With the beginning of the 2022-23 NBA season just a week away, it's a perfect time to learn how to bet on NBA futures. In the Northwest Division, there isn't exactly any team that is likely going to contend for a title, but the Denver Nuggets (-140) are certainly a playoff team, especially with reigning MVP Nikola Jokic leading the charge. Behind them are the revamped Minnesota Timberwolves (+135), who pulled off a blockbuster trade for Rudy Gobert this past summer, pairing him with Karl-Anthony Towns to form a very scary frontcourt. The likes of Portland (+1400), Utah (+5000), and Oklahoma City round it out (+20000). Keep reading for the NBA Northwest Division picks.
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Northwest Division Odds
 | Odds |
|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | -140 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +135 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | +1400 |
| Utah Jazz | +5000 |
| OKC Thunder | +20000 |
Nuggets (-140)
It's not exactly surprising to see Denver as a frontrunner here. While they haven't won the division since 2019-20, the Jazz, who finished in first place in each of the last two seasons, cleaned house after trading both Donovan Mitchell and Gobert. The Nuggets of course have Jokic at the forefront, a back-to-back MVP who basically put this team on his back and took them to the playoffs in 2021-22, ultimately losing in the first round to the Golden State Warriors. The Joker is one of the most complete players in the league and a generational big man, but he won't be all alone this year. Jamal Murray is recovered from ACL surgery, while Michael Porter Jr is also ready to roll after a bad back injury. Both guys missed the majority of the campaign. With Denver's Big 3 intact again, there is no reason this group can't be a top-five team in the Western Conference. Plus, there are numerous solid role players like Bones Hyland, Aaron Gordon, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Bruce Brown, with the last two coming over in the offseason. The Nuggets are deservingly a favorite in the NBA Northwest Division picks.
Timberwolves (+135)
Minny was impressive last season, advancing to the playoffs through the play-in tourney and even knocking out the Los Angeles Clippers along the way. Frankly, they should've beaten the Memphis Grizzlies in the opening round but struggled to hold it down late in games. Their lack of postseason experience definitely showed. Nevertheless, the Timberwolves now have a year of learning under their belt and Anthony Edwards is only getting better. As previously mentioned as well, Gobert came over from Utah and should make Chris Finch's squad a load better defensively. Having two massive figures inside in Rudy and KAT is a frightening sight for opposing teams, too. Minnesota needs D'Angelo Russell to be much more consistent in 2022-23 and be the playmaker and scorer he's been in the past. There is nice depth behind the first unit too, with the likes of Kyle Anderson and Austin Rivers bringing experience to the table. The Wolves finished third in the division last year but with several additions and the KAT and Ant duo improving, they could definitely be a runner-up to Denver.
Blazers (+1400)
Damian Lillard remains in Portland after signing a new two-year extension in the summer. While he's hoping to make a title run, that's honestly a pipe dream at the moment. The Blazers traded away CJ McCollum at the deadline in March among several others including Norman Powell, essentially replacing CJ with Jerami Grant. He's a solid player, but Grant isn't going to suddenly take them to championship heights. On a more positive note though, Anfernee Simons took a serious leap last year and should form a solid partnership with Dame in the Portland backcourt. The addition of Gary Payton Jr is key for Chauncey Billups' team as well. I think the Blazers could perhaps sneak into the top six in the West and make the playoffs, with the play-in tournament a foregone conclusion. But when it comes to the NBA Northwest Division picks, I don't see them finishing above third.
Final Pick
Personally, this division winner will come down to Denver and Minnesota. But with the Nuggets' core all together again, I think they will run away with it and be the division champions for the first time in three seasons.
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