Having been one of the best divisions in the NBA in recent seasons, the Northwest Division is again having a very stellar year. The division currently boasts 4 of the top 7 sides out West, including each of the seeds 2-4. The Denver Nuggets have been the most impressive, currently leading the way at 33-15. Oklahoma City and Portland are right on their tail, whilst strong recent form has put Utah into the mix. Unfortunately for Minnesota, they currently find themselves 10 games back and likely out of the mix. Let’s analyse each of the four playoff contenders in the Northwest, providing our best bet in the process.
Denver Nuggets $2
The Nuggets have surpassed most reasonable expectations this season and currently find themselves at a very solid 33-15. Nikola Jokic has undoubtedly been their star man, averaging a very impressive 20 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per contest. Point Guard Jamal Murray is also having an excellent season, averaging 18.5 points and 5 assists of his own. In Gary Harris and Paul Millsap, Denver has two other solid two-way players that form part of their best lineup. Buoyed by an excellent 22-4 home record, the Nuggets look solid value at even money to take the division title.
Oklahoma City Thunder $3.60
OKC find themselves just 2.5 games behind the Nuggets, sporting a solid 31-18 record on the season. Paul George has been their star man this season, averaging a very solid 27 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.3 steals per night. Russell Westbrook is again averaging a triple-double this season, putting up 21.5 points and just under 11 rebounds and assists each game. Steven Adams rounds out the big 3 nicely with averages of 15.5 points and 10 boards per contest. Given the immense quality that OKC has shown this season, I think there is still some value in them taking this out at a solid $3.60 price point.
Portland Trail Blazers $5
Portland have also exceeded most expectations this season and currently find themselves just one game back of OKC at 31-20. Damian Lillard is having yet another stellar campaign, averaging 26 points, 6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds. Running mate C.J. McCollum is complementing him nicely in the backcourt, averaging a shade under 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Jusuf Nurkic also provides this squad with a much-needed interior presence, averaging 15.2 points and 10.4 boards of his own. Portland have an excellent 21-7 home record this season and would definitely be in with a shot at the Northwest crown if they improved their road record.
Utah Jazz $8.50
The Utah Jazz have been in incredible form of late, winning 9 of their last 10 games to find themselves 29-22, 5.5 games behind Denver. Donovan Mitchell has again been the key man this season, averaging 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Rudy Gobert is again providing great interior production, averaging 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. Aussie Joe Ingles has been effective as a glue guy, averaging just under 12 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds per game. Whilst the Jazz are currently a long way behind Denver in first place, they are in with an outside shot if they keep up this excellent recent form.
Best Bet: Nuggets $2
Ultimately, I have to think the Nuggets are the best bet to take this title out at even money. They are very much in the driver’s seat, 2.5 games ahead of OKC with just 30 games to play. Given their excellent homecourt advantage, you know they won’t be dropping too many games either. As long as Jokic and Murray can stay fit, I don’t see anyone surpassing them this season.