2026-27 NBA Northwest Division Preview: Thunder, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Jazz

Oklahoma City Thunder

Strengths: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Back-to-back MVP awards don’t come easily, especially for guards who rely heavily on midrange shots with over 60% efficiency. SGA moves deliberately, pulling defenders along his rhythm to deliver an array of creative finishes and consistent midrange scoring. He has been the driving force behind defensively focused lineups for years and still has room to expand, particularly in increasing his three-point attempts.

Additional Positives

• Chet Holmgren anchors a defense that remains outstanding, showing he’s still elite.
• A healthier Jalen Williams should enhance this already top-tier defense.
• Cason Wallace, fresh off an All-Defense campaign, is expected to take over Lu Dort’s starting role.
• Isaiah Hartenstein quietly offers some of the league’s best defense.
• Alex Caruso continues to impress defensively and would be an All-Defensive regular with more playing time.
• Jaylin Williams blends versatility with fearless defense.
• Ajay Mitchell could provide added scoring punch as a dynamic secondary ball-handler to complement SGA.
• Longtime fan favorite Kenrich Williams remains a reliable and adaptable role player.

Main Concern: Secondary Scoring

Outside of SGA, the team’s ability to create offense in half-court settings feels uncertain, especially in playoff scenarios. Opponents frequently assign wings to challenge Holmgren, forcing him to prove himself against those matchups. Jalen Williams’ shot creation against strong defenses needs improvement, though health and consistent play from Mitchell and Holmgren might solve this. Additionally, rookie Jared McCain's growth inside the arc could be crucial.

Other Points to Watch

• With Isaiah Joe gone, three-point shooting depth is a concern; McCain may be the only reliable high-volume shooter.
• The impact of Lu Dort’s absence is still unclear despite data suggesting the team can adapt.
• It remains to be seen how much rookie scale players like Bennett Stirtz or Aday Mara will contribute.

Lineup to Watch: SGA-Wallace-Caruso-Jalen Williams-Holmgren

This closing lineup has played 37 minutes together since 2024-25, outscoring opponents by 45 points. Their shooting may normalize, but their blend of scoring, screening, and intense defense makes them exciting.

Outlook

• Best Case: No. 1 seed with close to 70 wins, powered by elite defense and the league’s top guard plus coach Mark Daigneault.
• Worst Case: No. 3 seed, possibly impacted if SGA is injured, though the team showed resilience last season without him.

Denver Nuggets

Strengths: Nikola Jokić & Jamal Murray

Nikola Jokić remains arguably the league’s most dominant offensive force and one of the best passers ever. Jamal Murray complements him with daring pull-up shots and solid inside scoring. Together, they form the toughest two-man game to stop, using various screen actions and handoffs that disrupt defenses.

Additional Positives

• Aaron Gordon has developed into a versatile force—dominant near the basket, effective shooter (41.3% from 3 over two seasons), and capable defender.
• DeMar DeRozan is expected to be a super sub who can close games, providing efficient scoring and playmaking during Jokić and Murray’s rest.
• Alpha Diallo impressed in preseason, especially on defense, and looks promising.

Main Concern: Defensive Stability

The Nuggets need steadier defense to balance their elite offense. Questions remain about Jokić’s defensive effort, whether Gordon will get enough minutes, and if the guards and wings can navigate defensive responsibilities effectively. Head coach David Adelman’s use of zone defense will be interesting to watch.

Other Issues

• Bench players like Marvin Bagley, DaRon Holmes, and Zeke Nnaji need to prove their worth.
• The team relies heavily on the Gordon-at-center look, which must diversify by playoffs.
• They historically rank low in forcing turnovers, a weakness compared to teams like the Celtics.

Lineup to Watch: Murray-Christian Braun-DeRozan-Gordon-Jokić

DeRozan will come off the bench, but the closing lineup might rotate between him and Cam Johnson. Jokić’s ability to run plays with these shooters is enticing if their defense holds up.

Outlook

• Best Case: No. 1 seed with 60+ wins if defense improves and bench steps up.
• Worst Case: Play-In Tournament if injuries hit and defense remains inconsistent.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Strengths: Backcourt Duo LaMelo Ball & Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards stands out as a lethal scorer with diverse skills, including downhill drives, midrange, and pull-up threes. Partnered with LaMelo Ball, one of the league’s most creative playmakers who pushes the pace, the duo promises dynamic offense. Ball’s long-range shooting should open lanes for Edwards to attack defenses.

