As the 2024-25 NBA season draws near, five teams are widely seen as the top contenders for the championship. The Boston Celtics, who are the current favorites after winning the 2024 NBA title, lead the charge with their strong core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and offseason acquisitions.  Right behind them are the Denver Nuggets, led by the unstoppable Nikola Jokić, aim to maintain their Western Conference dominance. The Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and Oklahoma City Thunder are also serious contenders, each bolstered by offseason moves that have strengthened their squads.  With these teams in prime position to make deep playoff runs, this NBA season promises to be highly competitive.

1. Boston Celtics

The Celtics are the favorites to win the 2025 NBA Championship, boasting +300 odds as of September 2024. Last season, the Celtics finished with a league-best 57-25 record, advancing to the NBA Finals before ultimately claiming the franchise’s 18th title. 

Led by Jayson Tatum, a five-time All-Star, and Jaylen Brown, the duo has formed one of the most formidable tandems in the league. The addition of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason has strengthened their defense and historic offensive versatility. These moves along with a lot of other green flags, combined with the Celtics’ already strong core that includes Derrick White, give them the best chance to repeat as champions in 2025.

2. Denver Nuggets

The defending Western Conference champions are second in odds to win the title, with +750. Coming off a stellar 2023-24 season, where they finished 53-29, the Nuggets rode the success of two-time MVP Nikola Jokić to reach the Western Conference Finals. With a young and talented core featuring Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., Denver’s high-caliber offense and improved defense make them strong contenders. The team did lose a core piece and that brings up questions. The Nuggets were facing financial decisions that impacted their ability to retain KCP. Due to salary cap constraints and luxury tax concerns, Denver was unable to re-sign Caldwell-Pope, who became an unrestricted free agent. His departure was a significant loss for the team as he was an important contributor during their 2023 NBA championship run, especially known for his defense and three-point shooting. The continued development of their supporting cast, coupled with the potential to make strategic mid-season additions, keeps them near the top of the league’s power rankings.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2024-25 NBA season as one of the top contenders for the championship, bolstered by a young core and exciting prospects. Many talking heads at TNT, ESPN, Gamechampions, and other reputable gambling sites have the Thunder winning the West. Last season, the Thunder impressed with a solid regular season, finishing in the upper echelons of the Western Conference. 

Their young star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), emerged as one of the premier guards in the league, leading the team in scoring and playmaking. SGA was joined by a budding supporting cast, including Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, each of whom contributed significantly to the team’s progress. Holmgren’s defensive presence added balance to the Thunder’s lineup, which is packed with young talent and depth.

Despite their relative inexperience in playoff basketball, Oklahoma City is positioned to make a deeper playoff run this year. Their odds of competing for the 2024-25 NBA Championship have improved, with sportsbooks giving them favorable odds (+700), making them one of the top contenders in the West behind only a few veteran-laden teams like the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns​. The team also made strategic moves in the offseason, such as signing center Isiah Hartenstein and defensive-minded Alex Caruso, which improves their overall defense and rebounding, key areas needed for playoff success. However, their lack of playoff experience could pose challenges, as the team will need to navigate high-pressure situations against veteran teams. Nevertheless, with their youth, talent, and strong coaching, the Thunder have positioned themselves as legitimate title contenders this season.

4. Philadelphia 76ers

Tied with the New York Knicks for the third-best odds (+900), the 76ers are once again among the league’s elite. Joel Embiid, last year’s MVP, is the foundation of the team. Despite questions about Embiid’s health, Tyrese Maxey’s rise and the addition of Paul George solidify the team’s position as a top contender and the league’s best Big Three. Last season, the Sixers finished 51-31 and reached the second round of the playoffs. If the 76ers can stay healthy, their mix of offensive firepower and defensive prowess will make them a tough opponent come playoff time.

5. New York Knicks

The Knicks have dramatically improved their odds this season, also sitting at +900 to win the championship. Coming off a successful 47-35 season and a strong playoff performance, the Knicks have made significant strides. Their offseason trade for Karl-Anthony Towns, an elite scorer and rebounder, was seen as a power move by the Knicks. The acquisition of KAT alongside, the trade that brought over Mikal Bridges, and  the development of Jalen Brunson  provides a much more versatile and consistent offense. Brunson’s playmaking combined with Towns’ inside-out presence, Bridges’ consistency, and Jason Hart crashing the boards positions the Knicks as serious contenders for the first time in years.

6. Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks head into the 2024-25 NBA season with renewed optimism, largely due to their roster’s significant upgrades and the synergy between Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Last season, the Mavericks struggled at the trade deadline, sitting at the 8th seed. However, their decision to acquire players like P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford helped them finish the season strong, climbing to the 5th seed and earning a spot in the playoffs. They ended up making an impressive run to the Western Conference Finals before being eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves​.

One of the Mavericks’ most crucial offseason moves was signing Klay Thompson, a four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors. Thompson, known for his elite three-point shooting and playoff experience, is expected to complement the Mavericks’ already strong backcourt of Dončić and Irving. Thompson’s ability to space the floor and play within a third-option role makes him a key addition to the team’s championship aspirations. Dallas also brought back Spencer Dinwiddie and added Quentin Grimes, strengthening their bench depth and defensive capabilities​.

With these additions, the Mavericks aim to build on their playoff success from last season and establish themselves as serious contenders in the Western Conference. Head coach Jason Kidd has a talented roster capable of competing at the highest level, and the combination of offensive firepower and defensive improvements gives them a strong chance of making another deep playoff run​

7. Phoenix Suns

The Suns hold +1600 odds to win the title, making them the highest-ranked team from the West outside of Denver. Despite a second-round exit last season, Phoenix boasts one of the most star-studded rosters in the league, featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. They finished with a 45-37 record but made waves with their midseason acquisition of Durant. In the offseason, they bolstered their bench with several key role players to complement their top-heavy roster. If their stars can remain healthy and the chemistry develops, Phoenix will be a formidable opponent.

As the 2024-25 season begins, the landscape of the NBA has never been more exciting, with several teams poised for a championship push. The Celtics and Nuggets, with their proven success, are favorites, but teams like the Knicks, 76ers, and Suns are all viable threats due to their impressive rosters and offseason improvements. Each of these franchises is looking to capitalize on their unique strengths, and with health, strategy, and perhaps a bit of luck, any one of them could be holding the trophy at season’s end. Fans and analysts alike will eagerly watch how this thrilling season unfolds, with a potential champion emerging from this highly competitive group.