As the new NBA season prepares to tip off this Tuesday night, our writers weigh in on what to expect. Can the New York Knicks or Oklahoma City Thunder stop the Boston Celtics from repeating as champions? And will we see Bronny James make his mark in the league?
**What are you most excited about this season?**
Claire de Lune: I’m eager to see how Anthony Edwards performs following his playoff success and the summer spent alongside his idols. With Karl-Anthony Towns departing, the Minnesota Timberwolves are now Edwards’ team. I believe he’s on the verge of a breakout season.
AR Shaw: It’s fascinating to watch LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry emulate Tom Brady’s later years. While all three are still playing at an elite level, fresh talent is emerging. Like Brady’s tenure in Tampa, these veterans will challenge younger stars to step up.
Jacob Uitti: Last season, the NBA shifted towards letting players be more physical rather than calling every little foul. I grew up in the tough era of 1990s basketball, where games often ended with scores in the 60s. While we don’t need to revert to that, I hope we see more focus on physical play and fewer players like James Harden manipulating the referees.
**What’s the biggest offseason development?**
Claire de Lune: The standout trade was the swap between Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle. However, I’m particularly intrigued by the Knicks acquiring Mikail Bridges from Brooklyn. He fills a crucial gap for the team, and I believe they are well-positioned to challenge Boston.
AR Shaw: Knicks fans have historically held high hopes for a championship, and this season could be different. With Jalen Brunson’s All-NBA caliber performance and the signings of Bridges and Towns, the Knicks have a real shot at dethroning the Celtics.
Jacob Uitti: The most attention-grabbing moves were Paul George going to Philadelphia and Towns joining the Knicks. Yet, I’m most excited about the Thunder bringing in Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. Making smart, marginal moves can be key to winning a championship.
**Which team is the surprise package this season?**
Claire de Lune: While the Memphis Grizzlies may not be flying under the radar for hardcore fans, the general public has overlooked them. Ja Morant is on a mission to prove himself, GG Jackson had a breakout season, and the arrival of Marcus Smart is a significant upgrade over Dillon Brooks. Expect them to secure a playoff spot.
AR Shaw: Don’t forget about the Grizzlies. Before Morant’s off-court issues and injury, they were the No. 2 seed in the West. If he returns to form and stays out of trouble, the team has the potential for a deep playoff run.
Jacob Uitti: I predict the Orlando Magic will start strong, possibly with a record like 20-5, prompting discussions about their title aspirations. While they might not be true contenders this season, they’ll become highly attractive to stars seeking a new home.
**What are your thoughts on the LeBron-Bronny connection?**
Claire de Lune: It’s a nice story, but the hype surrounding Bronny James, who will likely spend most of his season in the G-League, seems exaggerated, especially for a late second-round pick.
AR Shaw: The historical significance of a father-son duo in the NBA will definitely make their first regular season appearance exciting. However, Bronny will face criticism as he navigates the rookie learning curve.
Jacob Uitti: While the narrative is cute and historic, its impact on the season will likely be minimal. I truly hope Bronny finds success and gets a chance to develop. It’s more about the games than debates over nepotism. If JJ Redick can develop him, that would be remarkable.
**What’s your bold prediction for the season?**
Claire de Lune: Denver might be in more danger than people think. They’ve lost some key players and added Russell Westbrook, known for having a difficult adjustment period. With the competition in the West strengthening, Nikola Jokić will have to work incredibly hard to keep them from slipping.
AR Shaw: I believe the Lakers will struggle to make the playoffs. LeBron and Anthony Davis will continue to perform well, but they may fall short against the Warriors for that final playoff spot. This could lead to Redick’s first season as head coach being his last.
Jacob Uitti: I’m predicting Jimmy Butler will be traded. His time in Miami feels over, especially with the organization looking to reset. If the team struggles, they may field offers for him, especially if a contender desperately wants to add him to their roster.
**Who are your MVP favorites this season?**
Claire de Lune: MVP voters often favor candidates who face challenges on their way to the award. By those standards, Luka Dončić is due for recognition. I think he’ll finally take home the trophy this year.
AR Shaw: Anthony Edwards has proven he’s ready to become the league’s new face, especially after his postseason run and his strong showing at the Paris Olympics. With Towns gone, his offensive stats should rise significantly, helping the Timberwolves secure a top-three seed.
Jacob Uitti: While players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jayson Tatum will put up impressive numbers, I think it’s Luka Dončić’s time. The Mavericks should excel this season, and he’s their leader, while SGA and Tatum are surrounded by other strong talent.
**Who do you see making the playoffs in each conference?**
**Eastern Conference Predictions:**
– Claire de Lune: Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers.
– AR Shaw: Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat.
– Jacob Uitti: Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat.
**Western Conference Predictions:**
– Claire de Lune: Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors.
– AR Shaw: Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors.
– Jacob Uitti: Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers.
**Who do you have in the conference finals?**
**Eastern Conference Finals:**
– Claire de Lune: New York Knicks over Boston Celtics.
– AR Shaw: Boston Celtics over New York Knicks.
– Jacob Uitti: New York Knicks over Boston Celtics.
**Western Conference Finals:**
– Claire de Lune: Oklahoma City Thunder over Minnesota Timberwolves.
– AR Shaw: Minnesota Timberwolves over Oklahoma City Thunder.
– Jacob Uitti: Oklahoma City Thunder over Dallas Mavericks.
**NBA Finals Predictions:**
– Claire de Lune: New York Knicks 4-3 Oklahoma City Thunder. While it may feel like wishful thinking, I think the Knicks have the talent and experience to finally win the championship.
– AR Shaw: Boston Celtics 4-2 Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves led by Edwards may put up a strong fight, but the Celtics will ultimately prevail with their depth and star power.
– Jacob Uitti: Boston Celtics 4-3 Oklahoma City Thunder. The league is stacked this year, and while the Celtics and Thunder rise above, Boston will emerge victorious in a tightly contested series.
