This year Huron Emery staff members: Liam Flaherty, Edin Linic, and Ivan Wu will share their knowledge and passion for all things basketball. Here is Liam’s preview for the NBA.

Atlanta Hawks: Last year the Hawks finished with a record of 40-42, and had a disappointing loss in the play-in tournament, but this year they are looking to make it further. The Hawks have a good young core their 27 year old star point guard Trae Young, along with two young wings in Dyson Daniels, and Jalen Johnson, along with their former No.1 overall pick Zacharie Risacher, and their acquired 7’2” big Kristaps Porzingis. The hawks are really on the edge of turning things around and this year could be their year to breakthrough.

Top Players: Trae Young, Kristaps Porzingis

Record Prediction: 48-34

Boston Celtics: The 2024 NBA champion Celtics are out for another Finals victory this year, but things are going to look much different, as Celtics star Jayson Tatum is out all the way until April with a torn achilles. The Celtics led by all-star Jaylen Brown, will have to find something a little extra, and will rely on guys further down on the bench to step up. But they are still always a threat and with not many other competitors in the eastern conference they still have a shot.

Top Players: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown

Record Prediction: 42-40

Brooklyn Nets: The Nets had the most first round picks in NBA history in the recent 2025 NBA draft, they had the 8th, 19th, 22nd, 26th, and 27th picks and are looking to continue to build a good young core. They also acquired forward Michael Porter Jr. in a trade with Denver in July of 2025. Although the nets may not be title contenders this year, with their growing young core they will definitely be a threat in future years.

Top Players: Cam Thomas, Michael Porter Jr., Nic Claxton

Record Prediction: 24-58

Charlotte Hornets: Although the Hornets haven’t had the most promising past couple of years, their young rebuilding team is starting to turn things around. The Hornets are led by guard LaMelo Ball as well as forward Miles Bridges, and recently acquired guard Collin Sexton from the Utah Jazz. They are definitely on track to a much better season than their 19-63 last year, and are looking at a pretty promising future if they stay on track.

Top Players: LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Collin Sexton

Record Prediction: 30-52

Chicago Bulls: The Bulls exited the 2024-25 season with a loss in the eastern conference play-in like the hawks, the bulls are starting to figure things out. The Bulls finished the second half of the 24-25 season with a 17-15 record, and they are starting to look like a team that could make a run. Especially with Celtics star Jayson Taum, as well as Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton Out for most of the season the eastern conference is pretty wide open, and the bulls could be a team to take it.  

Top Players: Coby White, Josh Giddey, Nikola Vucevic

Record Prediction: 44-38

Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavaliers had one of the most disappointing ends of the season last year, they finished with an outstanding regular season record 64-18, but they were eliminated in the second round by the 4-seeded Pacers. The Cavaliers are trying to make this year their year, and with an open eastern conference, and a very similar team returning for them, if they can execute this year very well could be their year.

Top Players:Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen

Record prediction: 53-29

Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks fanbase was at an all time low last year, after now lakers star Luka Doncic was dealt from the Mavericks to the Lakers, and the fans were devastated. But after the Mavericks won the draft lottery and drafted rising NBA star Cooper Flagg things are looking up, the Mavericks are building around Flagg, along with some well known NBA veterans, such as Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis, and are looking to make it to the playoffs, and maybe further. The only problem with the Mavericks is that both Davis and Irving have had bad injury histories which could lead to limited scoring.

Top Players: Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg, P.J Washington

Record Prediction: 36-46

Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are and will always be title contenders, led by three time MVP Nikola Jokic, and all star guard Jamal Murray, the Nuggets are a hard team to stop. At free agency the Nuggets also signed another key piece in guard-forward Tim Hardaway Jr. to help them contend for another title.

Top Players: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray

Record Prediction: 54-28

Detroit Pistons: Last year the Pistons had one of the biggest turnarounds in franchise history increasing their win total from the 23-24 season by 29. This free agency they signed guards Duncan Robinson, and Caris Levert, to go along with the elite duo of guard Cade Cunningham, and center Jalen Duren. This year the pistons are out to prove themselves, and with an open eastern conference they have a good shot.

Top Players: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren

Record Prediction: 47-35

Golden State Warriors: 4 time NBA champion Stephen Curry is looking to lead a newer younger Warriors team to the playoffs and maybe even compete for a championship. Although the western conference will be extremely tough this year, the Warriors definitely have enough. In February of 2025 the Warriors acquired NBA all star Jimmy Butler in a 5 team trade. But to get far the Warriors are going to need big contributions from guard Brandon Podziemski and forward Jonathan Kuminga.

