NBA 2024-25 season outright winner predictions and betting tips: Knicks may find a knack for winning

Best outright bets for the 2024-25 NBA season

New York Knicks to win the NBA Championship
2pts 8-1 BoyleSports

Memphis Grizzlies to win the NBA Championship
0.5pts each-way 40-1 bet365, BoyleSports, Hills

Jalen Brunson to be named regular-season MVP
1pt 16-1 BoyleSports

NBA 2024-25 season predictions

The Boston Celtics were almost flawless in winning a first NBA title since 2008 so it is no surprise that they go into the new campaign as strong favourites to retain their crown. 

However, the NBA has not seen a repeat champion since the Golden State Warriors in 2018 and, at the prices, it could pay to look elsewhere. 

Bridging the gap to the Celtics is a big ask for any team given Boston went 64-18 in the regular season and 16-3 in the post-season last term, but one side, more than any other, has made the moves to do so. 

The New York Knicks acquired one of the league's best big men, Karl-Anthony Towns, in the off-season, and he should help them space the floor with fluidity. 

Towns knocked down 41.6 per cent of his three-pointers last term while the man he will replace, Julius Randle, made just 31.6 per cent of his shots from beyond the arc, suggesting his shooting will add another weapon to an already loaded Knicks arsenal.

New York went 20-3 after signing OG Anunoby last season, highlighting his defensive prowess, while role players Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges are capable of lighting up any game. 

Jalen Brunson is the star man, though, and his post-season performance last term suggests he may only be getting better, as his points per game went from 28.7 to 32.4 in the playoffs. 

If Brunson can lead the Knicks to a strong finish in the Eastern Conference, he could improve on his fifth place in MVP voting last time round to land the award this time, before leading Tom Thibodeau's well-balanced side to the title. 

The West looks tough to call but, at a big price, it could be worth taking a punt on the Memphis Grizzlies to make a run to the Finals. 

Star man Ja Morant played just nine games last term while Marcus Smart and Brandon Clarke also missed huge chunks of the season. 

If Taylor Jenkins' side can stay fit and Morant can get back to his brilliant best, having added rookie Zach Edey – who brings some much-needed depth in the centre spot – to the roster, they have all the tools to challenge for the championship. 

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