Does anyone pose a risk to the Celtics?

We are actually within the ultimate stretch of the 2024-2025 NBA common season. In a bit over two weeks, playoff basketball will begin, and we’ll lastly get to see what we’ve all been ready for: if any crew has the chops to dethrone the reigning champs, or if the Boston Celtics will go back-to-back and safe Banner 19.

The Celtics appear to be the one playoff crew who’s nearly locked in to their ultimate general seed, more likely to end second within the East whereas holding the third finest general file. As for the remainder of the league, there’s nonetheless quite a lot of room for motion, significantly within the West.

Right here’s a have a look at a normal image of the state of the league, together with how they may fare in opposition to the Celtics:

*Information and standings as of March 25, 2025*

Prime Threats:

Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder – 1st in West (60-12, 2-0 vs Cs): The Thunder received each of their matchups in opposition to Boston, and did so whereas shorthanded, too. Not solely that, but it surely felt like they had been clearly enjoying higher than the Celtics. That’s been the case for OKC with nearly each crew this season. Their teaching is immaculate, they’ve an MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they usually have unimaginable depth with an actual “subsequent man up” mentality. They play extremely bodily, and are, as a rule, rewarded for it.

We’ve been listening to that they’re too younger, and that they don’t have the expertise to make it to the Finals, not to mention win it. That could be a chance. It’s additionally doable that Shai requests a commerce to the Celtics this offseason. Not all prospects are price entertaining. This crew is legit, as they’ve proven all season lengthy. Behind the reigning champs, OKC is the crew to beat.

Cleveland Cavaliers – 1st in East (58-14 || 2-2 vs Cs): The Cavs have been a beacon of consistency for a lot of the season. That they had a four-game skid not too long ago, however nonetheless sit firmly at first within the East. The one factor they’ve left to play for is first general, however OKC must begin dropping video games for that to occur. Cleveland was already nice between Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, they usually’ve gotten even higher by including De’Andre Hunter into the combination.

They may probably find yourself taking house three common season awards between Coach of the Yr for Kenny Atkinson, Sixth Man of the Yr for Ty Jerome, and Defensive Participant of the Yr for Mobley. It simply goes to point out how effectively rounded they’re, and simply how a lot of a risk they will actually be. With elite play on each ends of the courtroom, there’s no manner you possibly can’t think about them one of many favorites to win all of it. When it comes to going through Boston, Mitchell normally has his manner, although their wings can have a tough time limiting Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. This might very effectively find yourself being an excellent ol’ slugfest if the 2 groups match up.

Indiana Pacers – 4th in East (42-29 || 2-1 vs Cs): I will not be taking a look at Indiana as true contenders simply but, however they’re one of many groups most able to sending Boston house early. Regardless of being the one crew that the Celtics swept within the playoffs final 12 months, the Pacers gave Boston their hardest battle. Tyrese Haliburton had a weak begin to the season, however he’s enjoying like a star once more, whereas Pascal Siakam has continued to excel as effectively. Indy performs quick and free, with an extremely potent offense that may change the complexion of video games within the blink of an eye fixed. They’re not a crew that can go down simply, to Boston or anybody else.

Different potential challengers:

Denver Nuggets – third in West (45-28 || 0-2 vs Cs): The Nuggets appeared like they might have been slipping down early within the season, however they’ve labored by means of the kinks, and gotten themselves proper again close to the highest of the West. Jamal Murray has returned to his common self, an enormous catalyst for the turnaround. We’re seeing yet one more MVP-worthy season from Nikola Jokic on high of that. This Denver core has already received a championship collectively, to allow them to simply make their manner again there now. The largest factor slowing them down is well being, particularly since their depth isn’t what it was once they received all of it. We’ll must see if they will go into the playoffs at full-strength and preserve it.

Houston Rockets – 2nd in West (47-26 || 1-1 vs Cs): Houston has already over-achieved in my eyes, although I don’t suppose anybody believes they’re glad. They’ve been tremendous scrappy all 12 months lengthy, and have one of many league’s finest defenses. They don’t really feel significantly scary from an offensive standpoint, however they’ve been getting the job executed regardless. I don’t know if I’d actually think about them contenders, however they’ve earned their spot on this class with their excellent file, good for fourth finest within the league proper now. Whoever has to see Houston goes to be very sore and drained on the finish of it.

Los Angeles Lakers – fifth in West (43-28 || 1-1 vs Cs): The Lakers had a famous person fall into their laps as soon as once more, and it introduced new life into this group. Pairing Luka and LeBron looks like probably conflicting playstyles, however each gamers are so sensible and savvy, that they will make it work. The one factor lacking from this roster is a stable true-center, however Doncic and James are greater than able to elevating their present rotation sufficient to make it work. There’s additionally been a contemporary injection of protection into this group, one thing that was lacking earlier within the season. They’ve the makings of a crew that may be the highest of the highest, or a shiny new factor that crashes and burns early. Neither would shock me.

