Who Will Win the 2025 NBA Championship?

The 2025 NBA Playoffs tip off this weekend, and four teams stand out as legitimate title contenders: the Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Each team possesses a unique combination of talent and experience that may, or may not, serve in their favor. In this article, we break each of them down and assess who will win this year. 

Boston Celtics

The defending champions are looking to go back-to-back — something no team has done since the Warriors in 2018. Boston has remained a powerhouse all season behind the duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. With a supporting cast that includes Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Peyton Pritchard, they are arguably the most experienced team in the playoffs. Their experience, chemistry, and play style - launching up 50 three-point attempts a game essentially - make them a challenging team to beat.  

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers were one of the biggest surprises of the season, finishing with 64 wins—the best in the East and since Lebron James left. The Cavs play a modern, fast-paced offense built around the duo of Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. The duo is one of the best in the league, and Darius Garland has exhibited nuance in his first few years. While the roster’s postseason inexperience could be a concern, the Cavs have the balance and defensive capability to make a run.

Los Angeles Lakers

Never count out Lebron James at any age in any era. With the addition of Luka Doncic, they have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch. They have a moderately challenging first-round series going up against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers winning is contingent on three things: James and Doncic staying healthy, whether their lack of size in the frontcourt will be an issue, and if their lack of depth will adversely affect them. However, if you’re J.J. Reddick, all you need to do is get the ball in James’ or Doncic’s hands. 

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder had an excellent record this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was an MVP-caliber leader once again, and the front office (wisely) addressed team needs by adding Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso to improve interior and perimeter defense. The only thing standing in the way of the Thunder winning is themselves. Their lack of experience adversely affected them last year and was ultimately the reason they got knocked out.

Who Will Win?

The Boston Celtics will go back-to-back this year. The Cavs and Thunder’s youth probably will hurt them again this year. The Boston Celtics are a complete team with a play style that is incredibly challenging to beat in seven games.