The NBA Teams Most Likely to Win 60 Games This Season! The Celtics Top the List, and the Knicks Make the Cut
1.Celtics (64-18 in the 23-24 season, projected 65-17 in the 24-25 season)
It comes as no surprise that one of the teams most likely to achieve a 60-win record in the 24-25 NBA season is the reigning champion Boston Celtics, who already accomplished a 64-18 record last season. As champions of the 23-24 season and a storied franchise with a rich history of titles, the Celtics are not content with just one championship, unlike some teams that might be satisfied after winning once and then dismantle their roster. With the most championships in NBA history, the Celtics have been preparing for consecutive titles. In the 2024 offseason, they not only retained the core of their championship-winning team from the 23-24 season but also extended a max contract to one of their key players, Jayson Tatum, signing him for an additional five years at $314 million.
This decision to maintain the same lineup can be seen as the best possible reinforcement, as a team that has just gelled and won a championship will only get stronger with continued cohesion, especially without any age-related concerns. Additionally, making Tatum, who missed out on the 23-24 season's Finals MVP, the highest-paid player in NBA history sends a clear message of trust from the team. To repay this faith, Tatum is expected to work even harder in the new season to prove himself, leading the team to better results and his own Finals MVP trophy. Therefore, it is predicted that the Celtics will achieve at least a 65-17 record in the 24-25 season.
2.Nuggets (57-25 in the 23-24 season, projected 61-21 in the 24-25 season)
Another team with a strong chance of achieving a 60-win record in the 24-25 season is the Denver Nuggets, led by three-time regular-season MVP Nikola Jokic. Fans who followed the Nuggets' offseason moves may believe that the team's overall strength has declined, making a 60-win season seem like a pipe dream, especially since they lost key players from their 22-23 championship squad, such as Bruce Brown, Jeff Green, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. However, much like the Golden State Warriors' "Big Three," the Nuggets' core of Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon ensures that their strength remains relatively stable, as long as these four key players remain together. Role players and "3D" guards can be replaced by veterans eager to win a title.
The real challenge for the Nuggets lies in their mindset, as both Jokic and Murray are known for taking it easy during the regular season. The disappointment of the 23-24 season and fan criticism could motivate them to prove themselves early in the new season, as the championship seems distant, but performing well in the regular season can silence doubters. The addition of Russell Westbrook, a player known for his energy in the locker room, will keep the team's morale high, making a 61-21 record in the new season a realistic goal.
3.Thunder (57-25 in the 23-24 season, projected 61-21 in the 24-25 season)
The third team with a strong chance of achieving a 60-win record in the 24-25 season is the Oklahoma City Thunder. As a young team that emerged in the 23-24 season, battling strong Western Conference opponents and finishing first in the West with a 57-25 record, the Thunder may seem inexperienced, having been eliminated in the second round of the playoffs in the 23-24 season, leading to questions about their true strength. However, after a season of growth, they have become more cohesive, and the energy they will unleash in the new season is expected to be even greater. Their precise strengthening in the 2024 offseason, acquiring Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein through trades, directly addresses their weaknesses in perimeter and interior defense. Consequently, they are unlikely to fall behind in the 24-25 season and may even surpass the Nuggets, with a good chance of achieving a 61-21 record and advancing to the NBA Finals.
4.Knicks (50-32 in the 23-24 season, projected 60-22 in the 24-25 season)
The fourth team with a strong chance of achieving a 60-win record in the 24-25 season is the New York Knicks. Yes, the Knicks' regular-season record in the 23-24 season was indeed far from 60 wins, with only 50 wins and 32 losses. However, fans who watched the Knicks' playoff performance in the 23-24 season know that the Knicks are an extremely resilient team. With a core consisting of Villanova University teammates Josh Hart, Dante DiVincenzo, and Jalen Brunson, they are capable of facing any opponent. In the 2024 offseason, the Knicks made a miraculous trade, bringing in Mikal Bridges, another Villanova alumnus and NBA All-Star. The reunion of these four players, who share an unspoken bond, will undoubtedly elevate their strength to new heights, with a promising future of achieving a 60-22 record in the new season.