The ongoing 2024/25 NBA season has been a blockbuster, to say the very least. The dust finally seems to have settled on Luka Doncic’s earth-shattering trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, and now both they and the Dallas Mavericks are beginning to come to terms with their new trajectories. In California, the LeBron x Luka link-up could well result in yet another Larry O’Brien heading to the Crypto.com Arena, while over in the Lone Star State, the Mavs may soon have to forfeit games courtesy of their ongoing injury crisis.
While those two have been in the headlines, there are two clear frontrunners for the championship this term, at least according to online basketball betting sites. The latest basketball betting odds currently make the Oklahoma City Thunder the short-priced +200 favorite to emerge with the trophy this season, primarily thanks to the blistering form of MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, the reigning and record champion Boston Celtics are hot on their tail, narrowly behind them in the betting charts at +225.
When the NBA regular season reaches its business end, certain teams always seem to hit form at the perfect time. That can be crucial when it comes to navigating the playoffs, as it’s often the team with the most momentum that ends up emerging victorious. But which of the league’s finest have managed to consistently do that over the years, and do they look poised to do the same in 2025?
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are doing what they do best again this season. Steve Kerr recently became the franchise’s winningest coach, and Steph Curry continues to amaze, surpassing an unprecedented 4,000 career three-pointers, something unthinkable before the Baby-Faced Assassin’s ascent to superstardom. Alongside him, Klay Thompson is regaining his rhythm, while Draymond Green remains the defensive backbone.
The recent acquisition of Jimmy Butler has also bolstered the NoCal outfit’s ranks. Since adding Jimmy Buckets from the Miami Heat, the Warriors have gone 14-1, including winning their last seven on the spin. That has seen them power their way up to sixth place in the Western Conference, and their momentum signals that they could be the team nobody wants to face in the playoffs. The Warriors have proven time and again that they know how to capitalize on critical postseason moments, and with the addition of the ultimate big-game player in Butler to accompany Curry’s brilliance under pressure, the dynasty might not be over just yet.
Verdict: Yes, they’re heating up exactly when they need to.
Miami Heat
Under Erik Spoelstra, the Heat have built a reputation for overachieving in the playoffs. Two years ago, they became the first eighth seed in history to reach the NBA Finals, knocking off Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks and a Boston Celtics side looking poised to break out as the dominant force in the league. Jimmy Butler delivered his usual heroics that year, but fast forward to 2025 and he is now in San Francisco, and the Floridians will be lucky if they make the playoffs at all.
Coach Spo usually has his side fine-tuned to hit its stride at this point, but in the current season, it looks like the opposite is happening. Miami has lost eight of its last ten games and tumbled down the rankings out East. Tyler Herro has a job on his hands as the sole superstar, and a deep playoff run may be too much to ask.
Verdict: Time is running out if they are to catch fire.
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio has struggled since the dynasty days of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili came to an end. They have been propping up the Western Conference in each of the last two seasons, and while there has been improvement this term, it would be a surprise to see them in the postseason shootout.
However, with Victor Wembanyama in their ranks, the Spurs will feel like anything is possible. He was selected first overall in last year’s draft and immediately went on to secure Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. This term, he has improved even further, displaying regular flashes of brilliance. If De’Aaron Fox can make a speedy return from injury, they may have an outside shot of reaching the play-in tournament, but coach Gregg Popovich knows even that is unlikely.
Verdict: Although improving, they remain a shadow of their former glories… for now.
Boston Celtics
Do the Celtics peak in the playoffs? Or do they romp to regular-season glory and then falter under the bright lights? Historically, it has been the former, while in recent campaigns, it has been the latter. Last term, though, it was both.
With the devastating duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on song, the Beantown side not only dominated in the regular season – finishing some 14 wins clear of their nearest rival – but they also romped to a record-breaking 18th championship last season. This time around, they remain in form, but they have been usurped at the top of the Eastern Conference by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are firing on all cylinders and have just reeled off a franchise-record 16th-straight win.
Verdict: Peaking perfectly, and a postseason shootout with the Cavs could provide fireworks.
