The 2024-25 NBA regular season has concluded, and predictions about team wins are now being evaluated. While player trades often dominate NBA headlines, the regular season ultimately reveals which teams are best positioned for a deep playoff run. Some teams, like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, significantly outperformed expectations, while others, such as the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns, face numerous questions after underwhelming seasons.
This review examines the top overachievers and underachievers this year relative to their preseason win projections from Vegas Insider.
Top NBA Overachievers
Progress in the NBA isn`t always straightforward, but these teams surpassed even the most optimistic preseason forecasts during the 2024-25 season.
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Preseason win total: 55.5
- Wins: 68
The Thunder secured the No. 1 seed in the West, significantly exceeding their preseason win total, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Oklahoma City improved by 11 wins from the previous season, driven by internal growth from players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, and contributions from new additions such as Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso. The Thunder are a talented and deep team ready for a deeper playoff run after a second-round exit last year.
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Preseason win total: 47.5
- Wins: 64
After a 48-win season in 2023-24, this season was critical for the Cavaliers. Despite offseason questions about the pairing of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland maintained its core and became the No. 1 seed in the East. The Cavaliers increased their win total by 16 games and greatly surpassed preseason expectations. Garland and Evan Mobley returned to their 2022-23 form, while Mitchell continued his stellar play. The acquisition of De`Andre Hunter added a needed 3-and-D wing, making a playoff rematch with the Celtics likely.
Detroit Pistons
- Preseason win total: 22.5
- Wins: 44
The Pistons finally saw returns from their high draft picks. Cade Cunningham had a standout year, averaging 26.1 points and 9.1 assists per game and is a candidate for Most Improved Player. Jalen Duren remained dominant inside, averaging a double-double, while veterans Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dennis Schroder provided valuable experience. Detroit is a resilient team playing with less pressure, making them a potentially difficult playoff opponent.
Houston Rockets
- Preseason win total: 42.5
- Wins: 52
Similar to the Pistons, the young Rockets made significant progress in 2024-25. After winning 41 games and narrowly missing the play-in tournament last season, Houston built on that momentum. Led by Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and veteran additions, the Rockets secured the No. 2 seed in the West and enter the playoffs with lower external pressure.
Los Angeles Clippers
- Preseason win total: 42.5
- Wins: 50
The Clippers finished the regular season with an eight-game winning streak, including an overtime victory against the Warriors to secure the No. 5 seed in the West. After losing Paul George in free agency and with Kawhi Leonard`s injury history, expectations were tempered. However, coach Tyronn Lue once again demonstrated his coaching ability, guiding the team to the postseason. James Harden emerged as a leader, and Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac had career-best seasons. With a healthy Leonard, the Clippers are a dangerous team in a competitive Western Conference.
Top NBA Underachievers
Several notable teams are absent from the 2025 NBA Playoffs, and they are among the league`s biggest underachievers this season. These franchises have significant decisions to make in the offseason after disappointing campaigns.
Philadelphia 76ers
- Preseason win total: 52.5
- Wins: 24
Philadelphia seemed poised for a breakthrough after acquiring George in free agency. However, the veteran forward played only 41 games due to injuries. The major setback for the 76ers was Joel Embiid`s injury, as he played only 19 games before being sidelined. Even when playing, Embiid was not at his best, and the 76ers struggled. Eventually, Tyrese Maxey was also shut down. The 76ers must decide whether to rely on better injury luck in the future or consider significant roster changes.
Phoenix Suns
- Preseason win total: 46.5
- Wins: 36
With the league`s highest payroll, the Suns were expected to contend. Instead, they missed the play-in tournament. While Kevin Durant and Devin Booker avoided major injuries, the team appeared dysfunctional. Bradley Beal did not become the third star Phoenix envisioned, and head coach Mike Budenholzer reportedly lost the locker room mid-season. Budenholzer has been fired, and the Suns are likely to explore trading Beal and Durant in the offseason.
New Orleans Pelicans
- Preseason win total: 46.5
- Wins: 21
The Pelicans mirrored the 76ers` struggles, losing Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray for extended periods. They traded Brandon Ingram, who also faced early-season injuries. New Orleans is changing direction this offseason, removing David Griffin from his executive role. The futures of Murray and CJ McCollum on the roster are uncertain, as is Williamson`s status as a franchise cornerstone.
Dallas Mavericks
- Preseason win total: 50.5
- Wins: 39
Trading a player who led the team to the NBA Finals made improvement unlikely. The Mavericks made a surprising trade, sending Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick. Dallas then lost Davis and Kyrie Irving to injuries, with Irving out for the season. The Mavericks are in the play-in tournament, and Davis has returned, but significant organizational uncertainty remains, making a playoff appearance potentially insufficient for fans.
Jasper Hawthorne