NBA 2024-25 Season Opener: Who's Got the Edge?
The NBA is back, baby! The 2024-25 season is about to tip off, and everyone's buzzing about who's gonna come out swinging. But with so many teams looking strong, it's tough to call the early favorites. So, we reached out to some of the top NBA experts to get their takes on the season opener.
The Big Names
The Lakers: Yeah, yeah, they're always in the mix, right? This year, though, they're looking wicked good. LeBron's still got it, AD's healthy, and they've got some serious firepower off the bench. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne thinks the Lakers will be tough to beat early on: "They've got a mix of veteran experience and young talent, and that's a recipe for success in this league."
The Bucks: They're the defending champs, so they're always gonna be in the conversation. Giannis is a beast, Middleton's back, and they've got a solid supporting cast. Bleacher Report's Chris Mannix is picking them to start strong: "They're the most complete team in the league, and they're gonna be hungry to prove they're not just a one-hit wonder."
The Celtics: These guys were right there in the Finals last year, and they've only gotten better. Tatum and Brown are an unstoppable duo, and they've got a bunch of hungry role players. The Athletic's Shams Charania is high on Boston: "They're gonna be a force all season long. It's just a matter of time before they break through."
The Dark Horses
But don't sleep on the underdogs! There are some teams that could surprise everyone right out of the gate.
The Nuggets: They made a big splash in the offseason, adding a couple of key pieces to their roster. Jokic is a superstar, and if they can stay healthy, they'll be a force to be reckoned with.
The Suns: They're always a threat with Kevin Durant, and their supporting cast is looking solid. If they can stay out of the drama, they could be a real contender.
The Bottom Line
It's way too early to say who's gonna win the championship, but there are a lot of teams poised to make a statement in the season opener. It's gonna be a wild ride from start to finish, so buckle up, folks!
Keywords: NBA, 2024-25 season, season opener, experts, picks, Lakers, Celtics, Bucks, Nuggets, Suns, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, Ramona Shelburne, Chris Mannix, Shams Charania