little hope they play better before spring.
#29 Utah Jazz (last season’s final ranking: 22)
You won’t find a blunder like the one Utah committed in a home loss against the Lakers December first. Jazz coach Will Hardy called his last timeout right before Colin Sexton’s game-winning layup. Utah lost by one point and Hardy’s been compared to former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus.
#28 Toronto Raptors (last season’s final ranking: 24)
Toronto’s offense is better, but the defense has to improve. It’ll be a hard month to play better with the number of postseason favorites on their schedule.
#27 Philadelphia 76ers (last season’s final ranking: 17)
Philadelphia’s the true test of patience for anyone doing power rankings. While the NHL power rankings weren’t too difficult outside of Nashville, the 76ers push the envelope on how they play worse each game. From former league MVP center Joel Embiid’s extreme load management, players arguing in the locker room and now Paul George’s left leg injury, Philadelphia went from title contender at the start of the season to selling tickets for $1 in their Wednesday home game against Orlando.
#26 Charlotte Hornets (last season’s final ranking: 28)
Franchise star point guard LaMelo Ball’s fully healthy yet Charlotte has the worst field goal percentage 21 games into the season. The efficiency will get better but it could be slower than expected.
#25 Portland Trail Blazers (last season’s final ranking: 26)
Portland surprised viewers with their better start to the season despite injuries to center Deandre Ayton and forward Matisse Thybulle last month. Solid play from guards Anfernee Simmons and Shaedon Sharpe makes the Trail Blazers more competitive than last year.
#24 Chicago Bulls (last season’s final ranking: 19)
If there’s any national station talking about the Bulls, the conversation is on how Josh Giddey shouldn’t be a point guard. This wasn’t what Chicago had in mind when they traded for him in the offseason. Though a lot of analysts did say trading Alex Caruso for Giddey wasn’t a good idea. The Bulls are a mess despite the roster talent.
#23 San Antonio Spurs (last season’s final ranking: 27)
When coach Gregg Popovich had another stroke and star center Victor Wembanyama missed some games after a bruised right knee, veteran point guard Chris Paul stepped up. Paul’s been one of the Spurs’ better free agent signings the last five years. Chris Paul’s leadership got San Antonio wins against Sacramento and Oklahoma City, two teams expected to make the playoffs this year. The Spurs will be a tough team to keep out the play-in.
#22 Detroit Pistons (last season’s final ranking: 29)
The Pistons have more wins after one month than they had after December 2023. They finished November at 8-9 for the first time since the 2018-2019 season. It’s already a success for Detroit and coach JB Bickerstaff was a great hire for the team. They might be the best early season story.
#21 New Orleans Pelicans (last season’s final ranking: 11)
Unlike Philadelphia, New Orleans has legit reasons for a poor start. Injuries to stars Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Brandon Ingram, C.J. McCollum and Jose Alvarado doomed their season after a month. It’s not fair when so many people were excited to see how New Orleans would hold their own in the west.
#20 Miami Heat (last season’s final ranking: 18)
We might be having a different conversation about Miami if they pulled out wins in November against Phoenix and Detroit. If we take those two games out of the Heat’s first month of the season, they’ve beaten playoff hopefuls Minnesota and Indiana while losing to Denver, Sacramento and division rival Orlando. Miami’s not a good team to start the season.
#19 Brooklyn Nets (last season’s final ranking: 23)
This will be one of the hardest teams to analyze throughout the season. Brooklyn barely beat New Orleans and Charlotte but almost beat Boston, New York and Cleveland. The Nets are last in rebounding but top five shooting three-pointers. At least they’re interesting to watch.
#18 Atlanta Hawks (last season’s final ranking: 20)
After last rankings had the hilarious mediocre Hawks stat, Atlanta’s won five straight to get back to over .500 at 12-11. One couldn’t find a more average sports franchise if they tried.
#17 Indiana Pacers (last season’s final ranking: 13)
Indiana still has a top ten offense but the defensive issues balance out the positives. The Pacers are a bottom three team in rebounding and that’s a factor in losses to Orlando (twice), Philadelphia and New Orleans. They have to show growth on defense or it’ll be a fast postseason exit.
