In the graph above, each team shows the odds attributed for winning the title (gradient that shifts from yellow to purple), flanked by the 2024/25 wage bill (gradient that shifts from red for the most expensive scenarios to green for the less oppressive situations from a disbursement point of view).
It should be noted that the American “odds” odds are to be understood as the profit that could be made with an ideal bet of 100 dollars.
The final lost against the Celtics hurt less than one might think because, let’s face it, even if you have the wonder boy of the league on your team, it’s not automatic to win three rounds of the playoffs in the West, even less so if the synergy with the another star of the franchise has recently blossomed and the rest of the roster is not of the highest level in terms of names as that of the rivals could be.
Having said that, we will obviously start again with Doncic and Irving who alternate in the control room but this year they will find one of the best shooters in history on the three-point range and in the corners of the court, with the hope of improving shooting percentages which in the last Finals were below expectations.
Klay Thompson will therefore be there to receive the discharges of the penetrations of the directorial duo and will be called to reinvigorate his status after the last few fluctuating seasons among the ranks of the Warriors which saw him at the center of media criticism, pushing him to move away from the franchise that he had chosen him in the draft to match him with the best shooter ever (Steph Curry), giving rise to the infamous duo of the Splash Brothers.
With only one man in command, not so much due to the shortcomings of others, but due to athletic overpower which is second only to confidence in their own abilities, the Minneapolis team relies on Anthony Edwards to avenge the bitter defeat suffered in the conference final by the Mavericks even if there will be a new tactical structure to be discovered after KAT’s departure to make room for Julius Randle (who is better suited to partner Gobert in the starting quintet) and the much-lamented Donte DiVincenzo by the New York fans.
Winning the Olympic gold will certainly have been galvanizing and judging by the pre-season performances, it cannot be ruled out that Ant Man could officially become the so-called “dark horse” in the race for the MVP title if the T-Wolves were to manage to improve what was demonstrated last year.
Come on, let’s not beat around the bush.
This year will also be the year of LeBron James… yes, but not “the” big one; let’s talk about the junior version, called Bronny.
We’ve been talking about it now even before the June draft and if it’s true that with a surname like that, combined with the various assists that the father gave to the Lakers management so that the matter could end with a temporary happy ending, it’s also true that a father and son had never seen each other on the same playing field at the same time.
The fact that one of the two is among the best 3-4 players of all time certainly won’t help his son, but from a historical point of view we are faced with a first time that is also very unique, with all due respect to the haters who They’re already slaughtering Bronny, but we like to think it’s more of a testament to LBJ’s greatness and longevity.
In conclusion, a special and always attentive eye also for the Bucks who will start from a healthy Giannis called together with Lillard to a more convincing year-2 than last season, without forgetting the Phoenix Suns of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, also teammates to the Olympics, who with the highest salary in the league would like to try to make more sun shine in Arizona where last year there were more newcomers than rays of hope towards the title.
So all we have to do is wish everyone a good season and see you in a few months to take stock.
For further information.
Who will win the new NBA season?
Everything you need to know about the new NBA season – Part 1
Basketball, data-driven tribute to Kobe Bryant
Maps, parks and basketball courts. Kirk Goldsberry’s map
The Last Dance, the end of the Chicago Bulls and the data. The NBA restarts
