NBA Season Tip-Off 2025: Why the Thunder Are Still the Team to Beat
NBA Teams Get Set To Kickoff an Exciting 2025 Season
Photo Credit: Mehaniq via Shutterstock
By: Joshua Martin
After a long offseason, 120 days to be exact, the NBA returns tonight with two marquee matchups featuring MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant and the “Tall Ball” lineup of the Houston Rockets, the greatest shooter off all time Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors and Luka Doncic of the Lakers who will start the season without Lebron for the first month. As excitement continues to mount on what will be an excellent season, we break down key story lines, player of the year predictions and who will secure the Larry O’Brien trophy. Let's talk ball!
As the 2025 - 26 season tips off, the landscape of the NBA is poised for drama, youth and seismic shifts. According to consensus power rankings, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder remain the clear cut favorite. ESPN projects them at 57.8 wins as the top team entering the season. And honestly, I’m picking the Thunder once again to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy.
The Thunder’s core is still loaded, their defence is still top in the league and their youth and depth give them a strong foundation to repeat.
“We do everything together on and off the court. Above all we prioritize winning and enjoy each other’s company.”
Meanwhile, my bold predictions include rookie of the year going to Cooper Flagg and Victor Wembanyama taking the next step to superstardom and earning his first MVP.
Flagg enters the league with sky high expectations and is clearly on the rookie of the year radar. With a solid core of veterans surrounding him, Flagg is in a great position to succeed early on. According to most, this is a stacked rookie class and he is named among the top. I believe his readiness and impact level make him the candidate to watch.
Wembanyama, meanwhile, has been spotlighted in projections as a potential league changer. For example, many outlets list him as a frontrunner for MVP as the game’s next generational two way talent. My prediction is that Wembanyama seizes that leap and consolidates himself as one of the very top stars.
On the other side of the equation, I expect the Los Angeles Lakers, now with Luka Doncic firmly installed in year two as the franchise centerpiece, to make a meaningful leap. His leadership, talent and renewed reputation make this Lakers team better in Year 2 of the Luka era, even if the championship remains just a tad bit out of reach.
Finally, I’m predicting a major shake up involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. With talk swirling about his future, he expressed sentiments to the media.
“I’m locked into this team… But things can change.”
While he hasn’t formally requested a trade, the trade speculation is real. My prediction is a move happens, opening the door for Wembanyama’s ascension and re-ordering of the elite teams and players.
In summation, I expect the Thunder to win it, Flagg to earn ROY, Wembanyama becomes MVP, Lakers get better under Luka and Giannis gets traded. It’s a season of transition, surprise and the next wave stars. Get your popcorn ready!
Check out the opening week’s nationally televised schedule below:
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