10 dramatic NBA predictions: Who's dreaming of Lakers in Finals?

The NBA is always full of drama, and this season is no different. We’ve seen stunning trades of Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis and Jimmy Butler. Heck, a coach — recent Coach of the Year candidate Taylor Jenkins — got fired by the playoff-bound Memphis Grizzlies (44-32). 

What other drama could be in store for the rest of the season and beyond? Here are 10 dramatic NBA predictions. (All statistics and records are through Wednesday's play.)

1. The Suns will miss the play-In ...

The Suns (35–41) have climbed their way back into the play-in picture, but they remain one game behind the Kings for the 10th and final spot. But the Suns are in huge trouble because Kevin Durant is out with an ankle injury, and their remaining schedule is brutal (at Celtics, at Knicks, vs. Warriors, vs. Thunder, vs. Spurs, at Kings). They’ll miss the playoffs and go down as one of the biggest failures in recent NBA history. Which will lead to...

2. ... and Phoenix will blow it up this summer

After nearly being traded at the deadline, Durant will almost certainly be dealt this summer. But the return won’t be enough to vault Phoenix into contention or jump-start a rebuild. So they’ll trade Devin Booker (25.5 PPG) as well — possibly at his request — and hope to rebuild through the draft. Keep an eye on the Houston Rockets and OKC Thunder as possible trade partners. Both have an abundance of first-round picks and young talent to offer.

3. The Mavericks will lose in the play-in and move on from GM Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd

The Mavericks (38-39), who are 18-26 since the start of the year, made one of the worst trades in sports history with the Luka Doncic–for–Anthony Davis deal on Feb. 2. Dallas is 12-16 since the deal, per StatMuse. 

The minute Kyrie Irving went down with a torn ACL, it all but guaranteed the Mavericks wouldn’t be contenders this season or next. Everyone in the organization who was part of this deal — especially Harrison — is now a lame duck.

4. The rumored rival basketball league will be announced sometime between now and start of next season.

As reported earlier this year, a group of investors — working with LeBron James’ longtime business partner, Maverick Carter — is trying to raise $5B for a rival basketball league that would operate similarly to Formula 1, traveling internationally from city to city. Like LIV Golf, it would offer higher pay for top players, bypassing the NBA’s maximum salary structure. In other words, players will leave the NBA for this league. More money, less work. The Clippers' Kawhi Leonard is going to love this!

5. The Thunder will set all-time record for best net rating in NBA history

Per StatMuse, they’re tied with the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls for the best net rating per 100 possessions at +13.4. That’s right — they’re tied with arguably the best team in NBA history. Their final two games are against the Utah Jazz (16–61) and New Orleans Pelicans (21–55) — the Pels recently shut down Zion Williamson for the season — so expect them to run up the score if they’re within range.

6. But OKC will be taken out again by Luka Doncic, prompting it to open its war chest of assets

Last season, the Thunder (64-12) lost a six-game conference semifinals series to Doncic, Irving and the Mavericks. This season, they’ll fall to Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves in a another hard-fought second-round series. 

It’ll be incredible hoops, and OKC will have nothing to be ashamed of, but the loss will push GM Sam Presti to re-evaluate his roster construction strategy. With five first-round draft picks in 2025 alone (h/t: SI.com) and loads of young talent, OKC has the goods to pair nearly every star in the NBA with MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

7. Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo will have a historic first-round series versus the Knicks

Remember Giannis’ series against the Celtics in 2022, when he averaged 33.9 points, 14.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists? Expect similar numbers as his sixth-seeded Bucks (41-34) upset the Knicks (48-28) in a low-scoring, first-round thriller.

8. But Boston's Jayson Tatum will outplay him in the second round

Tatum (27 PPG, 8.7 RPG) is likely having the best season of his career, with improved playmaking and a career-high 5.9 APG. He’s clearly in his prime, and as a defending champion, he plays with added swagger every time he shares the court with another superstar. He’ll go toe-to-toe with Giannis and lead the Celtics (56-20) to a decisive win, sparking debates over whether Tatum is now the NBA’s alpha dog

9. But that talk will simmer down after the top-seeded Cavaliers dethrone the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals

In a battle of attrition, the Cavaliers (61-15) will prevail and limp across the finish line, thanks to their depth and home-court advantage. And...

10. The final game of the season will be Game 7: LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the Lakers on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers

It is written. But it’s too fun to try to predict. Jump ball!