#16 Memphis Grizzlies (last season’s final ranking: 25)
Almost every basketball fan knew last year was an anomaly for Memphis. Now that almost everyone’s back fully healthy, the Grizzlies are top three in rebounds and field goal percentage and second in points scored. Starting forward Jaren Jackson Jr. has improved the most for the veterans while rookie Scottie Pippen Jr. and undrafted center Jay Huff look like offseason steals.
#15 Milwaukee Bucks (last season’s final ranking: 9)
Milwaukee should feel good they won seven of their last nine but remember, this was a championship team that decided to tweak their roster two years after winning a championship. The Bucks remain stagnant since winning their second franchise title back in 2021. That’s a shame since many wanted to see the smaller franchise dominate the league this decade.
#14 Sacramento Kings (last season’s ranking: 14)
If Sacramento makes the playoffs as a top six team, forward De’Aaron Fox has to be an MVP candidate. He’s averaging 28 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals a game. It would be criminal for him to miss accolades and awards he deserves.
#13 Houston Rockets (last season’s final ranking: 20)
Ime Udoka should be the favorite for coach of the year. Houston’s gone from worst team in the league to division leader in the southwest and second place in the western conference. It’s a surprise the Rockets are this good.
#12 Phoenix Suns (last season’s final ranking: 12)
Though star forward Kevin Durant will only miss a week with a sprained ankle, Phoenix is a different team without him. They’re 10-2 when Kevin Durant plays and a stunning 2-6 without him. No wonder Suns owner Mat Ishbia said Durant’s not leaving.
#11 Dallas Mavericks (last season’s final ranking: 6)
Although it’s on Facebook, the site Full Court put some very interesting stats on the current Dallas winning streak. Franchise star point guard Luka Doncic has been a liability for the Mavericks and the starting forwards and centers. Dallas is a .500 team when he’s started games compared to 5-1 without him. It’s eye-opening that forwards P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall score 20+ points a game and Dallas’ offense averages ten more points without Doncic in the starting lineup.
#10 Los Angeles Clippers (last season’s ranking: 5)
Los Angeles went on a three game losing streak, four game winning streak, three game losing streak and five game winning streak. No wonder Ty Lue’s more gray than usual.
#9 Los Angeles Lakers (last season’s final ranking: 15)
Media outlets will talk about the emergence of shooting guard Dalton Knecht, and for good reasons. Right now the Lakers are doing well because Anthony Davis averages 28 points and eleven rebounds a game. This is how Davis used to play in New Orleans before the trade to Los Angeles. It would be fun if he stayed at this level of production the whole season.
#8 Golden State Warriors (last season’s final ranking: 16)
No one expected the Warriors to be a top team in the western conference after trading Klay Thompson to Dallas. Center Trayce Jackson-Davis and forwards Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins have done well to start the season but the two areas that count for all but three of Golden State’s wins are better rebounding and bench depth. The Warriors haven’t had a decent scoring bench in years and they’re top three in second chance scoring opportunities. Once Golden State finds ways to stop choking fourth quarter leads, they’ll be one of the best teams in the west.
#7 Minnesota Timberwolves (last season’s final ranking: 3)
Star shooting guard Anthony Edwards was right for blasting his team on playing, “soft” and “growing apart.” A big reason Minnesota struggled was their drop in rebounding. Center Rudy Gobert can still get a good number of second chance points, but Minnesota’s one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA. There’s a valid discussion that the nosedive in offensive rebounds is a downside of trading Karl Anthony-Towns to New York last summer.
#6 New York Knicks (last season’s final ranking: 8)
What a dominant win over Orlando. New York’s already a top five team in points scored and third best in both regular and three point field goal percentage. Now the Knicks are playing like the team many wanted to see in October. Don’t be surprised if the New York is in the top five or top ten all year.
#5 Orlando Magic (last season’s final ranking: 7)
The Magic have done well since star forward Paolo Banchero went down to a torn, right oblique. Franz and Moritz Wagner have stepped up on offense and Jalen Suggs is more efficient. That’s something to build on once Banchero returns.
