It’s finally NBA time. With Boston Celtics-New York Knicks scheduled for 1.30am Italian time on Wednesday 23 October, the 2024/2025 season will officially begin.
The reigning champions are the Celtics led by stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. They are still the favourites, but among the teams in the Eastern Conference according to Snai, the renewed New York Knicks stand out among the possible candidates for the title. In the west, however, on the eve of the tournament, Italy’s best-known bookmaker lists the Dallas Mavericks, second last season, and the Minnesota Timberwolves among the teams to beat compared to the competition, starting with Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets but also Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets. Let the most spectacular basketball tournament in the world begin. There will be many matches to bet on and take advantage of for fans of the ball game of the Snai bonus analyzed by Sportytrader.
As mentioned, in the East the strongest teams are undoubtedly the Celtics and the Knicks. The defending champions have had a strange summer with Tatum having a disappointing Olympic experience and Jalen Brown getting snubbed by Team USA. It’s also worth noting that Kristaps Porzingis is still injured and the impact of his absence could be felt. That said, the Celtics certainly remain the title favorites. But even the Knicks’ staunchest detractors will have to admit that injuries were a major factor for them last season, especially in the playoffs. A full roster, with the recent addition of Karl-Anthony Towns, could steamroll their way through. If Joel Embiid stays healthy, Philadelphia also becomes a threat that could go deep into the playoffs. There isn’t the same hope for Charlotte, but the Hornets will certainly become a more relevant team with a healthy LaMelo Ball.
As usual, the West is the most competitive and therefore least predictable Conference. The Mavs were defeated in last season’s Finals, but they could very well make it to the final act again. In addition to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, this could be Naz Reid’s breakthrough year. The NBA landscape is changing, and with many of the superstars about to start walking into the sunset, it’s time for the young ones to step up: Anthony Edwards was sensational last year and with the addition of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo from Knicks, Minnesota could go all the way.
But also watch out for the Oklahoma City Thunder: OKC has a stronger team than last year with the addition of Alex Caruso and is ready to wreak havoc. Let’s not forget the Nuggets if Jamal Murray stays healthy. Jokic is still MVP caliber and the team remains one of the strongest in the West. The Suns performed below expectations last year, but an in-form Kevin Durant changes everything. Devin Booker also had a great summer, earning a lot of respect at the Paris Olympics. The fact that they were swept in last season’s playoffs will only fuel their desire for redemption.
With all this competition, it wouldn’t be surprising if we were to see a Western Conference team lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy this year.
