The NBA’s regular season is back, and I’m very excited. New teams have been assembled, champions are trying to repeat, former glory teams are trying to climb to the top again, and fans even have new storylines to follow.
In today’s article, I will break down each conference, going team by team, and predicting their record for the upcoming season.
As a side note, in a separate article, I will address my predictions for major award winners and what team will win the NBA Finals.
Western Conference:
Minnesota Timberwolves | 55-27 (First Seed)
Even though Minnesota traded away Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, the Timberwolves are still going to be a major threat in the West. In fact, it’ll land them with the best record to have the first seed.
By getting DiVincenzo, Minnesota can now have more confidence in their guard rotation and three-point abilities. Spacing should also be considerably better now that the Rudy Gobert and Towns experiment is over.
Plus, Anthony Edwards will continue to get better; remember, not much has changed with this team, as this is the same organization who knocked off the (former) reigning champs, the Denver Nuggets.
The momentum they had last season, including the postseason, will carry into this season.
Phoenix Suns | 53-29 (Second Seed)
What Phoenix showed last season was embarrassing and downright ugly; fans, including myself, have known their struggles for months now. However, their “struggles” are now dwindling away.
One of their biggest issues was not having a real point guard, but that’s now been solved with an underrated Tyus Jones and Monte Morris. Plus, Mike Budenholzer is the better coach than Frank Vogel, so the intensity and passing ability will be increasingly better.
Another thing that will change, which is something Budenholzer preaches, is their attack mentality, being aggressive, and not squandering leads or giving up come the late parts of the second half.
Even though people are sleeping on this team due to their failures, if Kevin Durant and Devin Booker rekindle their spark, their mojo, then this is going to be a deadly team led by two of best in the league.
Oklahoma City Thunder | 52-30 (Third Seed)
Adding Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein to their roster was some of their smarter decisions they’ve made in a while; it only cost them Josh Giddey and money, which isn’t bad at all.
When this team is fully healthy, specifically Hartenstein, this team is going to wreck havoc to their opponents. Oklahoma City is going to pick up where they left off last season, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and others are going to continue to grow.
Chet Holmgren is going to look improved, same for both Williams. This whole roster is going to look complete and under fantastic coaching.
This is going to be one of their more dominant seasons in franchise history; maybe even a little more dominant than the superteam the Thunder had many years ago.
New Orleans Pelicans | 50-32 (Fourth Seed)
Is Herbert Jones a typical center? No. Should he even be playing that position? No. However, with them losing Jonas Valančiūnas in free agency to the Washington Wizards, New Orleans have been forced to pivot.
Despite that glaring issue, which could be minimized, the Pelicans did acquire Dejounte Murray. They had a backcourt issue and they were able to resolve it, and it didn’t cost them much. Dyson Daniels, some bench players, and two first-rounders were all that was given up for the talented point guard.
This organization finally has a dependable two-way ball-handling stud, which is something they lacked last season. Plus, takes pressure off the team when Zion Williamson is injured.
Another thing to point out is a potential trade shipping away Brandon Ingram. If they were to do a trade, it would be to benefit one of their glaring needs and ultimately solidify them as playoff contenders.
Even if they keep Ingram, New Orleans will still have that playoff edge.
Denver Nuggets | 50-32 (Fifth Seed)
Russell Westbrook will add relief to this team, however, Denver losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic was a detrimental blow. They’ve been losing critical pieces since their NBA Finals run back in 2023. First, Bruce Brown. Now, KCP.
Westbrook isn’t the glorious savior Denver will be hoping for, if Jamal Murray struggles or gets injured. However, they have a lot of talent on this roster ranging from Christian Braun (who now needs to step it up as a permanent starter) to Nikola Jokic to Aaron Gordon.
They’ll for sure be a playoff team, but depth, like proven last season, will be an issue. However, enough talent will see them win 50 games.
Dallas Mavericks | 49-33 (Sixth Seed)
This year may be a regressing year for the Mavericks, as last season they won 50 games and I would be shocked if they did again.
Klay Thompson is out of his prime, gotten old too fast, and will be a liability rather than a reliability for Dallas. Signing him was a negative, and then losing Derrick Jones Jr. is piling onto the negatives. Can’t have an ineffective shooter and perimeter defense, which was Jones’ role.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will be incredible as always, as Luka may even win MVP. However, to say they are an NBA Finals team is hard to picture this season. Many teams in the West, not accounting for the East, have gotten better. They’ve stayed the same, if not have gotten worse.