Top Players: Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green

Record Prediction: 44-38

Houston Rockets: The Rockets are one of the young rising teams in the NBA, and adding 15 time NBA all-star Kevin Durant takes them to a whole nother level. The young Rockets core is led by lengthy Forwards Jabari Smith, Amen Thompson, and center Alperen Sengun. This team will really have a chance, even in a tough western conference, and have a good shot at a NBA championship.

Top Players: Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith

Record Prediction: 51-31

Indiana Pacers: While the 2024-25 NBA runners up would normally be looked at as a definite title contender. The Pacers are a little bit different, without star Tyrese Haliburton, who tore his achilles in last year’s NBA finals, the Pacers are in a tough spot. They are going to need big contributions by forward Pascal Siakam, and guards Andrew Nembhard and Benedict Mathurin, to get anywhere.

Top Players: Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Benedict Mathurin

Record Prediction: 25-57

Los Angeles Clippers: This Clippers roster is full of NBA veterans, but most of them are injury prone, and are exiting their glory days. The Clippers are going to need guys like forward Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden to step up into their veteran roles, and they are going to need guys like John Collins and Ivica Zubac to step up big.

Top Players: James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Bradley Beal

Record Prediction: 28-54

Los Angeles Lakers: With newly acquired superstar Luka Doncic, the Lakers playoff chances are way up. Doncic is joined by 20x time NBA all star LeBron James along with rising star Austin Reaves. The Lakers have elite superstar talent, and some really elite scoring, and are going to be hard to stop. This team is going to be real contenders and have a real shot at winning it all.

Top Players: LeBron James, Luka Doncic

Record Prediction: 50-32

Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies lost elite shooting guard Desmond Bane this offseason, but are still looking pretty solid. Led by star guard Ja Morant and forward Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies have a good star foundation, and they also made some good new additions to the team like guard Ty Jerome. They have a pretty deep team across the board as well, the grizzlies have a good combination of size and athleticism, as well as shooting, they just might not have enough to compete in a loaded western conference.

Top Players: Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr.

Record Prediction: 36-46 

Miami Heat: After a trade that dealt former Heat star Jimmy Butler to the warriors, things were looking down for the Heat. But with upcoming talent in players like Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Davion Mitchell, along with new acquisitions like Andrew Wiggins, and Norman Powell, as well as all star Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, this Heat team could really contend in an open eastern conference, and definitely have a good shot at the playoffs.

Top Players: Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell

Milwaukee Bucks: With 9 time NBA all star Giannis Antetokounmpo at the lead, and Forward Kyle Kuzma, and center Myles Turner the Bucks have a promising core. The Bucks have a chance to take control of the eastern conference even without their starting point from last year in Damian Lillard, they still have a good shot at playoff contention.

Top Players: Giannis Antetakounmpo, Kyle Kuzma

Record Prediction: 46-36

Minnesota Timberwolves:: The young Timberwolves have a good shot at title contention led by NBA star Anthony Edwards, and Julius Randle who the Timberwolves acquired from the Knicks in October of 2024, who is also capable of averaging 20+ points per game. The Timberwolves roster also consists of 2 veterans in 4x NBA defensive player of the year Rudy Gobert, and 18 year NBA point guard Mike Conley. The Timberwolves have a chance to compete in the west, but they could get beaten out by other teams in the west.

Top Players: Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert

Record Prediction: 48-34

New Orleans Pelicans: With Pelicans star Dejounte Murray injured for the first part of the season and former No.1 overall pick Zion Williamson being injury prone, the Pelicans may be on pace for a very slow start. Last year the Pelicans finished with the second worst record in the western conference at 21-61, although they were without Williamson for 52 of the 82 games in the season, the Pelicans season may turn out similar this year. The Pelicans don’t have enough depth, veteran presence, and consistent leaders to make it very far, but they could surprise us.

Top Players: Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray

Record Prediction: 26-56

New York Knicks: The Knicks could be looking at a number 1 seed in the eastern conference this year. With no real threats in the eastern conference the Knicks could take control. Led by 2x NBA all-star Jalen Brunson, and 5x all-star Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks also have a roster full of depth, along with forwards Mikal Bridges, and OG Anounoby. The Knicks have a real shot at a title.

