Predicting the NBA’s Northwest Division in 2026-27

Dave Deckard outlines his predicted standings for the NBA's Northwest Division ahead of the 2026-27 season. The Oklahoma City Thunder are projected to finish in first place, led by reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and promising rookie center Aday Mara. Deckard argues that the Thunder remain the class of the division as they aim to make another deep championship run.

Deckard forecasts the Denver Nuggets to take second place behind Nikola Jokic and new addition DeMar DeRozan. The Portland Trail Blazers are slotted third, bolstered by Damian Lillard and Ja Morant. Meanwhile, the reconstructed Minnesota Timberwolves and the rebuilding Utah Jazz are predicted to finish fourth and fifth, respectively.