Golden State Warriors – sixth in West (41-31 || 1-1 vs Cs): The Warriors may positively be bumped down a class, however they’ve earned the suitable to be right here due to their historical past. Steph Curry remains to be one of many scariest gamers to go up in opposition to, and including in a man who is thought for over-achieving in Jimmy Butler is kind of a combo for the playoffs. Issues have been clicking for Golden State since placing the 2 collectively, they usually additionally not too long ago obtained Jonathon Kuminga again from harm to maintain them on an upward trajectory. It’s exhausting to guess in opposition to their stars and their tradition, in order that they get the good thing about the doubt for now.

Wouldn’t guess on ‘em, however received’t rely ‘em out simply but:

New York Knicks – third in East (45-26 || 0-3 vs Cs): The Knicks are in an attention-grabbing spot. Expertise-wise, it seems like they’ve sufficient to beat anyone. The issue is that they haven’t confirmed it. They’re 1-8 in opposition to groups with a greater file than them, the one win coming in opposition to Houston. They very effectively may make a deep run once more this 12 months, however they haven’t given me any motive to imagine that they’ll make it out of the convention but, not to mention win the Finals. They may very effectively be within the class above, but when the tip aim is thrashing the Celtics or popping out of the East, they’re going to have to point out me extra earlier than I purchase in.

Milwaukee Bucks – 4th in East (40-31 || 0-3 vs Cs): Milwaukee obtained some powerful information not too long ago – their star level guard, Damian Lillard, studying of a blood clot in his calf. He’s at the moment listed as out indefinitely, however blood clots are nothing to fiddle with, so it’s solely doable, and perhaps even possible, that he’ll be shut down for the season. They’re 4-6 over their final 10 video games, and really feel only a bit too inconsistent proper now. They’ll be getting Bobby Portis again from his suspension heading into the playoffs, however with out Dame, Giannis remains to be going to have his fingers much more full than common. He’s a top-five participant on this league, so I received’t rely him out, but it surely’s going to be a tricky struggle.

Memphis Grizzlies – 4th in West (44-28 || 1-0 vs Cs): To be fairly sincere, Memphis simply doesn’t look like they’ve the juice to be nice this 12 months, regardless of their very stable file. They simply misplaced Brandon Clarke for the season (once more,) they usually’ve been constantly biking key gamers out and in of the lineup as a consequence of numerous accidents. They seemed like they had been primed to make a splash earlier than the deadline, but it surely seems like they finally took a step again – for this 12 months and the longer term. If they will finish the season with comparatively good well being and a good stretch of wins, I’ll change my tune, however as of now, I’m not an enormous believer.

Detroit Pistons – sixth in East (41-32 || 1-3 vs Cs): Have a look at us. Who would have thought? Not me. Detroit has formally let the canine out of the cage. They’re enjoying with a severe chip on their shoulder, and have a well-rounded roster that’s headed by their star participant, Cade Cunningham. Detroit has an opportunity to earn home-court benefit within the first spherical, which is simply an unimaginable turnaround from the place they had been final 12 months. I don’t suppose they’ve the expertise to go too far, however they might nonetheless be a enjoyable Cinderella story for a bit. Regardless, they need to be very happy with the season they’ve put collectively, they usually have one thing nice to construct off of.

Playoff hopefuls:

Minnesota Timberwolves – eighth in West (41-32 || 0-2 vs Cs): Anthony Edwards is enjoying excellent basketball, and the Wolves did a surprisingly good job of staying aggressive regardless of Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Donte DiVincenzo all lacking important time. They don’t fairly have the pop that they’d final 12 months, however they’ve received 9 of their final 12, and are positively trending up. They’ve put collectively a really respectable season, and may make for a aggressive playoff opponent regardless of not sitting very excessive within the West.

Los Angeles Clippers – seventh in West (40-31 || 0-2 vs Cs): The Clippers are one of many hardest groups for me to guage. After I have a look at the roster, I’m not essentially wowed, however they’ve quite a lot of guys who’re prepared to do the soiled work, they usually all play to win. They’re constructed round a stable protection, and their offense appears to be enhancing too with the return of Norman Powell, and the gradual enchancment of Kawhi Leanord as he works his manner again into being the participant everyone knows him as. They really feel like a crew that may get issues clicking on the proper time to carry on an upset, so I’d control them, however wouldn’t be stunned with a first-round exit both.

