Happy NBA Opening Day!
The 2024-25 NBA season is upon us and I have a few different picks for you fantastic Suave Report readers. I have playoff picks, a few conference winner options, a few player picks and a couple of NBA champion options. I won’t dilly dally any longer. Here’s what I like futures-wise in the Association.
To make the playoffs
Heat (-325)
Although this one doesn’t have a ton of juice on it. It’s hard to doubt the culture that the Miami Heat have. Even on off years, they’re still able to find success mostly. With Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo has your two stars. It’s easy to trust the veterans over in the 305.
Spurs (+360)
Chris Paul took a Thunder team with a 0.2% chance to make the playoffs to a nail biter seven game series in 2019-20. Why can’t he do that with the French alien that is Victor Wembanyama. That Spurs team has two of the best leaders in NBA history in Gregg Popovich and Chris Paul, not to mention a forward in Harrison Barnes who has championship pedigree. There is so much to like about this Spurs team and if this is Chris Paul’s swan song, the Spurs won’t do him dirty.
Division Winners
Bucks to win Central Division (+105)
It’s hard for me to not think the Bucks will win this division. Maybe the Cavs stand in the way but if I’m getting positive money with Giannis. I’ll take it.
Kings to win Pacific Division (+250)
I think it’s concerning how high I am on the Sacramento Kings. Adding Demar DeRozan to that roster, he can mentor DeAaron Fox to be a better guard. Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter return from injury. That offense is lights out and I think it’ll be dangerous for the rest of the division. I’m not high on the Suns or Lakers and I think the Clippers and Warriors will stink. This division is the Kings for the taking. The only question is if they’ll blow it.
Heat to win Southeast Division (+185)
It’s in all honesty a two team race for the Southeast divison. Orlando and Miami. Orlando is on the rise and they did win the division last year. However, I would be hard pressed to say that Miami will do everything in their power to climb back to the mountain top.
Western Conference Champions
Safe Bets
Thunder (+310)
Last year, the Thunder came out of nowhere to claim the number one seed in the West. This year, the spotlight will be on them and they came prepared. The Thunder traded Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso and beefed up their lineup with Isaiah Hartenstein. Addressing their weaknesses with offensive rebounds and a complete lineup to bolster the defense.
Nuggets (+500)
Jokic is the ultimate big man. It’s just simply ludacris to not mention the Nuggets as a frontrunner for the conference crown. With the Timberwolves downgrading in my eyes. Jokic will cook Rudy Gobert any chance he gets. The force of nature that is the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic is as good as always. Don’t be surprised if we see them as a conference champion at the end of the season.
More bang for your buck
Grizzlies (+1500)
If Ja can remain healthy, Memphis is a playoff squad. You have two defensive players of the year with Jaren Jackson Jr and Marcus Smart. When Ja Morant plays, people watch and the Grizzlies become a much better team. If Ja plays the full season, they’ll be in contention for the Western Conference title.
Eastern Conference Champions
Safe Bets
Celtics (+150)
The defending champions. They have the playoff experience, they have the players. Nothing should be able to stop this team. You could argue their head and shoulders above the Eastern Conference teams right now. They’re just that good and have the depth needed to go back to back.
Knicks +370
What we saw out of Jalen Brunson last season was the stuff of legends. That team got better by adding Karl Anthony Towns. Adding Mikal Bridges is so crucial too. Not to mention the glue guy that is Josh Hart. This Knicks team is scrappy and can compete with anyone. Including the Celtics. They have the second best odds for a reason.
More bang for your buck
Cavaliers +1800
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a lot to offer this season. Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland is a championship caliber core. Not to mention, hiring a great coach in Kenny Atkinson, who I’m very high on. Atkinson was only fired from Brooklyn so the Nets could grab first time head coach Steve Nash. Atkinson laid low in the Bay for a few seasons before getting the Cavs job. Do not sleep on this team. Spider is one of the most talented players in the league and can lead with this core. This team is capable of going to the next level. It’s just the matter of can they add to the bench.
Pacers +2100
I know that they got swept in the Eastern Conference Finals, but almost all of those games were close. I don’t believe this Pacers team is a fluke, I think they could run it back and take the conference this season, should they play their cards right. Tyrese Haliburton is a star, Myles Turner compliments him perfectly. The Pacers are for real.
Player Awards
Shai Gilegous-Alexander to win NBA MVP (+380)
SGA is a monster and you don’t need me to tell you that. He’s a special player and with this roster around him. There’s no doubt they can go as far as they want to under the 26 year old. The world is Shai’s oyster. The talent is there, but will the media pay attention?
Victor Wembenyama to win DPOY (-155)
I would honestly be surprised if he doesn’t win it. The second best odds for this award for +1100. It’s really Victor’s award to lose.
Jalen Williams to win MIP (+1100)
J-Dub is poised to be an all star this year. The Santa Clara stud keeps improving season by season and I fully expect that to continue as he plays a bigger role for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
NBA Champion
Safe Bets
Celtics (+310)
It’s going to be hard to find a more complete team than the Boston Celtics. Adding Jrue Holiday to the Celtics core helped massively. Jayson Tatum is the main attraction there but his supporting cast can get the job done if he doesn’t meet his lofty expectations. That’s why Jaylen Brown and Celtics depth is such a big factor. It’s the reason they won the title last year and a big reason why they are favorites now.
Thunder (+650)
I would be doing a disservice to not put them on here. Last year, as the number one seed and losing a heartbreaking series to the Mavericks is exactly what they needed in all honestly. They got playoff experience and they dealt with the heartache of your season falling short of what you wanted. That’ll benefit this Thunder team. The Thunder only improved from last year and it’ll show during this season.
Knicks (+750)
The Garden will be loud and rowdy this year. The Knicks are going to be must watch. It’s just a matter of if they can maintain the high intensity Tom Thibodeau demands for all 82 games plus the postseason. The Villanova three and Karl Anthony Towns have the talent, but do they have the stamina.
More bang for your buck
Nuggets (+1100)
The Nuggets are always going to be a force as long as Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray there, they’ll be a contender. Adding Russell Westbrook to the mix is great and Aaron Gordon has become an significant part of this Nuggets team. It’s hard to think the Nuggets won’t be in contention for a title this year with the young pieces that they have.
Mavericks (+1100)
The Mavericks will be on a revenge tour this season. After a disapointing NBA Finals trip this past year. Luka and Kyrie want to prove that the Mavericks are here to stay and with a full season with PJ Washington this season. The chemistry could improve significantly. It’s just a matter of the pieces around them maintaining their roles and doing their part.
Bucks (+1400)
The main reason the Bucks lost in the first round is because of injuries to almost every key player in before or during their first round series with Indiana. Giannis is still an electric factory and Damian Lillard can run the point as good as anyone. If Doc Rivers can get his act together and coach properly. Then Milwaukee will have their second title this decade.
