2026-27 NBA Northwest Division Preview: Thunder, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Jazz
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands out with back-to-back MVP seasons, excelling in midrange shots and finishing with finesse. His defensive impact has been significant, and there's room to grow in his three-point shooting.
The defense, led by Chet Holmgren, remains formidable. A healthier Jalen Williams should strengthen an already elite unit. Cason Wallace builds on his All-Defense debut, while Isaiah Hartenstein is an underrated defender. Alex Caruso continues to be a defensive force, and Jaylin Williams adds versatility and toughness.
Ajay Mitchell might see more minutes to add scoring punch alongside SGA. Fans of Kenrich Williams will be glad he's still around, offering reliable role play.
Concerns
The biggest question is the creation outside of SGA in half-court offense. With opponents guarding Holmgren heavily, others need to step up. Jalen Williams’ health and shot generation are key. The development of Jared McCain could also help.
Three-point shooting worries remain after Isaiah Joe left. McCain may be the only consistent high-volume shooter. The transition from Lu Dort leaves questions about physicality and culture impact.
Lineup to Watch
- SGA-Wallace-Caruso-Jalen Williams-Holmgren
This group has excelled defensively and offensively, though their 50% 3-point shooting last season likely won’t hold.
Best Case
The team clinches the No. 1 seed, driven by elite defense, coaching from Mark Daigneault, and a healthy roster aiming for around 70 wins.
Worst Case
An injury to SGA drops them to No. 3 seed, but the team’s strong defense and depth keep them competitive.
Denver Nuggets
Strengths
Nikola Jokić remains one of the league's best offensive players, combining scoring and passing at an elite level. Jamal Murray offers dynamic scoring, making their two-man game tough to defend.
Aaron Gordon has evolved into a versatile star role player, contributing on both ends with shooting and defense. DeMar DeRozan provides valuable scoring off the bench, potentially allowing rest for Jokić and Murray simultaneously. Alpha Diallo shows promise defensively.
Concerns
Defensive consistency remains a challenge. The team must find the right coverage strategies, especially for Jokić, and ensure effort levels remain steady. Depth beyond Gordon is uncertain, and over-reliance on certain lineups could pose problems.
The Nuggets’ historically low turnover rates worry some, and balancing 3-point shooting with inside scoring is an ongoing process.
Lineup to Watch
- Murray-Christian Braun-DeRozan-Gordon-Jokić
This lineup offers strong shooting and playmaking if defense holds up.
Best Case
Winning 60+ games as offensive powerhouses improve defensively and bench contributions rise.
Worst Case
Struggling defense and underwhelming bench performance push them into the Play-In Tournament.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Strengths
Anthony Edwards is a dominant scorer with an expanding offensive arsenal. LaMelo Ball complements him with creativity and pace, opening opportunities for Edwards to attack defenses.
Jaden McDaniels excels defensively on the perimeter and continues to grow offensively. Rudy Gobert remains a top-tier rim protector, significantly boosting the defense.
Ayo Dosunmu adds speed, chaos, and shooting, creating exciting guard combinations.
Concerns
Minutes without Gobert present a defensive question. Joan Beringer faces pressure to perform immediately. High switch rates against pick-and-rolls and occasional lapses in off-ball defense by Ball and Edwards could limit potential.
Replacing physical players like Julius Randle and Naz Reid with Ball and Jonathan Kuminga reduces size and physicality, which needs monitoring.
Lineup to Watch
- Ball-Edwards-Dosunmu-McDaniels-Gobert
This faster lineup boosts playmaking and shooting but sacrifices size.
Best Case
Top-seeded defense combined with potent offense led by Ball and Edwards.
Worst Case
Defensive inconsistencies and offensive decision-making issues lead to a Play-In appearance.
Portland Trail Blazers
Strengths
The team boasts deep guard options including Ja Morant, returning Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, and Jrue Holiday. Holiday, in particular, offers strong defensive versatility and leadership.
The defensive trio of Holiday, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan ranks among the league’s best, with interior rim protection from Clingan and Robert Williams III.
Concerns
Guard rotation puzzles loom under new coach Micah Nori. Integrating Morant and Lillard effectively remains complex. Organizational turmoil and roster uncertainty, especially with Shaedon Sharpe sidelined, create unease.
Clingan needs to develop as a ball-screen partner and finisher. Wing depth behind first-time All-Star Deni Avdija is thin after departures.
Lineup to Watch
- Morant-Lillard-Holiday-Camara-Williams III
This defensive core was effective last season and could provide a foundation for success.
Best Case
At least a Play-In spot fueled by defensive improvements and added offense.
Worst Case
Failing to score efficiently and defensive declines leave them outside playoff contention.
Utah Jazz
Strengths
The Jazz offer offensive flexibility under coach Will Hardy, featuring creators like Keyonte George and newcomer Darryn Peterson. Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. provide shooting and inside-out threats. Jusuf Nurkic brings passing and size.
Second-year player Ace Bailey showed growth last year. Bench contributors such as Isaiah Collier, Svi Mykhailiuk, Josh Okogie, and Brice Sensabaugh offer shooting and defensive versatility.
Concerns
Defense remains a major question after ranking near the bottom last year. Zone defense experiments show both promise and vulnerabilities, particularly in guard rotations and help defense.
Injuries to Nurkic pose rebounding challenges. Overall, the roster’s passing is limited, with Nurkic one of the best facilitators.
Lineup to Watch
- George-Peterson-Bailey-Markkanen-Jackson Jr.
This lineup blends size and shot creation but may struggle with rebounding and fouls.
Best Case
A multifaceted offense paired with improved defense leads to a Play-In berth.
Worst Case
Defense falls short, negating offensive potential, resulting in a bottom Western Conference finish.