Atlanta Hawks – seventh in East (35-37 || 2-1 vs Cs): Atlanta appeared like they had been headed in the suitable path with the additions of Dyson Daniels and rookie Zaccharie Risacher, together with the breakouts of De’Andre Hunter and Jalen Johnson, however issues rapidly took a flip when Johnson was dominated out for the season with a torn labrum. Since then, the Hawks despatched out De’Andre Hunter for Georges Niang and Caris LeVert, each who’re first rate position gamers to extend their depth, however not sufficient to push the needle. They’re a really streaky crew, who appears to like enjoying within the play-in. I can’t see them giving any of the groups above them any actual points, and I don’t suppose Hawks followers will like the place the crew goes from right here.

Orlando Magic – eighth in East (35-38 || 1-1 vs Cs): Orlando has had a tricky season harm smart, with every of their top-three gamers lacking important time. Jalen Suggs has been dominated out for the rest of the season, as has their sixth-man, Moritz Wagner. That they had a few skids because of the slew of accidents, however they’re seeking to choose the tempo again up now.

They’re nearly locked in to the play-in match, however their ultimate placement is to be decided, and it’s nonetheless doable for them to be eradicated. They’ve underdog potential within the first spherical due to their protection, however I can’t see their offense taking them very far, particularly since they’ll be going through both Cleveland or Boston in the event that they do make it.

Phoenix Suns – tenth in West (35-37): Phoenix has had a rollercoaster of a season. They began off scorching sizzling, however rapidly cooled off as soon as accidents began popping up. The street has been rocky since then, however they’ve not too long ago proven hope to a minimum of make the playoffs, successful 5 of their final six video games. In that interval, they’ve the 2nd finest offensive score, the eleventh finest defensive score, and the fifth finest net-rating within the league.

That’s thanks in large half because of the latest involvement of Collin Gillespie and rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro within the lineup. It might even be partially as a result of Bradley Beal and Mason Plumlee have been much less concerned, the one two gamers on the roster with a damaging +/- in that interval. We’ll see if Phoenix can preserve this push sufficient to work their manner by means of the play-in

Sacramento Kings – ninth in West (35-37 || 1-1 vs Cs): The Kings are in a difficult spot. There’s actually quite a lot of expertise on this roster between Malik Monk, Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach Lavine. Keon Ellis and Devin Carter have additionally stepped as much as fill in Fox’s position, and Jonas Valanciunas, Jake LaRavia, and Markelle Fultz have all are available to bolster up the general depth of the Kings. They really feel like they’ve a aggressive roster, however they’re in an extremely troublesome place within the West, so they might very effectively find yourself being the odd man out. They’re at the moment on a four-game dropping streak, which received’t reduce it at this level within the season.

Chicago Bulls – ninth in East (32-40 || 1-3 vs Cs): Right here we go once more, Chicago. That is the fourth time in 5 years that the Bulls are poised to complete within the September 11 vary. It seems like they lastly took a shift in the direction of a correct rebuild, however nonetheless have one other step or two to take earlier than they’re totally there. At this level they’re like a manufacturing facility for guards, placing out lineups with Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu (whereas he was wholesome), Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, Lonzo Ball, and Kevin Huerter. All of them have earned their minutes, however in some unspecified time in the future one thing’s gotta give. Their wing depth is the place they’re actually missing, and in the event that they do handle to sneak their manner into the playoffs, it’ll possible be an enormous limiting issue. Greatest to give attention to subsequent 12 months at this level.

Miami Warmth – tenth in East (31-41 || 0-3 vs Cs): Issues haven’t been trying good in Miami this season. It was already unhealthy whereas Jimmy was nonetheless on the roster, and it’s gotten even worse since his departure. Miami really obtained a good return, too, including in Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, and Kyle Anderson. The door isn’t shut but on a playoff run, but it surely’s going to be an enormous uphill battle to get there, although that’s actually not unfamiliar territory for the Warmth. Pat Riley’s needs to stay aggressive possible received’t come to fruition this 12 months, but it surely’s not all unhealthy for the longer term.

Higher luck subsequent 12 months:

Dallas Mavericks – eleventh in West (35-38 || 1-1 vs Cs): Mavs followers, I’m legitimately so sorry for what occurred to your crew. What a catastrophe. Neglect what Nico Harrison did to the roster; Dallas wasn’t hit with the harm bug – they had been hit by an harm truck. They went from probably taking a look at a return to the Finals, to not even being within the play-in. Additionally they traded away two of their most promising gamers in Luka Doncic and Quentin Grimes (who’re clearly of the identical caliber.) If the Mavs can’t get wholesome subsequent 12 months, this can be one of many worst self-inflicted collapses of a crew I’ve ever seen.

