Will the Knicks End the Celtics’ Championship Dreams?

NBA predictions suggest that the New York Knicks face a significant challenge in stopping the Boston Celtics from repeating as champions. The 2024-25 NBA season kicks off on Tuesday, and FOX Sports’ NBA team is ready to share their insights before the action begins.

The Boston Celtics, fresh off an NBA-record 18th championship, enter the season as the clear favorites to dominate the Eastern Conference. However, the Knicks aim to disrupt their momentum after making bold moves in the offseason, acquiring stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges through trades. The question remains: can this revamped Knicks roster challenge the Celtics’ supremacy?

Experts weigh in on the evolving dynamics:

1. The Knicks had a busy offseason, adding Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns in blockbuster trades. How much do those additions change the ceiling of this team? Does the talent addition make up for the loss in culture and continuity?

Melissa Rohlin: This is a pivotal moment for the Knicks, who now feature one of the league’s most formidable starting lineups, including Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges. After a long absence from the Conference Finals, these strategic trades position them as serious competitors. However, the real test lies in their ability to build chemistry and cohesion to effectively challenge the defending champion Boston Celtics in a seven-game series.

2. Daryl Morey’s latest attempt to build a contender around Joel Embiid involves Paul George, arguably the most dynamic star Embiid has played with. How do you view George’s fit with the Sixers? Is he someone that can keep the Sixers competitive in the event of another long-term Embiid injury?

Rohlin: This was a strategic move for the 76ers, who now feature All-Stars at guard, wing, and center with Tyrese Maxey, George, and Joel Embiid. If Embiid faces injury setbacks, Maxey and George can shoulder enough responsibility to maintain the 76ers’ position near the top of the Eastern Conference. If they can all stay healthy, the 76ers could become serious championship contenders this season.

Weitzman: It’s hard to envision a worse scenario for the Bucks this year. With Doc Rivers enjoying a full offseason and training camp with the team, along with Giannis and Lillard developing their chemistry, the addition of Gary Trent Jr. could prove beneficial. The main concern is Khris Middleton’s recovery from ankle surgeries. While Milwaukee may struggle against the Knicks, Sixers, or Celtics, betting against Giannis is a risky proposition.

4. As the rest of the Eastern Conference reset, the Celtics reloaded with the same championship roster from last season. Should they be viewed as the unanimous favorites to make it out of the Eastern Conference again this season or will there be some regression?

Weitzman: The Celtics not only triumphed in the Eastern Conference last season but did so with remarkable dominance, finishing the regular season 14 games ahead of the second-place Knicks and losing just three games in the playoffs. With their core intact, they face a challenging season ahead, especially with Kristaps Porzingis sidelined for a period. Nevertheless, the Celtics remain the clear favorites to emerge from the conference.

Rohlin: The Celtics are not only the frontrunners in the Eastern Conference but also the leading candidates for the championship. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have finally broken through together, and the team has maintained its core. They boasted the top offensive rating and second-best defensive rating last season, losing only three playoff games. While the competition has improved, the Celtics are still the team to beat this season.

5. Looking at the landscape of the Eastern Conference, it’s easy to envision a high-profile player asking out before the trade deadline. Which star or star’s situation will you be keeping your eye on as the season develops?

Weitzman: Jimmy Butler is a player to watch. He sought an extension during the offseason but did not receive one. If he declines his player option, he could become a free agent next summer. Although he has remained diplomatic so far, past experiences suggest that unresolved contract issues can lead to complications.

Rohlin: Jimmy Butler is also on my radar. His demeanor during Media Day was serious, lacking any of the usual antics, indicating he is focused. With no contract extension from the Heat and the potential for free agency looming, the relationship between Butler and the franchise could become precarious.

6. Predict where each team will finish in the Eastern Conference, 1-15:

Weitzman: 

1. Celtics
2. Knicks
3. Sixers
4. Bucks
5. Cavaliers
6. Magic
7. Pacers
8. Heat
9. Hawks
10. Raptors
11. Bulls
12. Pistons
13. Hornets
14. Nets
15. Wizards

Rohlin:

1. Celtics
2. Sixers
3. Bucks
4. Knicks
5. Cavaliers
6. Pacers
7. Magic
8. Heat
9. Bulls
10. Hawks
11. Pistons
12. Raptors
13. Nets
14. Hornets
15. Wizards

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