However, they are still a top team and will perform to their expectations for this upcoming season.
Sacramento Kings | 46-36 (Seventh Seed)
Nobody loves DeMar DeRozan more than me, however, them acquiring him was a very questionable move. On the surface, he has the fire power and will to lead teams to be successful. However, there are concerns.
Some of the biggest question marks would be his defensive liabilities and how Sacramento needs help on that side of the ball. Plus, can he fit with the style of Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox?
Those questions and concerns will probably be more for the postseason, as they have enough talent, in their prime, or continuing to progress nicely, that they’ll be able to avoid falling down deep into the play-in tournament.
Houston Rockets | 46-36 (Eighth Seed)
Ime Udoka’s team continues to be an impressive underdog taking the NBA world by storm; not many expected Houston to have a couple of shining, lasting, bursts of energy and notable victories last season.
With Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green locked down, there are no background noise. It is strictly basketball.
Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson will continue to flourish in their respective roles, plus Reed Sheppard will shine as a top-five rookie this season. People should be excited to see the guard go to work this year.
They do not have a weak position, as everyone is looking secure in their lines and are ready to make an impact. This is definitely a playoff-caliber team.
Golden State Warriors | 45-37 (Ninth Seed)
Golden State is no longer the “wow” team, they may even miss the postseason. The only hope the Warriors got in having a respectable season is Stephen Curry’s shooting ability.
The center position, led by Draymond Green (who is pretty much worthless at this point), is at their weakest in years. Jonathan Kuminga is strong, but Kyle Anderson isn’t the greatest backup. Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield are going to have to pick it up to help Curry.
Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II are some of the worst players, in terms of consistency and output, the Warriors have had in a while.
Dark days ahead for the Golden State Warriors.
Memphis Grizzlies | 42-40 (Tenth Seed)
This team used to be known as a playoff team, but ever since injuries and Ja Morant’s antics, this team has heavily regressed. They haven’t been the same since facing the Warriors in the postseason a while back.
However, I still believe they are a winning organization who will sneak in for the final play-in spot. Their starting five is a solid one, as Zach Edey is going to have plenty of positive moments to keep himself on this line.
While the second line is spotty, Luke Kennard’s three-point abilities will continue to help them. This is just a mediocre team currently with them having an up-and-down season.
San Antonio Spurs | 40-42 (Eleventh Seed)
With the rookie and veteran additions they’ve made to this roster, the San Antonio Spurs should make a huge leap up to 40 wins.
I know this is aggressive, however, Victor Wembanyama is only going to get better and you have veteran leadership from players like Chris Paul to make a major impact on the younger guys.
Plus, the amount of known, proven, commodities on this roster is too good not to get a 40-win record. Also, check for the playmaking and scoring abilities of Stephon Castle. He will be used very early on in his rookie season.
Los Angeles Lakers | 37-45 (Twelfth Seed)
This may be the most shocking West team to fall, but the Lakers are a mediocre team that needs a total revamp. Dalton Knecht is going to shine, it’s going to be lovely. However, not Bronny James.
Only one rookie will make a (positive) lasting impact in Los Angeles, which will be exciting to see. The only consistent, reliable players on this roster is LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The rest of the roster have fallen in utter obscurity. It’s rather sad to see.
The amount of inconsistency on this roster, no physicality, and little-to-no intensity will be their greatest downfall. You know it’s bad when San Antonio will have a better record than you.
Los Angeles Clippers | 36-48 (Thirteenth Seed)
Los Angeles should vote to remove both of these teams for the upcoming season because the amount of misery they are going to endure is actually depressing.
Kawhi Leonard has fallen off the face of the universe due to injuries, sadly. I applaud them getting Derrick Jones Jr., however, letting go Paul George, when you could have gotten something in return, is a fatal error.
It makes it worse that they chose to pay Leonard, a man who is never healthy, a lot of money instead of building this team into something fruitful. They either have aging, slowly dying player or mediocre players who can’t show up when it matters the most. There is no in-between, and there is no positives.
I weep for the future of this organization.
Utah Jazz | 20-62 (Fourteenth Seed)
This team has a lot of young pieces that need time to develop, understand the NBA better, and gel with their teammates. This is not a bad roster, rather an inconsistent roster where they’ll be fighting for a high lottery pick instead of a deep postseason run.
