Can The Celtics Defend their NBA Title?

The Boston Celtics won their first NBA Championship since 2008 last season when they defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA finals. They now bid to defend their championship, something they have not done in 55 years.

Here is a look at the Celtics’ chances of lifting the trophy again in June 2025. Jayson Tatum Remains the Key Player Five-time NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum is one of the faces of the NBA and he remains a crucial player for Boston in their championship bid this season. The 26-year-old led the team in points per game (26.9) and rebounds per game (8.1) in the 2023/24 campaign.

This is Tatum’s eighth season in the NBA, so he has much experience behind him now. He has become one of the leaders in the team, and he should be full of confidence after winning the NBA Finals for the first time.

Tatum will be in contention for the NBA’s MVP Award this season. The last Boston star to win that prize was Larry Bird in 1986. If the small forward is recognized at the end of the campaign, it is likely because he has led his team to a high position in the Eastern Conference.

Boston Off To A Fast Start

The Celtics have won seven of their opening eight games in the 2024/25 regular season to put them at the top end of the NBA standings for the Eastern Conference. Their only defeat in that period came against the Indiana Pacers. They have had excellent victories over the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards.

Boston is scoring heavily in the opening stages of the season, which will please head coach Joe Mazzulla. They have scored 120 points or more in six of their opening eight games. Even in their defeat to the Pacers, they put up 132 points but were unfortunate to meet a team at their best offensively.

Mazzulla’s side are set for tougher tests as the season progresses. The Celtics' head coach has shown over the last few years that he is willing to juggle his roster to ensure his key players are as fresh as possible at the back end of the campaign.

On the back of their excellent start to the season, Boston is now +125 to win the Eastern Conference. Those looking to back the defending champions can get a no sweat bet with Fanatics up to $1000. Betting is also available on the NBA Championship with the sportsbook, with the Celtics topping the outright market at +250.

Rivals To Celtics

The leading rivals to the Celtics this season are thought to be the Oklahoma City Thunder. They were the number one seeds in the Western Conference last year but were beaten 4-2 by the Dallas Mavericks in the Conference semifinals.

Oklahoma is unbeaten through their opening seven games this season. They will be hoping to secure the top seed again ahead of the playoffs, and if they successfully get through their conference path, they could book a clash with the Celtics in the 2025 NBA Finals.

The New York Knicks are another team thought to be strong contenders for the NBA Championship this season. The Manhattan-based team is in the same conference as the Celtics, so they may need to defeat Boston en route to the NBA Finals.

It is set to be an exciting season ahead for Celtics fans, and they will be hoping their team can end it on top of the NBA once again.


R. Simms
Share