With the 2024/25 NBA season only a few days away, basketball fans worldwide are preparing for what promises to be a thrilling roller-coaster ride.
Read on as we offer four predictions for the upcoming campaign, starting with one which will not please NBA fans in Chicago.
Chicago Bulls Will Fail to Make the Play-Offs
The Chicago Bulls are desperate to recapture their glory days of the 1980s and 1990s when Michael Jordan and his teammates ruled the league.
However, they will likely endure another disappointing season by failing to reach the play-offs for the third successive season.
They have made some drastic moves this summer in a bid to shake things up, including sending DeMar DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings.
New arrivals Chris Duarte and Matas Buzelis are fairly uninspiring and the Bulls could struggle even with Zach Lavine returning from his long-term injury.
Breakout star Coby White was a surprise hit last season, but other teams will wise up to his scoring ability, making the season ahead daunting.
Celtics to Retain Their Crown
The Boston Celtics were a relentless force as they stormed to the 2023/24 NBA championship, and they look a good bet to retain the title.
The Celtics have kept the core of their roster, including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The versatile Lonnie Walker IV is an excellent addition.
Boston are the bookmakers’ 4/1 favourites to win the title and those odds will likely attract plenty of interest from NBA bettors worldwide.
Punters in the Republic of Ireland, where the Celtics have a sizeable fanbase, made a significant profit by wagering on the team last season.
Reliable betting platforms such as 22bet Ireland are guaranteed to be hit by a flurry of activity from Celtics supporters ahead of their season opener.
Another MVP Title for Giannis Antetokounmpo
While Milwaukee Bucks failed to keep pace with the Celtics last season, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered yet another epic campaign in the NBA.
He became the first player in NBA history to average at least 30 points and 10 rebounds while shooting over 60 percent from the field. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar came close to that feat in 1971.
The 29-year-old averaged 11.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 73 games and was selected to play in his eighth All-Star game. The Greek power forward is improving relentlessly.
His ability makes him a perennial MVP candidate. With the Bucks aiming for a top two seed in the Eastern Conference, Antetokounmpo is poised for another stellar season.
He will be out to prove himself again by spearheading the Bucks to a deep play-off run after their disappointing first-round exit last term. A third MVP win could be on the cards.
Warriors to Miss Klay Thompson
Golden State Warriors are preparing for their first season in 13 years without the hugely influential Klay Thompson.
Thompson, who joined the Dallas Mavericks over the summer, has been an integral part of the Warriors’ identity for over a decade. His absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled.
Coach Steve Kerr has admitted that it is a struggle to redefine the team’s dynamics without Thompson in the fold.
The Warriors have experimented with different line-ups in pre-season to fill the void. New additions such as Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson are expected to contribute.
With Steph Curry and Draymond Green entering the twilight of their careers, the Warriors will find it difficult to force their way into play-off contention this season.