The biggest things to watch is the development of Taylor Hendricks and Keyonte George; I’m excited to watch their games this season. Also, the two rookies: Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier. Two rookies I’ve raved about since the week of the draft.
For the fans of Utah, please don’t get your hopes up. Have a second team to root for.
Portland Trail Blazers | 11-71 (Fifteenth Seed)
This team needs to blow up their roster completely and probably trade players like Jerami Grant and Deandre Ayton. The potential talent on this team is good, but Portland needs to wheel and deal this dreadful season to have a brighter future.
Donovan Clingan, Deni Avdija, Anfernee Simons, and the second year of Scoot Henderson will be the most interesting to watch.
Eastern Conference:
All 15 teams have been assessed in the Western Conference, now let’s turn to the Eastern Conference now.
Boston Celtics | 65-17 (First Seed)
Last season, Boston won 64 games. This season, they’ll remain on top by winning an extra game. There are no weaknesses to this team, they are the complete package, which is why they are the reigning champs.
If a team, East or West, wants to win it all, it has to be by dethroning the Boston Celtics. There isn’t too much to say about this franchise.
New York Knicks | 57-25 (Second Seed)
Despite Karl-Anthony Towns not being the greatest defensive player in the world, he is one of the better offensive big men in the NBA right now. The pick-and-roll with him and Jalen Brunson is going to be electrifying, the spacing will be better, and he is a wonderful stretch big.
New York’s biggest hole was the center position, which has been filled. Do they have depth issues? Yes. Do they have zero cap flexibility for the future? Yes. However, in saying all that, they are in a win-now mode.
The Knicks are putting all their eggs into one basket, which is going to be generational for some New York fans. The biggest concerns will hit them in the postseason, but, for now, this is going to be a terrific regular season.
You’re about to see one of the most electrifying starting lineups this season. Get ready.
Cleveland Cavaliers | 56-26 (Third Seed)
Most of the team is locked into long-term contracts, so there should be no more outside distractions. The Cavaliers are looking as strong as ever, no more battling injuries, and will be ready to go for their season opener.
Nothing much has changed with this roster, which, for once, is a good thing, as this is a playoff-contending roster when healthy. They made a tremendous push for the postseason when not fully healthy, so imagine what they’ll be when everyone’s at full blast.
This will be the best Cleveland season since LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Kyrie Irving.
Orlando Magic | 51-31 (Fourth Seed)
Last season, the Magic showed glimpses of them being a serious threat in the East. Now, this season, Orlando will be a top contender in the East. I project them to gel together and be the most dynamic, explosive, efficient they’ve ever been.
Orlando’s biggest need was a shooter, which they solved by adding veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. What makes him even better, more than a shooter, is his ability to play defense and space the floor. For the backcourt, that was an issue.
Besides that, they have great depth with a solid (rising) starting five. This is going to be a magical time for them (see what I did there).
Indiana Pacers | 50-32 (Fifth Seed)
Indiana won 47 games last season, this season, they’ll be winning 50 games. They had a tremendous playoff run where they did give the Celtics a good fight until the end, and I project the Pacers having another monster run this season.
Everyone from Tyrese Haliburton to Pascal Siakam to Andrew Nembhard are going to get better. This is a young, still-developing roster and they have a high expectations because they are a rising playoff-contending team.
The Pacers are going to continue to ride off last season’s momentum and make it even better for the 2024-25 season.
Philadelphia 76ers | 50-32 (Sixth Seed)
For them, Philly has a lot of talent and can, and will, win 50 games this season. However, beyond that, the 76ers aren’t any better than they were last season.
Joel Embiid is an overrated player who is constantly injured, which contributes to him being an overrated player who disappears when times are real or tough. Paul George’s contract isn’t as bad as Ben Simmons, but it is up there.
Like I’ve mentioned before, they have the talent to win 50 games; however, Tyrese Maxey is going to have to carry this team like he did last season.
Milwaukee Bucks | 49-33 (Seventh Seed)
The 2021 Milwaukee Bucks are gone, they aren’t returning and probably will never return to those glory days.
This team has two of the top players in the league: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, which is amazing, right? It is, but Lillard hasn’t always been the most consistent at staying healthy. Plus, speaking of health, Khris Middleton’s production is failing like his health.
When people start to factor in their depth, it is very limited and iffy. Milwaukee had quality minimum signings like Gary Trent Jr. and Tauren Prince, but nothing to move the needle to be anything more than a play-in team.
