Trending Topics: 2025 NBA Finals predictions

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Periodically, NBA.com’s writers will weigh in on key storylines or trending topics around the league.
Celtics-Timberwolves. Boston seems poised to end the league’s current everybody-gets-a-turn streak of six different champions. Parity at the highest level has been fun, but each of the first five winners from 2019 (Toronto) through 2023 (Denver) wanted and tried to defend their titles. The Celtics are going to get that done — they’re talented, they’re deep, twin wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are hitting their prime, and the whole rotation defends hard.
If they don’t repeat, we’ll end up with a bigger headline: The franchise that’s won the most NBA titles gets beat by a team that never has reached the NBA Finals. Minnesota lost some of its distinction by trading Karl-Anthony Towns, but it looks more locked in and serious than even last spring. Anthony Edwards and Chris Finch, Kia MVP and Coach of Year candidates, respectively, earn the Wolves games in June.
Celtics-Thunder. The Celtics may not run away with the East as they did a season ago — with Kristaps Porzingis missing the early part of the season and teams like New York (adding Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges) and Philadelphia (adding Paul George) getting better this offseason. But if Boston’s top six are together and healthy come the playoffs, they are the toughest team to beat four times in seven games.
The West is tough to predict, but the Thunder have the most complete roster entering the season and the assets to improve at the trade deadline. Yes, they are young and got bounced in the 2024 Western Conference semifinals. But, they can build off that experience and become the sixth different team to represent the West in the last six NBA Finals.
Knicks-Thunder. One of the smallest markets vs. the biggest will showcase the championship series and put a pair of dynamic point guards on the floor — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson. These teams not only bring a pair of Kia MVP candidates but are deep, play solid defense and are well-coached. Oh, and who knew — the Knicks lost Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency but arrive here despite him, while the Thunder (who signed him) arrive here in part because of him.
Celtics-Thunder. This is a chalky pick, the two teams that were the top seeds last season and the clear favorites in the GM Survey. The biggest reason to pick against the Celtics in the East is to assume a championship hangover, but the threat of this core being broken up for financial reasons in 2025 should keep the champs motivated to repeat. The Thunder don’t have the experience other teams have, but the roster is too talented and well-constructed (with the ability to get better via trade) to pick anybody else in the West.