2024-2025 NBA Season Predictions

The 2024-25 NBA season is here, and the Boston Celtics enter as defending champions after claiming their first title in 16 years. With their core intact, they are favorites to repeat and could become the first team since the Warriors to go back-to-back. But plenty of questions loom—can Nikola Jokić secure his fourth MVP award, or will last year’s runner-up, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, take the crown? Is Victor Wembanyama a lock for Defensive Player of the Year? And with the West wide open, who will rise to challenge the Celtics? We’ll break down all the major predictions, from Coach of the Year to Most Improved Player, Sixth Man of the Year, and more.

MVP:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Oklahoma City Thunder. (+400)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is poised to take home the 2024-25 NBA MVP award, cementing himself as the leader of the league’s best young team. The Oklahoma City Thunder, the youngest squad in the NBA, are no longer just a promising group—they're a powerhouse, and SGA is the driving force behind their rise. Last season, he put up elite numbers: 30.1 PPG, 6.2 APG, 5.5 RPG, and 2.0 SPG on an efficient 54% shooting. Expect those stats to climb even higher as his leadership continues to evolve. I expect the Thunder to finish with the best record in the West, maybe the league. There will be no denying Shai’s impact. When he lifts the MVP trophy, he’ll join Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook as the third player in OKC history to claim the honor.

Rookie of the Year:

Stephon Castle, G, San Antonio Spurs. (+700)

This year's Rookie of the Year will be a tough bet. This was an interesting and weak draft class. The value on some players is not worth it, (+700) on Castle is worth it. Stephon Castle steps into the Spurs' starting point guard role alongside Victor Wembanyama. With one of the league’s best young stars in Wemby and the legendary Gregg Popovich guiding them, Castle is in the perfect environment to thrive. Popovich will mold Castle and Wembanyama into one of the NBA’s top young duos, both now and in the years to come. Expect the Spurs to be aggressive at the trade deadline, making moves to maximize their roster while Wemby is still on his rookie deal. With a strong system, elite coaching, and a rising star next to him, Castle is in the ideal position to flourish. As long as injuries don’t slow them down, San Antonio will be in the playoff hunt, with Castle leading the charge for Rookie of the Year.

Coach of the Year:

Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets. (+3000)

Ime Udoka was thriving with the Boston Celtics before his tenure was cut short due to off-court issues, but that setback became Houston’s gain. The Rockets desperately needed a tough, disciplined coach to develop their young, talented core, and Udoka has been the perfect fit. Just two years ago, Houston was the laughingstock of the NBA, fighting for the No. 1 pick (landing Jalen Green at No. 3 instead). Last season, they took a huge step forward, finishing 41-41 and barely missing the Play-In Tournament. Now, with key additions like Fred VanVleet complementing their young core, the Rockets are poised to fight for a top-five seed in the West. Udoka’s leadership has transformed this franchise, and his impact will make him the clear choice for Coach of the Year. Houston, we have a problem.

Defensive Player of the Year:

Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs (+130)

Victor Wembanyama is the clear-cut favorite for the 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year award. As a rookie, he was already a top-two candidate and led the league in blocks, showcasing his elite shot-blocking and defensive versatility. This season, expect Wemby to take the next step and establish himself as one of the NBA’s premier stars. His defensive numbers will skyrocket, his impact on both ends of the floor will be undeniable, and he’ll secure his first All-Star selection. With his length, agility, and instincts, there’s no one better suited to dominate defensively—this award is Wembanyama’s to lose.

Sixth Man of the Year:

Payton Pritchard, G, Boston Celtics. (+3000)

Payton Pritchard may not be the obvious choice for Sixth Man of the Year, but sometimes, the best bets are the long shots. At +3000 odds, it’s a gamble worth taking—especially for Celtics fans (like me) who have seen firsthand how valuable Pritchard is off the bench. Last season, he stepped up in crucial moments, earned a contract extension, and embraced his role to perfection. Now, with Joe Mazzulla looking to add more firepower alongside the starting five, expect Pritchard to get even more opportunities to shine. He’s primed for the best season of his career, and if he delivers, don’t be surprised when his name is in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation.

Most Improved Player:

Cade Cunningham, G, Detroit Pistons. (+2000)

And now, for the worst award the NBA hands out—Most Improved Player! This award almost always goes to the wrong guy, and as Ja Morant once said, top-five picks shouldn’t even be considered. Unfortunately, Cade Cunningham (#1 pick in 2021) fits the mold perfectly this season, making him a prime candidate to win, especially with that +2000 value. If you put $100 on Cade, you’d cash out at $2,000—a solid bet given his trajectory. He’s improved every season, and now, in his fourth year, it’s time for him to take that next step and put the Pistons back on the map. Don’t be shocked when Detroit is fighting for a playoff spot, with Cade leading the charge and securing the Most Improved Player award along the way.

NBA Champions:

Boston Celtics (+300)

The Boston Celtics are built to go back-to-back, and unless something drastic happens, they’ll repeat as NBA champions. No team even came close to stopping them last season—they dominated every playoff series, either sweeping or winning in five games. This year, the target on their back is bigger, and teams will bring their best against the reigning champs, making the road tougher. Some believe the Thunder, Cavaliers, new-look Knicks, or Nuggets could challenge them, but the real threat in the East is the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis is a nightmare matchup for Boston, and with Damian Lillard alongside him, Milwaukee is the one team that could push them. But with Miami no longer a real threat after losing Jimmy Butler, it’s hard to see anyone in the East stopping the Celtics—except maybe the Bucks.