NBA fans. It’s that time. We’re officially at Opening Day and Opening Week of the 2024-2025 NBA season. With many storylines entering the league, it will be fascinating to see which NBA team will be the last to stand in June.
The parity of the NBA is in full effect as the league has had 6 different champions in 6 seasons. Can the Boston Celtics become the first team to repeat since the 2017-2018 NBA Golden State Warriors? Who will be the most dominant team going into December when the NBA Cup is what teams will be fighting for? Also, which teams will decide to use this year as a rebuilding year and focus on “Capturing the Flagg”?
There will be plenty of storylines such as LeBron James and his son Bronny James teaming up on the Los Angeles Lakers. How about the new superteams being built in Philadelphia and New York to possibly dethrone the Celtics? Can Luka Donic and the Dallas Mavericks rebound after a loss in the NBA Finals? It will be interesting to see how Victor Wembyama performs in his second season and becomes one of the faces in the NBA. More importantly, who will win the awards for the 2024-2025 NBA Season?
Nevertheless, October is the best time of the year for all sports fans, and the NBA season is finally here. The goal is to post NBA rankings weekly preferably on Fridays. Let’s dive into the power rankings for Opening Day!
Previous Week: Training Camp
Next Rankings: November 1
2024-2025 Opening Day NBA Power Rankings
1. Boston Celtics (1) –
Nothing new here. The Celtics are still the clear favorites going into the season. The only thing to look out for is Payton Pritchard. Pritchard had a very strong preseason showing and perhaps could be a strong candidate for 6th Man of the Year, maybe even work his way into the starting lineup. The team will be stronger than ever on the perimeter but will be weak at center until Kristaps Porzingis returns.
Week Schedule: vs. Knicks (Oct. 22) @ Wizards (Oct.24), @ Pistons(Oct.26), vs. Bucks(Oct.28), @ Pacers(Oct.30)
Prediction: The Celtics will not repeat.
2. New York Knicks (6) +4
The Knicks starting lineup is going to be dominant and they are designed to give the Celtics a matchup nightmare. And Karl Anthony Towns looked solid in the preseason despite the awful 24% shooting from the 3-point range. Thibs will need to be careful and manage the starters’ minutes carefully because they are now very thin on depth and will need to find a way to keep starters healthy without costing too many games. Still, this is a team that is now all in on title contention. Look for a Jalen Brunson to have an MVP-like season.
Week Schedule: @ Celtics (Oct.22) vs. Pacers (Oct.25) vs. Cavaliers (Oct. 28) @ Heat (Oct.30)
Prediction: The Knicks will finish bottom 5 in total bench points.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (2) (-1)
The Thunder will lack the size to start the season as new acquisition, Isiah Hartenstein, will be out with a fracture in his left hand and will be evaluated in 4-5 weeks. Jaylen Williams will also be questionable for opening night. Nevertheless, OKC has enough talent to hit the ground running early in the season. Expect another big year from Shai Gillgeous-Alexander looking to prove he was snubbed of the MVP last year.
Week Schedule: @ Nuggets (Oct.24) @ Bulls (Oct.26) vs. Hawks (Oct.27) vs. Spurs (Oct.30)
Prediction: The Thunder will capture the Western Conference Championship.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (4) (-)
Donte Divencenzo looked like he is going to be a fantastic addition for the Wolves as someone who will provide scoring off the bench and improve their offense that was for the most part average last season. The fit between Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert appears to be a giant question mark and it could take more time in the regular season for them to gel together. Still, as long as Anthony Edwards is the guy, the Wolves should be well in the playoff mix.
Week Schedule: @ Lakers (Oct.22), @ Kings (Oct.24) vs. Raptors (Oct 26) vs. Mavericks (Oct 29)
Prediction: Anthony Edwards will flirt with a 30-point average.
5. Denver Nuggets (7) (+2)
The odds are against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. Still, never count out the 3x MVP. Since the 2018-2019 season, Denver has won at least 63% of their regular seasons in 5 of the 6 seasons. Sure, there are some unknowns about who will fill the void Kentavious Caldwell Pope brought to the team. But the Nuggets still have one of the best starting lineups in the NBA and have championship experience. Maybe Russell Westbrook will provide a bench spark for a team that finished 25th in total bench points last season.
Week Schedule: vs. Thunder (Oct.24) vs. Clippers (Oct.26) @ Raptors(Oct.28) @ Nets (Oct.29)
Prediction: Nikola Jokic will average a triple-double.
