NBA Season Tip-Off 2025: Why the Thunder Are Still the Team to Beat
The 2025–26 NBA season tips off with star-studded matchups and major storylines, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder’s title defense, Cooper Flagg eyes Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama chases MVP, and Luka Doncic begins his Lakers era. We discuss it here!
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:
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Previewing the 2023 NBA Play-In Tournament
Get ready for the 2023 NBA Play-In Tournament! Read our preview of the matchup schedule and predictions. We discuss it here!
Jimmy Butler
via Sports Illustrated
By: Joshua Martin
Finally!!
The 2022-2023 NBA regular season is officially in the books and now 20 teams have the opportunity to compete for the prestigious Larry O’Brien Trophy. With so much chaos down the stretch, we now have a complete look at the playoffs and play-in tournament.
NBA Playoff Picture 2023 by NBA.com
The final day of the regular season saw several teams jockeying for playoff position in the uber competitive Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Lakers faced somewhat of a test against the Utah Jazz, who were playing without its regular rotation of players but Lebron James flexed his stroke from deep draining 8 of 14 threes and totaling 36 points as the Lakers locked in their position in the play-in tournament.
LEBRON HIT THE CROWN CELLY AFTER THE DAGGER THREE 👑 pic.twitter.com/LVHBtWzPzY
— ESPN (@espn) April 9, 2023
The T-Wolves and Pelicans were also in a bout that had significant playoff ramifications but unfortunately a heated exchange between Rudy Gobert and Kyle Anderson stole the headlines.
Kyle Anderson and Rudy Gobert had to be held back after Gobert swung at Anderson in HEATED exchange 😳 pic.twitter.com/jvB9xawHNn
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 9, 2023
Minnesota eventually won securing their position in the play-in but lost a key contributor in Jaden McDaniels, fracturing his hand after punching a wall on his way to the locker room.
After sending Rudy Gobert home for punching a teammate, Jaden McDaniels fractured his hand punching a wall.
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 9, 2023
Timberwolves are playoff ready. pic.twitter.com/MvZBMUqC2P
The Eastern Conference wasn't as exciting with playoff positions set in stone. Four of the top six seeds suffered losses with the majority of them resting starters to prepare for the playoff push.
2023 NBA Play-In Tournament matchup schedule
Play-In Game 1: (8) Atlanta at (7 Miami)
No one mucks up an opposing team's game plan like the Miami Heat. Both teams were inconsistent for the majority of the season but “Playoff Jimmy” is real. I like the Heat to advance. Sorry Trae…
Play-In Game 2: (8) Minnesota at (7) LA Lakers
No Rudy? No problem… The Lakers definitely caught a break with the Timberwolves unforeseen inner turmoil and with the three time Defensive player of the year facing a 1 game suspension imposed by the team, The Lakers win easily…
Play-In Game 3: (10) Chicago at (9) Toronto
Two veteran laden teams that undoubtedly had higher expectations heading into the season. This might be the most competitive out of the four games during the play-in. I'm a personal fan of great guard play and defense. Raptors in a close one.
Play-In Game 4: (10) Oklahoma City at (9) New Orleans
Oklahoma City may be the biggest surprise this season. Yes they have talent but they are also super young and inexperienced. Despite numerous injuries, The Pelicans somehow won enough games to make it in but unfortunately their postseason will end Wednesday night. Shai and the endless supply of Williams at the Thunder’s disposal will advance to the next round.
The Playoffs are where legends are made and after an eventful regular season I'm pretty sure this year’s Playoff run will be filled with even more unforgettable moments.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com