The Northwest Division in 2025 is shaping up to be the toughest in basketball. With the two best players in the world, the reigning NBA champions, and one of the most promising young teams in the league, this group could have four legitimate contenders in the Western Conference playoff race. Here are my Northwest Division preseason predictions, ranked from one to five.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG: Luguentz Dort
SF: Jalen Williams
PF: Chet Holmgren
C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Key Bench Contributors: Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, Jaylin Williams
The defending NBA champions enter 2025 with a legitimate chance to build a dynasty. Oklahoma City has the rare combination of youth, chemistry, and championship experience. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead with poise, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are emerging as elite two-way stars.
Financial flexibility and deep assets allow the Thunder to adjust as needed during the season. Their defense projects to be among the best in NBA history, while offensive efficiency should rise with further development from Holmgren and Williams. Isaiah Joe provides consistent shooting off the bench, and head coach Mark Daigneault’s system keeps everyone engaged.
If they stay healthy, I don’t think it is an exaggeration to say this Thunder team could go down as one of the greatest of all time.
Prediction: 69-13
Divisional Finish: 1st
Ceiling: NBA Champions
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Mike Conley
SG: Anthony Edwards
SF: Jaden McDaniels
PF: Julius Randle
C: Rudy Gobert
Key Bench Contributors: Naz Reid, Rob Dillingham, Donte DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon Jr., Joan Beringer
The Timberwolves have reached the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons and are built to make another deep run. Their balance on both ends, combined with the leadership of Anthony Edwards, makes them one of the league’s most dangerous teams. Edwards enters the year as a clear MVP candidate and the unquestioned face of the franchise.
The concern for Minnesota remains its bench. Depth has been inconsistent, and limited financial flexibility leaves little room for midseason upgrades. If the second unit can produce, the Wolves have a real chance to win the West.
Prediction: 54-28
Divisional Finish: 2nd
Ceiling: NBA Champions
3. Denver Nuggets
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Jamal Murray
SG: Christian Braun
SF: Cam Johnson
PF: Aaron Gordon
C: Nikola Jokic
Key Bench Contributors: Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valanciunas, Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther
The Nuggets will again be among the Western Conference elite. Their veteran core of Jokic, Murray, and Gordon remains intact and capable of carrying Denver deep into the postseason. Offensively, this team will once again be led by Jokic, the best offensive engine in basketball, with Murray and newcomer Cam Johnson providing reliable scoring.
Denver’s front office addressed last season’s biggest issue by adding more depth, though staying healthy remains essential. With new leadership in the front office and coaching staff, there may be some early turbulence, but the talent is still good enough to chase another title.
Prediction: 51-31
Divisional Finish: 3rd
Ceiling: NBA Champions
4. Portland Trail Blazers
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Shaedon Sharpe
SF: Toumani Camara
PF: Deni Avdija
C: Donovan Clingan
Key Bench Contributors: Scoot Henderson, Jerami Grant, Matisse Thybulle, Toumani Camara, Yang Hansen
Do not be surprised if this Portland team makes noise in 2025. The Blazers bring back a young core that surged late last season to finish 36-46. Their defense should be a real strength, and Shaedon Sharpe is a strong candidate to break out as the team’s leading scorer. Offensive inconsistency will hold them back at times, but the addition of veteran Jrue Holiday should bring much-needed leadership and stability.
Prediction: 44-38
Divisional Finish: 4th
Ceiling: Conference Semifinals
5. Utah Jazz
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Isaiah Collier
SG: Ace Bailey
SF: Taylor Hendricks
PF: Lauri Markkanen
C: Walker Kessler
Key Bench Contributors: Walter Clayton Jr., Keyontae George, Jusuf Nurkic, Brice Sensabaugh
The Jazz will not be terrible, but they are still a year or two away from real contention. Lauri Markkanen is an established All-Star, yet the rest of the roster is too young to push this group into the playoff mix. Utah did have a strong draft, adding Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. to an already intriguing young core that includes George and Kessler. They should defend well enough to stay competitive, but consistent offense will be an issue.
Prediction: 32–50
Divisional Finish: 5th
Ceiling: Play-in Team
Want more Sandman? Come connect with us here at sandmansports.com/onestopshop
Author