6. Dallas Mavericks (3) (-3)
Mavericks fans will have to get used to the roller coaster type of emotions when it pertains to Klay Thompson. There will be nights when Klay will have hot streaks and score a lot of points. And yet, there will be moments where he might shoot less than 20% from the field. Let’s hope Klay can bounce back from a rough shooting performance from the preseason. We’ll see if Dallas is more like the team that went on a run last season and ended up in the NBA finals or if the Mavericks come back down to Earth.
Week Schedule: vs. Spurs (Oct.24) @ Suns (Oct.26) vs. Jazz (Oct.28) @ Timberwolves (Oct.29) vs. Rockets (Oct.31)
Prediction: Klay Thompson will erupt for a 25+ point quarter.
7. Phoenix Suns (9) (+2)
The Suns will have one of the heavier schedules to start the season. This includes going to play in Los Angeles three times along with hosting the defending Western Conference champs. Phoenix is hoping that new coach Mike Budenholzer along with the signing of point guard Tyus Jones will elevate this team back into title contention. The big X-factor will be the health of their big 3 Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.
Week Schedule: @ Clippers (Oct.23) @ Lakers (Oct.25) vs. Mavericks (Oct.26) vs. Lakers (Oct.28) @ Clippers (Oct.31)
Prediction: The Suns will capture a top 4 seed.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (11) (+3)
Losing Max Struss for 4-6 weeks is a tough pill to swallow for Cleveland to start the year. However, with a new coach in Kenny Atkinson, could we see the Cavs become one of the elite contenders in the Eastern Conference? This is a team that still went 48-34 despite Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley playing less than 60 games last season. Unless there are injuries or issues with coaching, Cleveland should easily win 50+ games and possibly capture a top 3 seed.
Week Schedule: @ Raptors (Oct.23) vs. Pistons (Oct.25) @ Wizards(Oct.28) @ Knicks(Oct.28) vs. Lakers (Oct.30)
Prediction: Cleveland will win over 54 games.
9. Philadelphia 76ers (5) (-4)
On Monday night vs. the Hawks, 76ers fans held their breath after Paul George’s injury and what the worst outcome would be. Fortunately, it turns out it was a bone bruise and no structural damage. Still, the 76ers will likely not have Paul George for opening week and Joel Embid will have his game restrictions to ensure he is fully healthy for the playoffs. It’s good that Philly has a deep bench to withstand missed time from Embid and Paul George. It’s hoping that the pieces will fit as Philly has the strongest roster in the Joel Embid era since Jimmy Butler was a 76er.
Week Schedule: vs. Bucks (Oct.23) @ Raptors (Oct.25) @ Pacers (Oct.27) vs. Pistons (Oct.30)
Prediction: The 76ers will get past the second round.
10. Orlando Magic (12) (+2)
The big news from the Orlando Magic was that 2x champion Mac McClung has signed a two-way contract with the squad. The signing will add to their collection of young talent and athleticism on the squad. Despite an underperforming preseason, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope should be able to provide a spark in the team’s 3-point shooting that was in the bottom third of the league, along with being 22nd in defensive efficiency. Orlando is in the category of teams where if things go their way, they could be in for a deep playoff run.
Week Schedule: @ Heat (Oct.23) vs. Nets (Oct.25) @ Grizzlies (Oct.26) vs. Pacers (Oct.28) @ Bulls (Oct.30)
Prediction: Paolo Banchero will make an All-NBA team.
11. Indiana Pacers (10) (-1)
I am a fan of the Pascal Siakim and Tyrese Halliburton combo. This team should be able to prove that their Eastern Conference Finals run last year wasn’t a fluke. Indiana will once again be one of the favorites on NBA league pass especially with Tyrese Halliburton running the show. Also, Benedict Mathurin will return after a season-ending injury. The Pacers just need to improve on the other side called defense. I heard it’s important.
Week Schedule: @ Pistons (Oct.23) @ Knicks (Oct.25) vs. 76ers (Oct.27) @ Magic (Oct.28) vs. Celtics (Oct.30)
Prediction: The Pacers will improve their defense and be a top-20 defense.