Top Players: Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson

Record Prediction: 56-26

Oklahoma City Thunder:The 24-25 NBA champs Thunder, are coming back ready for more. With almost the exact same roster this Thunder team is going to be hard to stop. Led by guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Williams, this Thunder team is hard to stop, with lots of size at the guard position, the Thunder get inside easy and create open shots and mismatches. They are also one of the best defenses in the NBA, they finished as the number one ranked defense in the NBA in 24-25, and rack up steals and blocks. This team is going to be really hard to stop, and are very likely to be back to back NBA champs.

Top Players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams

Record Prediction: 60-22

Orlando Magic: The Magic finished 41-41 last year, and were eliminated in the first round by the Celtics. This year they are aiming to go farther, and they made a deal over the off season that could lead them to. Acquiring guard Desmond Bane from the grizzlies, he is joined by 2 former top 5 picks in Paolo Banchero, and Jalen Suggs, along with forward Franz Wagner. This Magic team has the depth, and the defense, they just might not have the scoring to make it far.

Top Players: Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs

Record Prediction: 44-38

Philadelphia 76ers: In an open eastern conference the 76ers have a good chance of claiming home court advantage to start the series in the playoffs. The sixers have a stacked starting 5 with star duo of Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, along with free agency signee and 9 time NBA all star Paul George, as well as Veteran Kelly Oubre Jr., and the 3rd overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft in VJ Edgecombe. The Sixers have what it takes to go far, the only thing in their way could be injury as both Embiid and George are known for often getting injured.

Top Players: Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey

Record Prediction: 49-33

Phoenix Suns: After trading star Kevin Durant to the Rockets the Suns acquired guard Jalen Green, and forward Dillon Brooks. The Suns are led by 10 year veteran Devin Booker, and guard Grayson Allen. Although last year the Suns were real title contenders this year could be different, with a much more loaded western conference, and no Kevin Durant, things won’t be as easy. The Suns just might not have enough depth to make it far.

Top Players: Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen

Record Prediction: 38-44

Portland Trail Blazers: The Trailblazers are one of the most guard heavy teams in the NBA, after picking up Damian Lillard, they are even more guard heavy. But they are without both guard Scoot Henderson, and Lillard to start the year, so they could get off to a slow start. With young developing talent like Forward Deni Avdija, and guard Shaedon Sharpe, the Blazers could have good years ahead of them. 

Top Players: Damian Lillard, Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe

Record Prediction: 41-41

Sacramento Kings:The Kings have a promising looking team that could be looking at a true breakout season. Led by Guard-Forwards DeMar DeRozan, and Zach Lavine, this Kings team has some depth, especially after signing guard Dennis Schroeder in the offseason. The only thing that will hold the kings back is the loaded western conference, and their unreliable defense.

Top Players: DeMar DeRozan, Zach Lavine, Domantas Sabonis

Record Prediction: 42-40

San Antonio Spurs: With one of the most unique and best young duos leading the way for the Spurs, they are bound to make it far this year. When the 7’5 2023 first round pick Victor Wembanyama gets going, it is hard to stop him. Wembanyama is joined by a very deep backcourt, in guards Stephon Castle, No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper, and the newly acquired De’Aaron Fox, who the spurs received in a 3 team trade in February This Spurs team has lots of scoring and depth, and when they get scoring they are going to be hard to slow down.

Top Players: Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle

Record Prediction: 50-32

Toronto Raptors: After receiving forward Brandon Ingram in a trade with the Pelicans in February of 2025, the Raptors roster is looking much stronger. The Raptors are a deep team with several length wings in Ingram, as well as Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett. The Raptors also have two gritty point guards in Immanuel Quickley, and rookie Jamal Shead. The Raptors have a chance to claim a top spot in the east, they just need to get some more stops defensively.

Top Players: Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett

Record Prediction: 47-35

Utah Jazz: The young Jazz are somewhat coming out of their rebuilding stages, led by forward Lauri Markannen, the Jazz are a combination of a very young team, and a team with a big veteran presence. They have lots of size and experience at forward and center, and lots of youth and athleticism at the guard position. Although they don’t really have any true stars, they have lots of guys that can contribute, they might just have too much youth to get far this year.

Top Players: Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler 

Record Prediction: 28-54

Washington Wizards: Although the Wizards finished with a 18-64 record in the 2024-25 season, this year they are on pace for a better year. They traded for veteran CJ McCollum, and also traded for guard Cam Whitmore from the Rockets. The wizards have a very young athletic team that has lots of young scoring prospects all across the board, they just might not have enough this year to make it far, but are definitely going to be good in years to come.

Top Players: CJ McCollum

Record Prediction: 20-62