2013-2014 Predictions: Northwest Division

It's the third day of predictions, and after taking the weekend off, I'll pull double duty today.

First, I'll tackle the final division of the Western Conference, the Northwest Division.


Oklahoma City Thunder

2012-2013 Record: 60-22

Head Coach: Scott Brooks

Key Additions: None

Prediction: 56-26

Scoop: If Russell Westbrook is healthy last season, the Thunder are in the Western Conference Finals. Simple as that. Essentially, O.K.C. brought back the same exact team from last season. So why should they be any worse? Sure, Westbrook's health is a concern, and assimilating him back into the offense might cost them a game or two, but other than that, what concerns should the Thunder have?

Denver Nuggets

2012-2013 Record: 57-25

Head Coach: Brian Shaw

Key Additions: Nate Robinson, J.J. Hickson, Randy Foye

Prediction: 43-39

Scoop: Brian Shaw finally has his chance to show what he can do as an NBA head coach. I liked what they did this offseason, but they are definitely going to miss Andre Iguodala. With that being said, their league-best offense shouldn't suffer all too much. The key with this team is how well Danilo Gallinari, who was the team's second-leading scorer last season, bounces back after a partially torn ACL.

Utah Jazz

2012-2013 Record: 43-39

Head Coach: Tyrone Corbin

Key Additions: Trey Burke, Brandon Rush

Prediction: 30-52

Scoop: Utah lost its two best players to free agency this offseason (Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson). When that happens -- especially when you do not replace them -- you're probably not going to be very good. This team has some nice individual talent in Derrick Favors, Gordon Hayward and Trey Burke. But again, when you don't replace your best players, you probably won't be very good.

Portland Trail Blazers

2012-2013 Record: 33-49

Head Coach: Terry Stotts

Key Additions: Robin Lopez, Mo Williams, Thomas Robinson

Prediction: 38-44

Scoop: Give Portland credit. They recognized the need for bench reinforcements, and they addressed the problem. Their defense should be better with Lopez and Robinson. Damian Lillard will continue becoming the face of the franchise. And LaMarcus Aldridge will continue to be a ball hog.

Minnesota Timberwolves

2012-2013 Record: 31-51

Head Coach: Rick Adelman

Key Additions: Kevin Martin, Shabazz Muhammad

Prediction: 41-41

Scoop: Minnesota is an intriguing team. They have Kevin Love, who I believe is one of the ten best players in the game. Rubio is another year removed from ACL surgery. Pekovic is here to stay. They even added two scorers to solidify their bench in Kevin Martin and rookie Shabazz Muhammad. The T-Wolves are headed in the right direction.