The Playoffs loom just over the bend, and everyone’s wondering: is anyone going to be able to stop the Boston Celtics from running it back? After coasting through last season to win an 18th championship, the Celtics are primed, ready, and still the team to beat. But come on—this season’s playoff pursuit is heating up, with several contenders ready to get in the mix.
So, who is going to crash Boston’s party? Let’s begin.
The Champs
Boston has been a cohesive unit this season. They’re sitting at the top of the East with a 49-19 record, overwhelming teams with their lethal blend of offense and defense. Jayson Tatum is MVP-level balling, Jaylen Brown is still a two-way menace, and Kristaps Porziņģis has been holding down the paint. And on defense? Smothering. They’re third in the league, making it unpleasant for anyone who dares to score.
Does that render them untouchable? Hardly. There are teams lurking in the shadows, ready to pop the bubble on the hopes of the Celtics repeating. Let’s talk.
Greatest Threats in the East
Cleveland Cavaliers
If any squad has been the biggest surprise of the season, it’s the Cavaliers. They have the league’s best record at 56-11, and they’re riding a ridiculous 16-game winning streak. Even when All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell got injured, the Cavaliers didn’t miss a beat. Darius Garland has been scorching, Evan Mobley came through in a big way, and their depth has been incredible.
Are they going to be able to carry this momentum over into the playoffs? The Celtics have playoff experience, but if the defense of the Cavaliers holds up and the young core comes through, we could be witnessing a huge upset.
New York Knicks
The Knicks have been building a quietly good season, with a record of 43-24. They’ve got toughness, they’ve got grit, and then they’ve got Jalen Brunson, who’s been fantastic as the leader of the team. Even when he got hurt, guys like Miles McBride stepped in and proved that this team’s got depth.
The question mark over New York is if their offense is going to be able to keep pace with the elite teams in a seven-game series. If they get on fire at the right moment, however, don’t be shocked if they make a deep playoff run.
The Western Conference Contenders
Oklahoma City Thunder
OKC is one of the season’s biggest narratives. They’re a youthful team, yet they’re playing like veterans. They’ve got momentum on their side with a good record and a 15-game winning streak. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having an MVP season, Chet Holmgren is a defensive force, and the rest of the cast is good.
They possess the talent, but do they possess the experience? The West is a war zone, and playoff basketball is a different beast. If they remain calm under pressure, however, they could very well be the ones doing the surprising.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors aren’t the force to be reckoned with that they once were, but you can’t rule them out. They’re still in the hunt for a respectable playoff spot, and when they get in, experience and championship pedigree will be deadly. Steph Curry is still Steph Curry, Klay Thompson flashes, and Draymond Green is still the guy who holds it all together.
That being said, they’ve been inconsistent at times, and inconsistency could be an issue. If they’re matched up with Denver or the Lakers in round one, it could be dicey.
Can They Put It All Together? Los Angeles Lakers
Speaking of the Lakers, they’ve been inconsistent throughout the season, yet when you’ve got LeBron James and Anthony Davis on your roster, you’re always going to be in contention. They’ve got the firepower, but chemistry and consistency have been their biggest problems. If they get on a roll at the right time, then they’d be a nightmare match-up for any team.
Impact on Sports Betting
The playoffs emerge on the horizon, and the action is heating up amongst bettors. The Celtics are the clear favorite to win it all, but perhaps not the most valuable bet. If you’re looking for a team with higher potential to pay out, then maybe a dark horse in Cleveland is the way to go. They’ve been on fire recently, and if they carry that momentum into the playoffs, then maybe bettors on virtual sportsbooks should get on board.
The bet in the West is possibly Oklahoma City. They don’t have quite as high of chances as some of the underdogs, but youth and momentum make you willing to bet on them. The Lakers, as inconsistent as they’ve been, always get bet on because LeBron can turn it up a notch in the playoffs. But be wary—though capable of being lethal, their path to the Finals is not without obstacles.
For those who do envision player bets, Jayson Tatum is a Finals MVP bet in the event that Boston does get back. If you do find yourself a believer in the Cavaliers’ Cinderella story, then Donovan Mitchell is a sneaky bet to be your playoff savior.
Final Predictions
Will Boston repeat? The bet is on that they will—they’ve been the most well-rounded, consistent team all season. But if you’re looking for a team that could upset them, then perhaps the best bet in the East is Cleveland. In the West, the Lakers’ star power and the youth of OKC make good challengers.
In the end, the Playoffs in the NBA are unpredictable, and that is what makes them so exciting. One injury, one shooting streak, or one surprise breakout game could change everything. Get ready, because the 2025 Playoffs are going to be unpredictable.