#4 Denver Nuggets (last season’s final ranking: 1)
Two things can be true: Russell Westbrook’s 200th triple-double is a feat worth celebrating and he’s not going to be what makes the Nuggets a title contender. Denver needs starting point guard Jamal Murray to play like it’s the 2023 postseason if the Nuggets want to make a deep playoff run.
#3 Oklahoma City Thunder (last season’s final ranking: 4)
Signing center Isaiah Hartenstein was one of the best free agency moves for any team. Chet Holmgren’s hip injury means he’s out at least another month. The veteran Hartenstein makes Oklahoma City rebound better. It’s made the Thunder stay in first place in both the northwest division and western conference.
#2 Boston Celtics (last season’s final ranking: 2)
Should it concern more viewers a good number of Celtics wins to playoff contending teams have been closer than they should be? It’s still early in the season but keep an eye on Boston after Christmas. The Celtics have the depth and talent to wrap up the eastern conference before 2025. It’s odd they aren’t separating themselves this early.
#1 Cleveland Cavaliers (last season’s final ranking: 10)
Head coach Kenny Atkinson became the only coach in NBA history to win his first 15 games to start a tenure with a franchise. Cleveland will also improve throughout the season, especially on second chance scoring opportunities. That should get more attention.
Scoring depth from players like guard Ty Jerome (2) are a good reason Cleveland has the league’s best record.
The Boston Celtics broke the eastern conference two year championship drought and won the 2023-24 title. In response, the top teams added more stars and roster depth. The conference outside of Boston has a lot of teams that can make deep playoff runs similar to last year. Indianapolis could have another breakout season. New York and Miami desperately want a championship. Cleveland, Milwaukee and Philadelphia view anything less than a conference finals appearance a failure. It’ll be a fun and competitive regular season.
Time to break down which eight teams in the east have the best chance of making the playoffs.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics are the favorites to repeat their title run and win their league high 19th championship.
The reigning champs kept most of their deep roster. Boston will make the playoffs even if injuries are a factor. No other NBA team has this luxury.
Milwaukee Bucks
There are concerns over how Milwaukee improves with coach Doc Rivers and chemistry between Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Luckily the Bucks have more than enough talent to clinch a top six seed.
New York Knicks
While the Knicks added more talent trading for Karl-Anthony Towns, New York’s strength is great coaching from Tom Thibodeau.
The Knicks made a bold trade sending Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota for Karl-Anthony Towns. The former first overall pick will have an interesting time learning coach Tom Thibodeau’s defense while giving the offense consistent scoring.
Miami Heat
Franchise star forward Jimmy Butler will lead a healthier Heat team into the postseason as long as Erik Spoelstra is the coach.
Indiana Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacer offense were number one almost all of last season. Many will tune in to see if Indiana can do it again.
The Pacers rode the league’s best offense to the conference finals and came up short in three of their four losses to eventual champion Boston. Viewers are excited to see how coach Rick Carlisle and his roster replicate last season’s success with the franchise stars signed long-term.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland’s another year better and closer to having their franchise stars in their prime. Last year’s postseason elimination taught them how to play more physical against better defenses, rebound better and the importance of second chance scoring opportunities. The Cavaliers will be tested by veteran teams but have enough talent to make the postseason.
Orlando Magic
No one attacks the basket harder than Orlando’s Paolo Banchero (5).
Orlando’s 2023-24 season was predictable. The Magic are a rising team with a lot of young talent learning how to win. Signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was a good addition at shooting guard. Depth at center and power forward will help throughout the year.
Philadelphia 76ers
Although Philadelphia lost Tobias Harris in free agency, Paul George, Kelly Oubre and Reggie Jackson are the needed guard and forward depth that should take all the scoring pressure off center and former league MVP Joel Embiid.
Play-in losing teams: Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks
The western conferences two year championship run snapped last season. After an interesting playoffs, Dallas lost in the finals 4-1. Most western teams made major moves once the offseason began. Viewers have interest in the stacked northwest division and how every team in the pacific could make the playoffs. Teams like Memphis could break out and have a longer playoff run. The conference champion Mavericks have a tough task to getting back to the finals.
