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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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May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates with guard Andre R oberson (21) during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates with guard Andre Roberson (21) during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

2015-16 Record: 55-27 (1st in Northwest Division)
2016-17 Prediction: 45-37 (2nd in Northwest Division) 

The loss of Kevin Durant hurts, and ends any chances of the Oklahoma City Thunder contending for an NBA championship in the immediate future.

But don’t be mistaken — the Thunder are definitely still a playoff team.

Wondering how? Let me introduce you to Russell Westbrook.

Last season, Westbrook was an absolute monster, dominating opponents to the tune of 23.5 points, 10.4 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals a game while tying the modern NBA record for triple-doubles in a season with 18.

What’s even more encouraging to Thunder fans is that Westbrook has shown he’s up for the challenge of leading this team in the post-Durant era by signing a three-year, $85.7 million extension to become the sole face of the franchise.

Westbrook still has a solid supporting cast to work with as well, with players like Victor Oladipo, Steven Adams, Andre Roberson and Enes Kanter all more than capable of being consistent contributors and head coach Billy Donovan proved last season that he is more than capable of leading this team to success.

The Thunder might not be a threat to the Warriors anymore, but they are more than a lock to make the postseason in 2016-17 and will undoubtedly be one of the more entertaining teams to watch.

Next: No. 1