2012-2013 NBA Odds and Picks: Northwest Division Predictions – Oklahoma City Thunder the Favorite: The Northwest Division was no slouch last season. It produced three playoff teams, including the eventual Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The division is one of the more diverse in the NBA with a lot of different styles of play at work. From the up-tempo offense of Denver to the methodical half-court style of the Utah Jazz, the division offers a little bit of everything. The Northwest Division is also set up for long-term success as multiple franchises have young stars on their rosters. With that in mind, here is a look at how the division stacks up for the 2012-13 NBA season.
2012-2013 NBA Vegas Odds and Picks: Northwest Division Predictions
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
All the main contributors are back from last year’s team that made it all the way to the NBA Finals before losing to the Miami Heat. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are elite scorers and MVP candidates, Serge Ibaka is a shot blocking machine, and James Harden is the defending Sixth Man of the Year. The Thunder have depth, size and athleticism, and their star players are entering their prime. A Northwest Division crown seems inevitable, and a return trip to the NBA Finals could be on tap.
2. Denver Nuggets
Denver may not have one superstar player, but they have a deep roster loaded with athletes. Speedy point guard Ty Lawson will be the engine that power the fast-paced offense, and Andre Iguodala, Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler will provide plenty of offense. Even big men Kenneth Faried and JaVale McGee can run the floor well. The Nuggets are going to be a nightmare for teams in transition, and they should run their way into the postseason in 2012-13.
3. Utah Jazz
Utah has assembled an intimidating frontcourt led by veterans Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap and young players Enes Canter and Derrick Favors. With their size inside, the Jazz are able to control the tempo of the game, scoring high percentage baskets on offense and controlling the boards and forcing opponents into perimeter shots on defense. If the backcourt of Mo Williams, Gordon Hayward and Alec Burks can provide enough offense to keep teams honest, Utah could sneak into the playoffs for the second year in a row.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
With double-double machine Kevin Love leading the way, the Timberwolves are heading in the right direction. Assuming his knees hold up, Brandon Roy will provide a second option on offense that this team has been lacking. Meanwhile, the addition of Andrei Kirilenko will provide a defensive stopper that this team desperately needs. Throw in exciting point guard Ricky Rubio, who should return from injury during the first half of the year, and second-year player Derrick Williams, and Minnesota has the pieces in place to make some strides. However, the playoffs are probably still out of reach as this team gels.
5. Portland Trailblazers
Forward LaMarcus Aldridge is a stud, and swingman Nicolas Batum has an intriguing skill set. After that, Portland’s roster just doesn’t have much talent. Granted, rookie point guard Damian Lillard should make an immediate contribution, but the Trailblazers just don’t have the firepower, especially from the perimeter, to compete in the Western Conference.
2012-13 Odds to Win NBA Northwest Division
Oklahoma City Thunder -600
Denver Nuggets +620
Minnesota Timberwolves +3500
Utah Jazz +3500
Portland Trail Blazers +4000
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