That’s a lot to process, so let’s focus on which eight teams have the best chances of making the western conference playoffs.
Denver Nuggets
(Left to right) League MVP Nikola Jokic and teammate Aaron Gordon should have another dominant season.
League MVP Nikola Jokic wants payback after missing the conference finals. Denver’s depth makes them the top pick to clinch a playoff spot in the west.
Memphis Grizzlies
Injuries shouldn’t be a problem this season even if star point guard Ja Morant is suspended again. Memphis drafting Yuki Kawamura adds to an explosive offense and physical defense.
Phoenix Suns
This is an important year for Kevin Durant and Phoenix’s championship aspirations.
The Suns have a great trio with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Now they have the depth with Monte Morris and Grayson Allen at guard and forward. Phoenix needs a fast start and better chemistry after a wasted 2023-24 season.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota was great last year, but they could be better this season. Trading Karl-Anthony Towns was a great move because it brought in better players who are physical on defense and not afraid to drive to the basket on offense. Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are upgrades at the forward positions while the Timberwolves kept their center and guard depth. Minnesota is a top contender for the first overall seed in the west.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was close in the league MVP running last year. Oklahoma City has a chance at a high playoff seed because of him running the offense.
The young Thunder were great last year. Then they traded Josh Giddey to Chicago for Alex Caruso. The veteran guard tandem of Caruso and last year’s highly praised league MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can elevate Oklahoma City into another top playoff seed and go further in the postseason. The Thunder also added depth at forward.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas has one of the best guard tandems in the league and should get more contributions from center Daniel Gafford this season. The Mavericks will be fun to watch.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State’s Stephen Curry will have to do more after Klay Thompson signed with Dallas.
It’s a big year for the Warriors. Klay Thompson left in free agency and coach Steve Kerr has to give the younger players more minutes. We’ll find out how Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II and Andrew Wiggins adjust to these changes the first month of the season. Brandin Podziemski should have a breakout year starting at shooting guard.
Sacramento Kings
There’s too much talent for Sacramento not to miss the playoffs. Coach Mike Brown should have an easier season now that there’s better forward depth.
Play-in losing teams: Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs
The conference finals went faster than many expected. Dallas dominated Minnesota in five games while Boston swept Indiana. The Celtics lost only two games in three eastern conference matchups. Whoever wins this year’s championship deserves the praise and accolades. It’s time to break down which franchise has the best chance of winning a championship and raising a banner in the NBA’s 77th season.
#5 Dallas Mavericks v. #1 Boston Celtics
Boston and Dallas quickly eliminated the young and inexperienced Pacers and Timberwolves in the conference finals. After not playing for at least a week, both teams will start a chess match of a championship series. While there are many similarities with the star duos and both head coaches are in their first finals, the Celtics and Mavericks differ in roster depth, veteran experience in previous finals appearances and the number of possible adjustments.
Both Dallas and Boston have great guard duos, but the Celtics can counter with their talent at center and forward.
Dallas extending this series depends on how well elite guard duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving perform. Forwards P.J. Washington and Maxi Kleber have to play their best series with how much depth and talent Boston has at center and forward. Coach Jason Kidd must decide early in the series which offensive matchups he likes best and how the Mavericks will capitalize on more scoring opportunities.
There couldn’t be more pressure on coach Joe Mazzulla to win this round. Boston has more than size and experience advantages. It’s possible we see Derrick White guarding Doncic and Jrue Holiday locking down Irving most of the series. Dallas center Daniel Gafford will struggle against Kristaps Porzingis or Al Horford, no matter who starts. Last but not least, the Mavericks have no answer for the forward duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Boston’s roster depth makes this a fast series. Coach Jason Kidd is limited in moves and matchup changes before the Celtics inevitably tire Dallas’ younger roster and secure a comfortable finals victory.
Prediction: Boston Celtics defeat Dallas 4-1 and win their 18th Larry O’Brien Trophy
JD's Sportscorner 