NBA

Here’s 10 Hot Takes to Bet on for the 2025 NBA Season

The 2025 NBA season is approximately 25% done with most teams having played 20 or so games. The league has multiple narratives and storylines with the return of Ja Morant, LeBron James in the twilight of their careers, Nikola Jokic going down as one of the top ten players of all-time, and the NBA Cup reshaping the early season. The 2024-25 season promises to deliver both on and off the court.

From MVP races to championship contenders, breakout stars to potential trades, this season offers plenty to keep fans and bettors on edge. Whether you’re looking for dark horses or betting on the league’s biggest names to make history, the storylines ahead are too enticing to ignore. Let’s dive into 10 of our boldest takes you’ll want to keep an eye on as the 2025 NBA season unfolds.

1. LeBron James Will Retire After This Season

As LeBron James approaches 40, discussions about his retirement are becoming louder than just whispers. Despite his age, James continues to defy limits, recently delivering a remarkable 39-point triple-double. However, now that he’s lived his dream of playing with his son Bronny, he has acknowledged that his “time is very limited” in the NBA, signaling that his legendary career is nearing its end. Combined with the Lakers’ inconsistent season, this has fueled speculation about when the league will lose one of its most iconic players – a short list that likely only includes Michael Jordan.

LeBron’s departure will be a major turning point for the NBA, which faces the challenge of finding a new global face to match his unmatched influence. His ability to transcend the game and become a cultural icon has been critical to the league’s global growth. As James continues to perform at an elite level, he sets a high bar for longevity and professionalism. The NBA is entering a generational transition, and LeBron’s eventual retirement will mark the end of perhaps the greatest NBA career the league has ever seen.

2. LaMelo Ball Will Lead NBA in Scoring

LaMelo Ball came into this season with a new mindset and we’re seeing it on the court. Already the face of the Hornets, Ball has emerged as the prolific scorer for the Charlotte Hornets, achieving career milestones in the 2024-25 season. Notably, he recorded a career high 50-point game against the Milwaukee Bucks, showing off his ability to score the ball. Averaging 31.1 points per game, Ball ranks second in the NBA, just behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. LaMelo’s elevated usage rate has something to do with his increased scoring in the Hornets’ offense. However, despite his individual success and a highly-likely second appearance in the NBA All-Star Game, the Hornets have struggled collectively, holding a 6-12 record.

3. Steph Curry Will Win His Fifth NBA Ring

If Stephen Curry wins a fifth NBA championship, his legacy would soar, especially as it would be Steph’s third title without Kevin Durant. It would silence critics questioning his ability to lead a team independently (again). This achievement would solidify his role as the cornerstone of the Warriors dynasty and prove his impact transcends the presence of other superstars.

Given the NBA odds are working against the Golden State Warriors, but as the world found out, never bet against Curry.

Winning a second Finals MVP would further validate Curry’s postseason greatness. While his 2022 Finals MVP helped dispel doubts, a second would cement him as a clutch performer under pressure. It would underscore his consistency and dominance, even as younger stars emerge.

A fifth ring and another Finals MVP would elevate Curry’s standing among the all-time greats. There’s already rumbles that he’s above Magic Johnson. In any case, Curry’s ability to build and sustain a dynasty through revolutionary play and leadership. It would distinguish him from his fellow legends who relied on superteams, demonstrating his success with organically built squads (the system is built around him). For Curry, a fifth championship would be a career-defining moment, placing him in the conversation as one of basketball’s top five players – below Jordan and LeBron, but perhaps above Magic, Bird, and Kobe.

4. Giannis will Leave the Bucks

Milwaukee isn’t winning enough and Giannis isn’t happy about that. In the face of early-season struggles, the Milwaukee Bucks have dismissed any trade discussions involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. The organization remains committed to building around their star player, labeling external trade inquiries as unrealistic. Antetokounmpo continues to deliver strong performances. Giannis has shown his frustration, been more vocal with his leadership this season and that has been instrumental in the team’s efforts to overcome challenges and improve their standing. Now they’re on a bit of a winning streak, so we’ll see how it plays out. We still think Antetokounmpo will request a trade sooner than later.