Miami Heat | 42-40 (Eighth Seed)
This is such a weird situation, as the Heat aren’t bad and they aren’t great. They are currently in the middle of the pack with a fine roster, could it improve? Sure, but it isn’t play-in bad. However, that’s where they are going to end up for another season.
Miami is a tough team to try to predict where they are going to end up, if they are healthy enough, and nothing happens to Jimmy Butler, then they’ll make it for a decent postseason run.
Atlanta Hawks | 37-45 (Ninth Seed)
With no Dejounte Murray, this could quickly become the Jalen Johnson show and have a great breakout season. However, even if Trae Young and Johnson had spectacular seasons, it wouldn’t be enough to cobble together a winning season.
Even with the losing record, Atlanta would still be a play-in team. A small victory for the rebuilding franchise.
They have a fine squad with the additions of Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher. This is a true rebuilding team that needs to time to glue the pieces together and let players develop.
Toronto Raptors | 35-47 (Tenth Seed)
Last season, Toronto won 25 games. This season, I would expect improvement. Even though it’s only ten games, those ten games would allow them a shot into the play-in tournament.
Fans will see Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett help give them the spark to have a decent (in terms of rebuilding) season. Plus, look out for Gradey Dick to have an improving season.
I know these are just baby steps, but progress is progress and should be celebrated.
Chicago Bulls | 26-56 (Eleventh Seed)
The talent is obviously there for them to win games, but there is so much outside noise right now that it’s not strictly focused on basketball. The biggest questions surrounding them is how Lonzo Ball will do this season, as he attempts to make his incredible comeback.
Plus, how Zach LaVine will fit into this team and whether or not he will be dealt somewhere. There’s also this transition of power (if you want to put it like that) of removing DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso and replacing them with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.
This season is going to be a long one for Chicago fans, with them being another team too hard to judge what is exactly going to happen. However, look to see how the rookies does. He will have many opportunities to shine and to prove himself to the organization.
Detroit Pistons | 25-57 (Twelfth Seed)
Believe it or not, Detroit is improving. Fans must look beyond the record, as if Cade Cunningham can stay healthy, they have a shot to gel together and win games.
We are all eager to see what Ron Holland can do on the court, as this is going to be a no-pressure year for him to understand the ropes of what’s happening in the NBA. Plus, seeing another developing year of Jalen Duren is going to be exciting.
Detroit is starting to pick up the pieces and solve the puzzle, it’s just taking a little more time than what many were hoping for.
In this season, the biggest names to focus on would be Cunningham, Marcus Sasser, Ausar Thompson, Duren, and Holland. This is the team’s future.
Charlotte Hornets | 23-59 (Thirteenth Seed)
Like the Pistons, the Charlotte Hornets are improving, it’s just taking a little longer than what many wanted. The biggest areas of concern is health, LaMelo Ball, and having a consistent second line.
For Charlotte, they may have to tinker with the trade market to see if they can trade players like Grant Williams and Nick Richards, two players who don’t belong on this team.
Players like Brandon Miller are going to be crucial to watch because his development means everything to the state of this franchise. Him and Ball are the deciding factor of if they are going to relavant soon or not.
For now, the draft will be their postseason.
Brooklyn Nets | 17-65 (Fourteenth Seed)
I’d expect veteran players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Cam Johnson to be on the chop block next as this is a full-blown rebuild, which was made clear when they traded away Mikal Bridges.
Brooklyn looks to be keeping only young players and mediocre players in their quest for a very valuable draft pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Sorry in advance, Brooklyn.
Washington Wizards | 15-67 (Fifteenth Seed)
Washington has a lot of talent that doesn’t blend together, which is why they’ll take this season to probably trade players like Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole.
They want to see younger talent, more hopeful talent, like Alexander Sarr, Corey Kispert, Bub Carrington, and Bilal Coulibaly shine.
If I had to take a guess at their end goal, it is to be as bad as humanly possible to try to win the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. Imagine a roster headlined by Sarr and Flagg, it would be incredible.
For now, they are embracing the ugly for a brighter future.
Conclusion:
All 30 teams have been assessed, as a lot of them have the potential to do great things in this league. Including the rebuilding teams, as some of them are closer than what some may think.
As mentioned in the beginning of this article, another article detailing who’s winning the major awards and how the postseason will unfold will be released very soon.
the NBA’s 2024-25 season officially begins tonight, October 22nd, with the Lakers-Timberwolves and Knicks-Celtics.
