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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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Feb 9, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrates with guard Rodney Hood (5) and forward Derrick Favors (15) after making the game winning shot in overtime to defeat the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrates with guard Rodney Hood (5) and forward Derrick Favors (15) after making the game winning shot in overtime to defeat the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Utah Jazz

2015-16 Record: 40-42 (3rd in Northwest Division)
2016-17 Prediction: 43-39 (3rd in Northwest Division) 

The Utah Jazz took a huge step forward in their development last season, going 40-42 and coming up just short of the playoffs on the very last night of the 2015-16 season.

Now, having added savvy veterans like George Hill, Joe Johnson and Boris Diaw to a stellar young core composed of Gordon Hayward, Rodney Hood, Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert, the Jazz are ready to break through to the postseason for the first time since 2012.

In addition to those players, the Jazz have key contributors in Alec Burks and Dante Exum returning from injuries, which help offense to a team that ranked third worst in points per game last season.

On the flip side, Hill and Diaw should add to the league’s second best scoring defense, holding opponents to a stifling 95.9 points a contest.

Defense will once again be the calling card for this team as well as a solid halfcourt offense, as the Jazz played at the Association’s slowest pace.

The continued improvement of Favors, Hayward and Hood can also be counted upon to give the Jazz a boost next season.

Look for the postseason to return to Utah in 2017.

Next: No. 2