5. OKC Thunder Won’t Win the Championship

Yes they are looking good and #1 in the west, but their players are not experienced enough. The Oklahoma City Thunder have taken a significant jump, finishing the previous season with a 57-25 record. Despite being named favorites by many an expert, we just don’t think they have the requisite experience. However, their relatively young roster – led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander –  may face challenges in the postseason due to limited playoff experience, which could impact their championship aspirations.

Chet Holmgren’s injury history has significantly impacted the Oklahoma City Thunder’s championship hopes. After missing his entire rookie season due to a Lisfranc injury, Holmgren suffered another setback in 2024 with a hip fracture, sidelining him for 8-10 weeks. His absence leaves a void in the Thunder’s frontcourt, affecting their defensive and offensive balance despite strong team metrics.

The Thunder have adjusted with smaller lineups and contributions from players like Isaiah Hartenstein, but Holmgren’s recurring injuries raise concerns about his durability. His health and development are critical to the team’s long-term success, making his rehabilitation essential for their championship aspirations. Without him at full strength, OKC’s path to contention becomes significantly more challenging. The team’s development and cohesion will be critical factors as they aim to translate regular-season success into deep playoff runs.

6. This is James Harden’s Last Great Season

Whether you like or dislike Harden, you better enjoy him this season because this will be the last season he plays at an all-star level. While this isn’t the James Harden of 5-6 years ago, he has continued to perform at a high level, averaging 21.6 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.8 rebounds over this season. However, as he advances in age, sustaining All-Star caliber play may become increasingly challenging, suggesting this could be his final season at such a level. Harden’s recent achievement of surpassing 3,000 career three-pointers – #2 all time to Steph Curry — underscores The Beard’s enduring impact on the game.

7. Jared McCain is NBA’s Rookie of the Year

Remember all that talk of Zach Edey, Bub Carrington or Reed Shepard as Rookie of the Year? Jared McCain has emerged as a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year with the Philadelphia 76ers. Selected 16th overall, McCain has capitalized on increased playing time due to injuries to Paul George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The young UNC product is averaging 13.5 points per game in under 19 minutes of play. His early season impressive performances have positioned him ahead of higher draft picks in the Rookie of the Year race. McCain’s recent recognition as the NBA’s Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for November shows how NBA-ready the quirky rookie has been.

8. Houston Rocket will flame out in first round

They’re off to a great start and will continue winning games with their excellent, physical defense, but like OKC, they’re too young and dumb to go deep in the postseason. The Houston Rockets have demonstrated defensive prowess, leading to a strong start in the 2024-25 season. However, their youthful roster led by Alperin Sengun, Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. may encounter difficulties in the playoffs, where experience often plays a crucial role. Sure they have Fred VanVleet, but at 6-0 tall FVV can only lift the Rockets so high. If history tells us anything, this postseason inexperience could result in an early postseason exit. The team’s continued growth and acquisition of veteran leadership will be essential to advancing further in future seasons.

9. Nikola Jokic Will Win His 4th NBA MVP award

Nikola Jokic continues to be a dominant force for the Denver Nuggets, leading the league in several statistical categories. As of December 2, 2024, Jokic is averaging a ridiculous 29.6 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game. His exceptional numbers keeps him at the top of any and all MVP candidates, making a fourth MVP award a distinct possibility. Jokić’s impact is further underscored by the Nuggets’ reliance on him; the team’s performance significantly declines when he is not on the court.

10. Boston Celtics Will Win Back-to-Back Championships

The least hottest take of all of them. the Boston Celtics are favored to win the 2024-25 championship after securing their 18th NBA title last season. The Celts are aiming to become the first team since 2018 to win back-to-back titles. Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have maintained a strong roster, positioning themselves as the title favorites in the league. Coming off being benched in the Olympics, Tatum’s performance has been particularly noteworthy, placing him third in the early MVP race. The team’s cohesion and depth continue to be significant assets as they pursue consecutive championships.

The 2024-25 NBA season is another year that blends history in the making, emerging young talent, and league-wide innovation. From legendary players hitting milestones to players making their first (of many) all-star appearances, don’t forget that the league is also introducing new competitive formats and fan engagement strategies. Whether it’s the thrill of the second annual NBA Cup, evolving team strategies, or groundbreaking off-court initiatives, the NBA is constantly pushing boundaries. With so many stories unfolding, the season is not only entertaining but also shaping the future of the game in profound ways.

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