The 2024–25 NBA season is quickly approaching—just 65 days away!—and anticipation for new matches is high when the regular-season schedule is revealed. Many familiar faces can be seen in new locales, such sharpshooter Klay Thompson, who teamed up with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to try to make another run at the Finals after spending 13 years with the Golden State Warriors.
The league’s top career scorer, LeBron James, teams up with his son Bronny James to go on a record-tying 22-game NBA career as he looks to turn around the Los Angeles Lakers’ fortunes following two dismal campaigns. There are still unanswered questions throughout the league despite a largely drama-free summer. Can the Boston Celtics carry on winning ways throughout the Eastern Conference? Will Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers be able to achieve success with the support of Paul George? Now for ESPN’s Summer Forecast panel, a collection of professionals addressing the most important NBA questions ahead of the 2024–25 campaign. (This is the calculation: Three points were awarded for second place, one point for third place, and five points for first place.)
Note: On Tuesday, we’ll resume our 2024–25 NBA Summer Forecast with predictions for every major prize. Which teams will experience a significant upturn in performance? The Grizzlies are hoping to reverse their 27-55 record from the previous season, which was marred by injuries and the turmoil surrounding star player Ja Morant off the court. Jayne Kamin-USA TODAY Sports Oncea The teams with the highest chance to significantly improve their standings are the ones we are voting for in our Team Turnaround poll. With the return of Ja Morant and the addition of rookie big man Zach Edey, the Memphis Grizzlies are poised to contend in a challenging Western Conference after a season marred by injuries.