12. Milwaukee Bucks (8) (-4)
I am a believer that the Bucks season last year was somewhat of a fluke. With Damian Lillard now fully adjusted in Milwaukee and an offseason of adjusting to Doc Rivers’ system, there should be more continuity on this roster. Yet, Milwaukee has one of the oldest rosters in the NBA and should not be expected to dominate in the regular season like in previous years. Still, as long as Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the roster, the Bucks will always have a chance to compete for a title.
Week Schedule: @ 76ers (Oct.23) vs. Bulls (Oct.25) @ Nets (Oct.27) @ Celtics (Oct.28) @ Grizzlies (Oct.31)
Prediction: Milwaukee barely avoids the play-in and locks the 6th seed
13. Memphis Grizzlies (14) (+1)
To all the Grizzlies’ doubters. Memphis will no way be 27-55 bad like they were last season with only 9 games from Ja Morant and an insurmountable amount of injuries. With Ja back for most games, expect Memphis to be in the bulk of the playoff race for most of the season. The X-factor will Memphis will be Zach Edey. Can the college star be a reliable and ready starting center for a team looking to contend in the West?
Week Schedule: @ Jazz (Oct.23) @ Rockets (Oct.25) vs. Magic (Oct.26) vs. Bulls (Oct.28) vs Nets (Oct 30) vs. Bucks (Oct.31)
Prediction: Zach Edey will become Rookie of the Year.
14. Golden State Warriors (16) (+2)
Despite making improvements to their roster, the Warriors are going to be more reliant on Steph Curry and Draymond Green than ever before. If one of those guys misses significant time, then Golden State could be heading for a rough season. The Warriors will be relying on a breakout season from Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski for not only the Warriors’ future but also to help them compete in real time.
Week Schedule: @ Blazers (Oct.23) @ Jazz (Oct 25) vs. Clippers (Oct.27) vs. Pelicans (Oct.29) vs. Pelicans (Oct.30)
Prediction: Jonathan Kuminga will average more than 20 points a game.
15. New Orleans Pelicans (15) (-)
This is a team that I would never make a full prediction on. This team has the potential to be a top 4 team in the West and could give contenders a run for their money. And yet, some question marks are holding the team back. Can Zion be healthy like he was last season? Will DeJounte Murray coexist with CJ McCollumn in the backcourt? What are their plans at center? What’s the deal with Brandon Ingram’s future? Until those questions are answered, New Orleans is a fringe playoff contender.
Week Schedule: vs. Bulls (Oct.23) @ Blazers(Oct.26) @ Blazers (Oct.27) @ Warriors (Oct.29) @ Warriors (Oct.30)
Prediction: Zion will be an All-NBA player.
16. Los Angeles Lakers (17) (+1)
Get ready for Year 22 of LeBron James. At nearly 40 years of age, the King is still a top 10 player. The Lakers will make history this season with both LeBron and Bronny James taking the court as a father-son duo. And to be honest, Bronny hasn’t been that bad. He has made some strong defensive plays and presented a strong basketball IQ despite what critics say about his draft position. New head coach JJ Reddick will have his work cut out for him as the first 2 weeks will be against teams that won at least 56% of their games last season.
Week Schedule: vs. Timberwolves (Oct.22) vs. Suns (Oct.25) vs. Kings (Oct.26) @ Suns (Oct.28) @ Cavaliers (Oct.30)
Prediction: Dalton Knecht will make an All-Rookie Team.
17. Miami Heat (20) (+3)
The theme for the Heat this season will be “Taking Care of Business”. Even Pat Riley has quoted this being a “crucial year” for Miami. This year could be a bounce-back year for Miami as Jimmy Butler will be on a mission trying to prove he is worth the contract extension. It will be tough to see Miami be a top-weight contender as the top half of the East has gotten significantly better and the question will be if Jimmy Butler can play enough games. But you can’t count out Playoff Jimmy. Miami just needs to get in the playoffs at this point.
Week Schedule: vs. Magic (Oct.23) @ Hornets (Oct.26) vs. Pistons(Oct.28) vs. Knicks (Oct.30)
Prediction: This will be Jimmy Butler’s final season in Miami.
18. Sacramento Kings (13) (-5)
An 0-5 preseason record shouldn’t be too concerning for the Sacramento Kings. However, it could mean that Sacramento is still trying to figure out their rotations and how DeMar DeRozan be integrated into the offense. It’s better to take lumps sooner or later because the West will be even deeper, and struggling longer could ruin their playoff chances early. This team will need to return to their historically great offense from 2 seasons ago to be a lock in the postseason.
