Trending Topics: Predictions for the NBA Finals in early 2025

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Periodically, NBA.com writers will comment on important storylines or trending topics around the league.

Which teams will meet in the 2025 NBA Finals?

Steve Ashburner

Celtics-Timberwolves. Boston appears poised to end the current streak of six different champions in the league where everyone gets a turn. Parity at the highest level was fun, but each of the first five winners from 2019 (Toronto) to 2023 (Denver) wanted and tried to defend their title. The Celtics will get there – they're talented, they're deep, wingers Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are on their way, and the entire rotation defends hard.

If they don't repeat themselves, we'll end up with a bigger headline: The franchise that has won the most NBA titles is beaten by a team that has never reached the NBA Finals. Minnesota lost some of its differentiation with the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, but looks more settled and serious than it did last spring. Anthony Edwards and Chris Finch, Kia MVP and Coach of the Year candidates respectively, win Wolves games in June.

Brian Martin

Celtics Thunder. The Celtics may not come away with the East like they did a season ago – with Kristaps Porzingis missing to start the season and teams like New York (with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges) and Philadelphia (with Paul George) getting better this offseason. But when Boston's top six are together and healthy heading into the playoffs, they're the toughest team to beat four times in seven games.

The West is difficult to predict, but the Thunder have the deepest roster to start the season and the tools to improve at the trade deadline. Yes, they are young and made it through to the 2024 Western Conference semifinals. But they can build on that experience and become the sixth team to represent the West in the last six NBA Finals.

Shaun Powell

Knicks-Thunder. One of the smallest markets against the largest will feature the championship series and put two dynamic point guards on the floor – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson. Not only do these teams bring two Kia MVP candidates, but they are also deep, play solid defense and are well coached. Oh, and who would have thought – the Knicks lost Isaiah Hartenstein as a free agent but are coming here despite him, while the Thunder (who signed him) are coming here partially Because by him.

John Schuhman

Celtics Thunder. This is a chalky pick as the two teams were the top seeds last season and were clear favorites in the GM poll. The main reason to opt against the Celtics in the East is to assume the championship isn't enough, but the threat of this core being disbanded for financial reasons in 2025 should keep the champions motivated to repeat. The Thunder don't have the experience that other teams have, but the roster is too talented and well-built (with the ability to get better through trades) to select anyone else in the West.