Additional Positives

• Jaden McDaniels is an elite perimeter defender and improving scorer, potentially an All-Star candidate.
• Rudy Gobert continues to be a premier rim protector, consistently reducing opponent scoring at the rim.
• Ayo Dosunmu adds speed, chaos, and shooting, enhancing three-guard lineups alongside Ball and Edwards.

Main Concern: Minutes Without Gobert

The Wolves have been much better defensively with Gobert on the floor, especially on that end. Newcomer Joan Beringer faces pressure to perform immediately to help cover his absence.

Other Issues

• The team’s frequent pick-and-roll switching hasn’t always been efficient, raising questions about effectiveness against cross-match defenses.
• Ball and Edwards must improve off-ball defense to maximize the team's potential.
• The swap of Julius Randle and Naz Reid for Ball and Jonathan Kuminga might reduce physicality, which needs monitoring.

Lineup to Watch: Ball-Edwards-Dosunmu-McDaniels-Gobert

This group played 120 minutes last season but was outscored by 51 points. Replacing Randle with Ball could boost pace, playmaking, and three-point attempts, even if the lineup gets smaller.

Outlook

• Best Case: No. 1 seed with elite defense and a top-five offense.
• Worst Case: Play-In Tournament if defense slips and offensive decision-making falters.

Portland Trail Blazers

Strengths: Guard Depth

The Blazers boast a crowded backcourt featuring Ja Morant aiming to reclaim elite status, Damian Lillard returning to add vital shooting, Scoot Henderson evolving his role, and Jrue Holiday managing offense and defense adeptly.

Additional Positives

• Holiday, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan form a strong defensive core, with Clingan standing out inside.
• The team excelled in full-court pressure last season, which could become a signature style under new leadership.
• Retaining Robert Williams III off the bench provides valuable rim protection alongside Clingan.

Main Concern: Guard Rotation

Integrating Morant, Lillard, and others into a balanced rotation is a challenge. If coach Micah Nori splits Morant and Lillard minutes for defensive reasons, it’s unclear how shooting, playmaking, and defense will align.

Other Issues

• Organizational instability and questionable management decisions cloud the team’s outlook.
• Clingan must improve as a ball-screen partner and finisher to support the guards.
• Shaedon Sharpe’s long-term absence creates uncertainty in wing rotations behind first-time All-Star Deni Avdija.

Lineup to Watch: Morant-Lillard-Holiday-Camara-Williams III

This trio of Holiday, Camara, and Williams III performed well defensively (+30 in 139 minutes) last season. This unit could provide a solid foundation for the Morant-Lillard backcourt.

Outlook

• Best Case: Play-In Tournament spot if defense ranks in the top 10.
• Worst Case: Missing the Play-In Tournament if defense declines and offense struggles.

Utah Jazz

Strengths: Offensive Flexibility

The Jazz offer many offensive options under Will Hardy’s creative schemes emphasizing spacing. Keyonte George and new addition Darryn Peterson provide guard playmaking and off-ball versatility. Lauri Markkanen adds shooting and driving ability, while Jaren Jackson Jr. offers inside-out scoring. Jusuf Nurkic’s passing enables inverted offensive looks.

Additional Positives

• Second-year player Ace Bailey showed quiet growth, thriving with movement-focused touches.
• Bench contributors like Isaiah Collier, Svi Mykhailiuk, Josh Okogie (who had his best three-point season), Brice Sensabaugh, and Kyle Filipowski add depth and versatility.

Main Concern: Defense

Preseason showed the Jazz starting in zone to manage defensive challenges, but vulnerabilities appeared when guards were pressured. Last year’s 29th-place defensive rating demands improvement to support their multifaceted offense. Okogie may play a larger defensive role than expected.

Other Issues

• Nurkic’s injury history threatens rebounding reliability.
• The roster lacks strong passing outside of Nurkic, which could limit offensive fluidity against tough defenses.

Lineup to Watch: George-Peterson-Bailey-Markkanen-Jackson Jr.

This lineup features significant shot creation and size but comes with rebounding and foul concerns when Jackson Jr. plays center. The team will likely mix this group with Nurkic’s presence.

Outlook

• Best Case: Play-In Tournament if defense reaches average levels and offense stays productive.
• Worst Case: Bottom of the Western Conference if defense fails to improve amid stiff competition.