Week Schedule: vs. Timberwolves (Oct.24) @ Lakers (Oct.26) vs. Blazers (Oct.28) @ Jazz (Oct.29)
Prediction: The Kings will be a top 5 team offensively again but the defense will still be an Achilles Heal.
19. Houston Rockets (18) (-1)
Don’t expect another 19-win improvement again from this young Houston Rockets squad. Nevertheless, this team has a very bright future. It will be interesting to see how this season plays as both Alphren Segun and Jalen Green are entering the final years of their rookie deals as both players not receiving max extensions at the moment. Also, Reed Sheppard should be a valuable piece to help improve Houston’s 3-point shooting. However, the Rockets are going to need significant improvement from their young players or a big move to elevate themselves in a deep Western Conference.
Week Schedule: vs. Hornets (Oct.23) vs. Grizzlies (Oct.25) @ Spurs (Oct.26) @ Spurs (Oct.28) @ Mavericks (Oct.31)
Prediction: Alphren Segun will make an All-Star team.
20. San Antonio Spurs (21) (+1)
Wemby will be a problem for the NBA. This 20-year-old superstar has added 25 lbs to his frame and the 11th-best NBA player could likely be a top 5 player in the league by the end of the season. I am excited to see how Chris Paul will mentor guys like Tre Jones and Stephen Castle, along with how well he will set up Victor Wembyama for looks. If the Spurs find their groove, this team can be a team no one wants to face in the play-in or playoff series.
Week Schedule: @ Mavericks (Oct.24) vs. Rockets (Oct.26) vs. Rockets (Oct.28) @ Thunder (Oct.30) @ Jazz (Oct.31)
Prediction: Wemby will win Defensive Player of the Year and be a top 5 MVP candidate.
21. Atlanta Hawks (22) (+1)
Losing Dejounte Murray looks worse on paper, but maybe Atlanta got better. Be on the lookout for Jalen Johnson to have a breakout year and possibly become a star and look for #1 pick Zaccharie Risacher to show flashes. This team also has plenty of length and plenty of shooting for Trae Young to run the offense. But let’s still remember, the Hawks will be entertaining offensively but are expected to be terrible defensively.
Week Schedule: vs. Nets (Oct.23) vs. Hornets (Oct.25), @ Oklahoma City (Oct.27) vs. Wizards (Oct.28) @ Wizards (Oct.30)
Prediction: Trae Young will have a 60+ point game.
22. Los Angeles Clippers (19) (-3)
Oh, man. Once again, Kawhi Leonard will not be playing on opening night and it is stated that he will be out indefinitely. This first week will be a challenge for the Clippers as 4 of their first 5 games will be against teams that won at least 56% of their games last season. Does that mean a rebirth season of James Harden is in the works? It will be the first time since Harden’s days in Houston he will be the focal point of the offense.
Week Schedule: vs. Suns (Oct.23) @ Nuggets (Oct.23) @ Warriors (Oct.27) vs. Blazers (Oct.30) vs. Suns (Oct.31)
Prediction: Clippers will finish below .500 for the first time in 14 seasons.
23. Utah Jazz (25) (+2)
This team is very tough to predict. On one hand, they have been relevant and competitive for the first half of the season. Yet, after the all-star break ends, Utah will start piling on the losses. It appears as currently constructed the Jazz can at least compete for the play-in spot. However, the Western Conference is deeper than ever and it might be better to focus on a higher draft spot. The Jazz could end up moving Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton to clear up more minutes for guys like Keyonte George and Cody Williams if they are far out of play-in contention.
Week Schedule: vs. Grizzlies (Oct.23) vs. Warriors (Oct.25) @ Mavericks (Oct.28) vs. Kings (Oct.29) vs. Spurs (Oct.31)
Prediction: Jazz will have a fire sale at the deadline.
24. Chicago Bulls (23) (-1)
The best thing about the Chicago Bulls preseason was the return of Lonzo Ball. This was the first time Lonzo Ball took the court since January 2022 and in his limited time has looked solid. There are some nice young pieces on this Bulls squad especially Coby White who is looking to become the #1 option and Josh Giddey, who has displayed a solid court vision. However, the question remains when will Zach Lavine and Nikola Vucevic be traded?
Week Schedule: @ Pelicans (Oct.23) @ Bucks (Oct.25) vs. Thunder (Oct.26) @ Grizzlies (Oct.28) vs. Magic (Oct.30)
Prediction: Nikola Vucevic will get dealt first before Zach Lavine.