Portland Path Blazers – twelfth in West (32-41 || 0-2 vs Cs): I actually like what Portland is constructing right here. It seems like they accelerated their rebuild post-Dame fairly a bit this 12 months. They’ve discovered an identification in being a gritty, defensive-minded group, they usually have a couple of guys who will be licensed bucket getters in Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe. In the event that they need to maintain this momentum going, it seems like they should transfer off of men like Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams, and Jerami Grant to unlock cap and herald some new faces. I’m unsure they see it the identical manner, although, and even when they do, it could be simpler stated than executed. Regardless, Portland has been quietly competing all season lengthy, and I’m excited to see if they will take the subsequent step subsequent 12 months.

New Orleans Pelicans – 14th in West (20-53 || 0-2 vs Cs): New Orleans needs to be cursed. Three of their starters fell to season-ending accidents this 12 months, and there’s been an entire lot of missed time all through the season from the remainder of the group as effectively. All issues thought-about, although, issues nonetheless could also be trying considerably hopeful. Zion Williamson continues to point out us that he’s an distinctive participant when wholesome. The Pels additionally added in a pair stable vets on the deadline in Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown. If they will by some means get and keep wholesome subsequent 12 months, they’d have a reasonably good shot at being aggressive in my guide.

Toronto Raptors – eleventh in East (25-47 || 1-3 vs Cs): Toronto has had some fairly shameless tanking late within the season, however I don’t blame them after seeing what Cooper Flagg can do. Brandon Ingram has had one of many longest recoveries from an ankle sprain I’ve seen in skilled basketball, and now we have but to see what he can present for this crew. Moreover, guys like Gradey Dick, Jakob Poeltl, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett have all been lacking time as of late. The roster building is a bit questionable, however they do have a number of gifted gamers going into subsequent season. We’ll see if the ping pong balls fall of their favor to present them an additional increase.

San Antonio Spurs – thirteenth in West (31-39|| 0-1 vs Cs): San Antonio’s season took an surprising flip when Victor Wembanyama was discovered to have a blood clot in his shoulder. With him being shut down for the season, there wasn’t far more for the Spurs to play for, and now we’ve seen newly acquired star, De’Aaron Fox, get shut down for the season as effectively with a wrist harm. San Antonio had a shot to make the playoffs, and perhaps even make some noise, however these plans must wait till subsequent season now. In the event that they make the suitable strikes within the offseason and Wemby recovers effectively from his situation, then the Spurs needs to be fairly aggressive subsequent 12 months.

Brooklyn Nets – twelfth in East (23-49 || 0-4 vs Cs): Brooklyn has been stunning in quite a lot of methods. They dumped a couple of of their vets for a good return, however held on to those who I might have thought held probably the most worth: Cam Johnson, Cam Thomas, and Nic Claxton. Jordi Fernandez has executed an excellent job teaching this crew, they usually’ve had quite a lot of totally different guys step up at totally different factors. I can’t think about they’ll be a lot better subsequent 12 months, however they do have a enjoyable group of men to spend money on and see how they develop.

Utah Jazz – fifteenth in West (16-57 || 0-2 vs Cs): I’m unsure what the imaginative and prescient is in Utah. They’ve been making an attempt to feed rookies Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier late within the season, and I’ve favored what I’ve seen from them. Exterior of these two, there isn’t a lot to put in writing house about right here, although. Their season is nearly over, so we’ll have to attend till the offseason to grasp what path they’ll be heading in subsequent 12 months. In the event that they handle to get a positive draft choose, that might clear issues up in a short time.

Washington Wizards – fifteenth in East (15-56 || 0-3 vs Cs): I can now not communicate in poor health of the Wizards now that they’ve Marcus Good. For that motive, I received’t say a lot, however I’ll say that they’ve set their younger guys up properly to develop. They received’t be aggressive for some time, however they can begin taking actual steps in the suitable path now.

Philadelphia 76ers – thirteenth in East (23-49 || 1-3 vs Cs): “Belief the method,” they stated. “It’ll all work out,” they stated. The basketball gods have been punishing the Sixers for his or her un-ethical tanking methods for years now, and this season was no totally different. At this level, Philly is making an attempt their darndest to earn themselves a top-6 choose, in any other case it could get despatched over to OKC (in fact.) They’ve had a couple of younger guys present some promise, however their general morale might be fairly low. Simply the best way I prefer it.

Charlotte Hornets – 14th in East (18-54 || 0-2 vs Cs): Previous to the beginning of the season, there was a CelticsBlog roundtable the place employees members predicted potential darkish horses for this 12 months. The immediate was meant to be about making a run within the playoffs, however I made a decision to take it as a crew that may make the playoffs. The Hornets had been my choose. It will go down as one in all my worst takes as a author, and I sincerely hope I by no means high it. That’s all I’ll say for Charlotte.