
NBA cards have skyrocketed in value over the last decade, driven by big-name rookies and excitement across every position—especially with centers like Jokic dominating the game.
Collectors and investors alike know that each new season offers a fresh chance to cash in, but getting ahead of the crowd is key.
We’re coming off one of the most exciting rookie seasons in years thanks to Victor Wembanyama, though this year’s rookie class may not have quite the same buzz.
For hoops collectors and investors, a new season always brims with new opportunities to make money… especially if you can get the jump on the rest of the community.
To help, here is the CardLines annual NBA season preview. Invest accordingly (and use your own predictions!)
After securing their 18th title, the Boston Celtics enter 2024-25 with a target on their back. Their blend of seasoned talent like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, paired with depth at key positions, makes them a legitimate contender for back-to-back championships.
However, maintaining health and chemistry will be crucial as other teams adapt and challenge their dominance. Their postseason experience gives them an edge, but the pressure of repeating is enormous.
The 76ers are again trying to strike the right balance, and this season features new faces and high expectations. The team remains built around MVP Joel Embiid, but the key is how their new acquisitions (Paul George leading the way) integrate into the lineup.
On paper, they are dangerous, but question marks around health and chemistry could derail their aspirations. The Sixers have often been a team that looks great until the postseason—this year’s challenge is overcoming that mental hurdle and reaching their true potential.
The Thunder have been steadily rising over the past few seasons, and 2024-25 may be the year they go from promising to dangerous.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has grown into an MVP-level talent, while the return of Chet Holmgren adds a much-needed interior presence. Additions to their roster have bolstered their defensive and offensive versatility.
Their youthful exuberance combined with solid leadership could see them hosting a playoff series, though they’ll need to prove they can handle the postseason pressure.
Anthony Edwards continues his meteoric rise, and this year, the Timberwolves are positioning themselves as legitimate Western Conference contenders.
With Edwards leading the charge, Minnesota’s potential has never been higher. They’ve made key moves in the offseason to surround their star with more support, and this could be the year they make a deep playoff run.
However, consistency remains a question for this young team, and Edwards will need to step up as a leader both on and off the court.
Both Milwaukee and Denver enter this season with high expectations, but also a sense of urgency. Giannis Antetokounmpo is in his prime, and the Bucks have retooled, adding critical pieces to complement his playmaking.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets look to prove that last year’s championship wasn’t a fluke, with Jokić at the helm and a team that thrives on chemistry. Both teams have their eye on a return to the Finals, but stiff competition in both conferences will make it a difficult journey.
LeBron James continues to defy father time, and this year, his partnership with his son Bronny is one of the most anticipated storylines in sports.
The Lakers made several smart offseason moves to improve their roster, but much of the attention will be on how this father-son duo performs on the court. LeBron’s leadership and Bronny’s potential create a fascinating dynamic. If they can find success together, it would add another historic chapter to LeBron’s legendary career.
Winning an award can vault the value of cards (particularly the MVP and ROY). Here are our predictions for who walks away with the hardware at the end of the year.
Favorite: Nikola Jokić. The Joker continues to lead Denver, and this year he may return to MVP form. He’s the biggest game-breaking cheat code in basketball. Luka is the favorite to win (+370), but he has been for three straight seasons. At this point, I’m picking Jokic until I see a reason not to.
Sleeper Pick: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. After finishing strong in 2023-24, he is a legitimate contender this season. Last year I also picked SGA here, but I called it my “crazy sleeper pick” because he was +1800. He was so great last year, his odds this year are +425, just a bit off of the leader. Is this even a sleeper pick?
[BONUS] Crazy Sleeper Pick: Victor Wembanyama. Wemby’s odds are +1700 and we know the MVP award is three part: individual performance, team performance, and narrative. The media loves Wemby — he’s getting MVP levels of hype.
If he comes in and dominates and lifts the Spurs with new teammate Chris Paul, he could be a true MVP contender. It’s worth the bet with the long odds, at least.
The NBA Rookie season is bringing a new crop of rookies and names to know. We’re following up perhaps the most hyped prospect of all time with perhaps one of the least flashy draft classes we’ve seen in quite a while (ask a casual NBA fan who the #1 pick in the draft was and report back the results to our X).
Big-man Zach Edey is the frontrunner to win ROY, but the field seems more wide open then I can remember. Maybe since 2013?
Instead of picking a favorite, here’s a quick note on the rookies we picked out as the top 10 to watch. These are names to get to know before the season starts.
Champion Pick: Boston Celtics—With their core intact and the addition of key role players, Boston may repeat.
Runner-Up Pick: Milwaukee Bucks—Led by Giannis and with a stronger supporting cast, the Bucks look to make another Finals appearance.
While the Fanatics takeover looms on the horizon and Topps will continue to make unlicensed cards,, Panini will continue to release their tried and true classics. Here are the top three recommendations:
This is our pick for low-end products. With the awesome Rated Rookie and new color variations, Donruss has some high-dollar cards mixed among a lot of base paper.
If you’re getting into collecting (or bringing your kids into the hobby), Donruss is a low-cost investment.
The most chased basketball product. It’s printed widely enough that everybody can chase the cards and expensive enough that the rookies feel like a great long-term hold.
The print run on blasters is enough that you should probably stay away there, but at the hobby level, this is the creme of the crop.
A slightly less expensive Prizm product that’s chromium Donruss. The Rated Rookie cards feel classic and timeless, while new color offerings spice it up every year.
This brand is the high-end choice for big spenders. There are more and more one-pack, four-figure boxes every year (like Noir and Flawless, for example), but this is the signature high-end brand. The RPAs of National Treasure are the biggest cards you can pull.
Finally, let’s take a look at some investment strategies for the upcoming season.
If you’re strictly worried about making a profit, there are many things to avoid. Panini’s printing as many cards as they can because people are gobbling them up, which will negatively impact their long-term value.
So, stay clear of college uniform cards (“draft picks”) of any sort unless it’s perhaps 1st Bowman cards in Bowman University, and don’t buy retail blasters to set on as a retirement plan.
If you want to rip them and have some fun, go for it, but you can’t expect to make much. (Pro-tip, expect to lose money on retail). If you’re trying to make money, I’d even caution against buying base rookie cards, even graded ones.
So, I ruled out most of the card market. What’s left to buy?
Pick up numbered rookies and autographs of the players you like as long-term prospects. These cards will hold up to the test of time because of their scarcity. Also, being limited in production will mean they’re always collector’s items.
Like any investment, the way to make money on sports cards is by staying ahead of the ever-changing league. By predicting risers, fallers and champions, you can make big bucks on sports cards.
We hope this guide serves you well in the 2024-25 NBA season! For weekly updates, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter! Be sure to also subscribe to our YouTube right here.
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