With the NBA season coming to an end, we are advancing to the playoffs and the end of the year NBA Awards. The NBA Playoffs are looking very promising with different varieties of teams ready to play and win. 

With the NBA awards coming up there are different opinions in the basketball community. 

For the MVP award most people think Nikola Jokic is going to win that award because of the remarkable season he has had by averaging a triple double all season, but in my opinion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is going to be the one to win that award because of both his offensive and defensive assets for Oklahoma City Thunder. Shai has been the best scorer in the league while being one the best guard defenders and while leading one of the best regular season teams of all time. 

For ROTY most people think Stephon Castle think he is going to win the award, and I agree, he has showed so much potential for the San Antonio Spurs. Castle got to do more than what other rookies could have done with star players De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama being gone. 

Now with the NBA Playoffs already in play and the play-in finished the full playoff bracket is finished. I will show my predictions in the Eastern and Western Conferences. 

First seed Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Eighth seed Miami Heat  

I predict that the Cavaliers will win the series 4-1. Cleveland’s overall talent and home-court advantage will likely be too much for Miami to overcome in a long series. 

Second seed Boston Celtics vs. Seventh Orlando Magic 

I predict that the Boston Celtics will win the series 4-0. Boston’s championship pedigree and superior firepower should lead to a relatively quick series. 

Third seed New York Knicks vs. Sixth seed Detroit Pistons 

I predict that the Knicks will win the series 4-2. While the Pistons are tough to play against, the Knicks’ experience and home-court advantage should help them win through this series. 

Fourth seed Indiana Pacers vs. Fifth seed Milwaukee Bucks 

 I predict that The Pacers will win the series 4-2. Indiana’s offensive firepower and early series lead give them the edge, even against Milwaukee’s star power. Even with the efforts of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo it won’t be enough to stop this Pacers team. 

First seed Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Eighth seed Memphis Grizzlies 

I predict that The Thunder will win the series 4-0. Oklahoma City’s superior talent and health will likely result in a sweep.  

Second seed Houston Rockets vs. Seventh seen Golden State Warriors 

 I predict that The Warriors will win the series 4-3. Golden State’s playoff experience and clutch performances from their stars will be the difference in a hard-fought series. 

Third seed Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sixth seed Minnesota Timberwolves 

   I predict that The Lakers will win the series 4-2. The Lakers’ experience and the pressure LeBron James can apply will likely be too much for the Timberwolves over a longer series. 

Fourth seed Denver Nuggets vs. Fifth seed LA Clippers 

 I predict that The Clippers will win the series 4-3. If the Clippers can maintain their health, their star power and playoff experience will give them a slight edge in a closely contested series. 

Based on the current playoff matchups and team strengths, my prediction for the 2025 NBA Champion is the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

The Thunder have demonstrated a remarkable balance of offense and defense throughout the season. Their young core, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is playing at an elite level, and their depth provides consistent contributions. Their performance as the top seed in a competitive Western Conference speaks volumes about their potential. While the Eastern Conference boasts strong contenders like the Celtics and Cavaliers, the Thunder’s overall trajectory and the way they have gelled as a team give them a slight edge in my prediction for the NBA Championship.