25. Charlotte Hornets (26) (+1)
There is one giant X-factor that will determine the Hornet’s season. That X-factor belongs to the health of LaMelo Ball. When healthy, the Hornets are more competitive and can easily be in the play-in range. LaMelo is just that good. And they would only need to win 30-32 games to have their season stand for a play-in game. Without him, Charlotte is one of the youngest teams in the league that is years away from contention. But it will be fascinating to see how LaMelo and Brandon Miller coexist in the backcourt.
Week Schedule: @ Rockets (Oct.23) @Hawks (Oct.25) vs. Heat (Oct. 26) vs. Raptors (Oct.30)
Prediction: The Hornets make the play-in tournament.
26. Toronto Raptors (24) (-2)
When Masai Ujiri states it will be a rebuilding year for Toronto, then it is very safe to say that the expectations will need to be tampered with. Still, in an insanely weaker bottom of the Eastern Conference, it might only take 30-32 wins to qualify for a play-in spot. It will be a big year for Immanuel Quickley to prove to Raptors fans he was worth that contract. Still, it’s fair to be patient with this very young Raptors team.
Week Schedule: vs. Cavaliers (Oct.23) vs. 76ers (Oct.25) @ Timberwolves (Oct.26) vs. Nuggets (Oct.28) @ Hornets (Oct.30)
Prediction: Raptors will finish in the bottom 4 of the East, but Scottie Barnes is a top 5 fantasy basketball favorite.
27. Detroit Pistons (27) (-)
Let’s be clear. Detroit will not be as bad as last year’s dumpster fire season. At least they shouldn’t be. But the Pistons are still years away from contending for anything meaningful. They acquired a coach who has a proven record of improving a team each year. The Pistons now have acquired some veterans and have a star player to build around in Cade Cunningham. But even expecting Detroit to compete for the play-in tournament is a stretch. Nevertheless, expect this team to win 20+ games.
Week Schedule: vs. Pacers (Oct.23) @ Cavaliers (Oct.25) vs. Celtics (Oct.26) @ Heat (Oct.28) @ 76ers (Oct.30)
Prediction: Cade Cunnigham will get serious All-Star consideration.
28. Brooklyn Nets (29) (+1)
Welcome to the Cam Thomas show! The Nets are entering Year 1 of a full-scale rebuild. As currently constructed, there are some good pieces on the roster. Nevertheless, don’t expect the Nets to compete in any way shape, or form. Also, look for Brooklyn to move any veterans that could be valuable in a trade for more youth and draft capital. It will be intriguing to see if Ben Simmons will have a bounce-back year or if his contract becomes the worst contract in the NBA.
Prediction: Cam Thomas will have a 50+ game but will have a Jordan Poole-like season.
Week Schedule: @ Hawks (Oct.23) @ Magic (Oct.25) vs. Bucks (Oct.27) vs Nuggets(Oct.29) @ Grizzlies (Oct.30)
29. Portland Trail Blazers (30) (+1)
There will be signs of promise and what the future could be for the Blazers. The key word is “promise” and “future”. And there was some promise with how Scoot Henderson and Donovon Clingin looked in the preseason. However, this season will be about the development of their young players and not wins and losses. Portland still needs to figure out when they will trade Jerami Grant and possibly D’Andre Ayton.
Week Schedule: vs. Warriors (Oct.23), vs. Pelicans (Oct.25) vs. Pelicans (Oct.27) @ Kings (Oct.28) @ Clippers (Oct.30)
Prediction: Chauncey Billups will get fired as coach as Portland fails to surpass 20 wins.
30. Washington Wizards (28) (-2)
This will be another rough season in the Nation’s capital but perhaps not as gloomy. Maybe Jordan Poole will bounce back after a brutal first season. Or maybe Kyle Kuzma and Jonas Valanciunas play so well they are dealt to other teams to get more assets. One thing is for sure: the Wizards won’t be competing for anything except the lottery anytime soon. Enjoy the rebuild Wizards fans. Enjoy.
Week Schedule: vs. Celtics (Oct.23) vs. Cavaliers (Oct.25) @ Hawks (Oct.28) vs. Hawks (Oct.30)
Prediction: Kyle Kuzma and/or Jonas Valaciunas will be traded.
Main Image: © Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
