NBA 2K25 makes predictions: Celtics decline, Luka Doncic named MVP and new champion is determined.

As in College Football 25 and Madden, NBA 2K25 simulates an entire NBA season for you! Mavericks posted the best record in the NBA at 63-19, edged out Knicks (62-20) as Eastern Conference leaders by one win. Coach of the Year Jason Kidd led Dallas to second best win total ever (67-15 in 2006-07). There’s plenty to discuss regarding the Mavericks; so we will stop here as there’s plenty more to talk about when it comes to them.LeBron, Bronny & Lakers Have Long SeasonBronny James did not appear once during 2K’s simulation — something which seems highly unlikely when actual season commences in October. On the opposite end of the spectrum was LeBron James. Although unlikely given he will turn 40 next December and enters his 22nd NBA season soon afterward), he managed to play all 82 games (an unlikely scenario given how soon 30 minutes from each game start time they began), averaging 21.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7 assists per game over an impressive 30+ minute span of play per matchup. MPG would mark his lowest average of his career while points average would fall to its lowest since 2003-04 rookie season. On defense, however, he contributed 2.3 stocks, an improvement from prior two seasons spent with Los Angeles Clippers. The Lakers finished 42-40 overall this season, placing 8th in Western Conference play-in tournament. Additionally, LeBron James recently signed a two-year extension to remain with them this summer. Portland Trail Blazers finished in last place of all Western Conference teams in 2K simulation of NBA season ’09-10 with 24-58 record. If this were to come true, Portland Blazers fans could experience three more victories over their 21-61 record from 2023-24; however, this would mark four consecutive losing seasons — longest since 1971-72 through 1975-76 seasons! Blazers take solace from knowing their 2025 draft class is strong. Chicago Bulls reign supreme as winners of NBA Cup – second annual in-season tournament Zach LaVine, who missed much of 2023-24 due to an ongoing foot injury, scored 33 points in a championship game which concluded 122-93 in favor of Philadelphia 76ers.Old Faces in New PlacesAmong all of Paul George’s moves during offseason 2024-25, only his performance actually declined significantly according to simulation models. Klay Thompson had an exceptional debut season outside Golden State; playing all 82 games while posting 15.9 PPG average in Dallas; this matched up perfectly with his 2023-24 numbers with Los Angeles Clippers. Klay managed an all-82 game season for Dallas–one that saw his lowest scoring average since rookie year (29 PPG average in Golden State). Dejounte Murray of the Pelicans, Mikal Bridges (Knicks), and DeMar DeRozan of the Kings all experienced declines in production as well. Victor Wembanyama made history this season when he earned an All-Star nod for the first time and went on to collect his DPOY trophy after placing second in DPOY voting as a rookie. Spurs’ sophomore sensation led the NBA in blocks per game (3.2 BPG) and also averaged 1.5 steals a night. San Antonio finished 41-41 (plus-19 wins from 2023-24). Furthermore, Rob Dillingham of the Timberwolves became an unexpected Rookie of the Year winner by averaging 10.2 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game during his debut year with Anthony Edwards as his partner in Minnesota. Dillingham made NBA All-Rookie First Team alongside Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks), Alex Sarr (Wizards), Reed Sheppard (Rockets), Terrence Shannon Jr (Timberwolves), as well as Rob Dillingham himself! But who was it really? It would have to have been made clear: It would have to come from somewhere. Boston rose swiftlyDespite expectations that a 62-win Knicks team could torpedo both New York City and the NBA as a whole, there wasn’t one major shocker during our simulations. Instead, Boston showed its mettle early by outperforming them handily and quickly becoming one of their toughest rivals once again. At least the Boston Celtics had some dignity after an astonishing 24-win decline since 2023-24 – they finished 40-42 (an eight win drop!) and ninth in the Eastern Conference, though they managed to advance out of play-in tournament. They would eventually fall out early. At times it seems almost unthinkable – that three legendary point guards would retire together after seasons are completed, however this happened three separate times with Chris Paul (Spurs), Russell Westbrook (Nuggets), and Kyle Lowry (76ers) all announcing they’re bowing out from playing their craft altogether. As soon as I started the simulated season, Paul informed me about his decision and requested that we provide him a retirement tour – twelve All-Star appearances would make Paul an extremely rare case! Paul helped San Antonio improve to.500 but failed to win an NBA championship during his career. Each veteran immediately had their numbers retired by their respective former teams in this simulation: Clippers retired Paul’s No. 3, Thunder retired Westbrook’s No. 0, and Raptors remembered Lowry with her No. 7. Toronto and Los Angeles were the only NBA franchises without retired numbers (excluding Bill Russell’s league-wide No. 6).Luka Doncic earned his maiden MVP award by nearly averaging triple doubles throughout his rookie campaign. Doncic led the NBA in scoring (30.8 PPG), was ninth in rebounding (11.1 RPG) and second in assists (9.8 APG), all while shooting 50/84/42 to compile an outstanding shooting split of 50/84/42 at 50 percent shooting efficiency and 42 percent from 3-point range – this year could make him both MVP and champion! (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images).And your 2024-25 NBA Champion is…the Dallas Mavericks!It was an extremely bumpy road to the finals with top two seeds from both conferences meeting to vie for Larry O’Brien Trophy glory. As with the Mavericks-Knicks season-long showdown, this NBA Finals was an absolute blowout with Dallas dominating New York to take their second title since franchise’s founding. Luka Doncic became even more legendary by garnering Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP honors after averaging 34.5 points, 13.2 rebounds and 11.5 assists per game over 50/89.5/46.7 shooting for an unprecedented first Finals sweep since 2017-18 season.