NBA Jap Convention standings predictions and winner 2024-25: Everybody’s chasing Boston

Final season, each group within the league was chasing Boston — and nobody got here near catching them. The Celtics lapped the sector successful 64 video games and the East by 14 video games, then dropped simply three video games throughout their complete playoff run on the way in which to successful banner No. 18.

This season, everyone seems to be chasing Boston once more, however this time the race will probably be a lot nearer on the high. On the backside, the East might get ugly.

Let’s break down how the East will shake out this season in tiers, based mostly on their title contender standing.

Who’s the favourite to win Jap Convention Finals 2025?

Listed here are the highest 5 group odds to win the East, through our companions at Guess MGM (with every group’s title odds subsequent to it).

1. Celtics +170 (+325)
2. Knicks +350 (+650)
3. 76ers +500 (+1000)
4. Bucks +650 (+1400)
5. Cavaliers +1700 (+3500)

Jap Convention Tiers

TITLE CONTENDERS

1. New York Knicks
2. BostonCeltics
3. Philadelphia 76ers

Boston most likely must be in its personal tier as it’s the solely group that has answered all of the questions, and there’s a excellent probability they end with the No. 1 seed — however I’m selecting the Knicks to get that spot. The Celtics will probably be with out Kristaps Porzingis till round Christmas and whereas they’ve the depth to beat that leaning on Al Horford, I believe it knocks them again half a step. On the identical time, I count on New York to get off to a quick begin with Karl-Anthony Cities and Mikal Bridges added to the lineup, and if we all know one factor a couple of Tom Thibodeau group it is that he’ll push them onerous to win each common season sport.

I am selecting the Celtics to come back out of the East and return to the Finals, I’ve well being and depth questions with the Knicks, however I believe all of that may matter extra within the playoffs than the common season. I will take the Knicks as the highest seed, with Boston a detailed second (it is no shock in the event that they end first) and Philly third as accidents to Joel Embiid and Paul George have already slowed them within the preseason.

FRINGE CONTENDERS (WE HAVE QUESTIONS)

4. Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee can end within the high three and possibly even win the East, however I’ve extra questions and doubts about them than the opposite three. I’ve no questions on Giannis Antetokounmpo apart from whether or not he can get just a little fortunate this season and be wholesome for the playoffs. However will Damian Lillard present his age, how will Khris Middleton play after having each ankles operated on this offseason, how will Brook Lopez play at age 36, and is there sufficient depth? Milwaukee, when clicking, is a menace, and I like the Gary Trent Jr. pick-up, however it’s too many questions for me to say they’re a first-tier contender.

PLAYOFFS OR BUST

5. Orlando Magic
6. Cleveland Cavaliers
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7. Indiana Pacers
8. Miami Warmth

I imagine that certainly one of New York, Philadelphia, or Milwaukee will undergo sufficient accidents and have sufficient points this season that they’ll fall to the No. 7 seed, because the 76ers did a season in the past.

Considered one of Orlando, Cleveland or Indiana will soar as much as move them and get into the highest 4, internet hosting a spherical of the playoffs. Which one makes that leap will depend on which one can reply the questions dealing with them: Can Orlando take a step ahead with Paolo Banchero as the first playmaker and not using a extra conventional level guard to arrange the offense? Can Evan Mobley take the leap ahead on the offensive finish the Cavaliers want? With Pascal Siakam for a full season, can Indiana be ok defensively to enrich a high-flying offense?

Considered one of that trio will make a leap. Miami is sweet however I believe a step again from the opposite groups on this tier, nevertheless, rely out the Warmth at your individual threat.

HOPEFUL PLAY-IN TEAMS

9. Toronto Raptors
10. Atlanta Hawks
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11. Chicago Bulls

I am larger on Toronto than most and nearly had them a tier larger, however to wager on them is to wager Scottie Barnes goes to make one other leap and mesh completely with gamers like RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Possibly no participant is underneath the strain that Trae Younger is that this season, Dejounte Murray is gone, and it is solely his present once more, however will the Hawks wish to give him a max extension after this season or commerce him?

Chicago has been on the lookout for trades for Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic — and they’ll proceed to take action — but when this group will get off to an honest begin with Josh Giddey operating an up-tempo offense, will possession wish to proceed to rebuild or change issues up, preserve the vets and chase a play-in spot.

LOTTERY BOUND

12. Detroit Pistons
13. Charlotte Hornets
14. Brooklyn Nets
15. Washington Wizards

Detroit and Charlotte, if every part falls proper for them, might get away of this tier and be within the play-in. In Detroit, a breakout season by Cade Cunningham and improvement of younger gamers underneath a brand new coach who needs to be there would do it. In Charlotte, LaMelo Ball being wholesome for a full season and a step ahead by Brandon Miller, with Miles Bridges within the combine, may very well be sufficient to make the play-in. If issues begin sluggish for these groups, a pivot to tanking might come early.

Brooklyn and Washington are chasing the (Cooper) Flagg from the opening tip this season and will probably be sellers on the commerce deadline.

EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

First Spherical

Knicks over Warmth
Celtics over Pacers
76ers over Cavaliers
Magic over Bucks

Semi-Finals

Knicks over Magic
Celtics over 76ers

Jap Convention Finals

Celtics over Knicks
(My NBA Finals prediction comes tomorrow, together with the Western Convention tiers).