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Predictions For The Northwest Division In 2016-17

By Carter Johnson

Dec 23, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the frontrunner suffering a significant loss and several young teams on the rise, here’s a look at how the Northwest Division will play out in the 2016-17 season.

Dec 23, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

A few months ago, it would’ve been a foregone conclusion who would win the NBA’s Northwest Division.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by their supreme duo of megastars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook would’ve dominated the Northwest on their way to being arguably the top contender to the Golden State Warriors out West.

Needless to say, that is no longer the case following Durant’s departure to the Bay. With the Thunder still being solid but weakened nonetheless and several promising young teams looking to finally make the leap into the postseason, the division crown is up for grabs.

The Portland Trail Blazers led by what is arguably the league’s second best backcourt in the duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum look to be the favorite to threaten the Thunder’s top spot as a proven playoff squad capable of overcoming the odds.

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The Utah Jazz will also look to lay claim to the throne with their stifling defense and the promising play of rising youngsters Gordon Hayward, Rodney Hood and Derrick Favors.

Lastly, everybody’s favorite 25-and-younger team in the Minnesota Timberwolves finally looks primed to contend this season, with the combination of Tom Thibodeau’s defensive acumen and the infinite potential of Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine and rookie point guard Kris Dunn looking like the perfect recipe to bring the postseason back to Minnesota.

In what could be the tightest division race in the league this season, let’s take a look at how the Northwest Division will play out in the 2016-17 season.

Next: No. 5