The Northwest Division is home to the NBA champion Denver Nuggets, who will look to repeat their success from this past season in the 2023-24 campaign.
The Nuggets are massive favorites to secure the division crown again this upcoming season. Still, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, and Portland Trail Blazers are all looking to steal the title.
After winning a championship, there is always a target on a team’s back, which will be true for Denver this season. With a few months to go until the 2023-24 NBA season tips off, we’ll discuss the best bet to win the Northwest division and which team could be a sleeper to watch.
Northwest Division Winner Odds 2023-24
NBA odds used for these best bets are from Friday, July 14, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Denver Nuggets (-650)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (+700)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (+1000)
- Utah Jazz (+6000)
- Portland Trail Blazers (+15000)
The Nuggets are the reigning champs, and the Timberwolves are entering their second season with Rudy Gobert playing alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards.
Despite having a young roster and their sights on the future, the Thunder went 40-42 last season, which was good enough for the 9th seed in the Western Conference.
The Jazz and Trail Blazers are both in transitional periods, especially with Damian Lillard requesting a trade out of Portland this offseason.
Northwest Division Winner Best Bet
Denver Nuggets (-650)
The Nuggets cruised en route to the franchise’s first title this past season, defeating the Miami Heat in five games in the NBA Finals. Nikola Jokić proved to be the best player in the league, and Denver’s role players stepped up when needed throughout the season.
- Explore Denver’s chances to repeat in our NBA Finals odds.
During free agency, the Nuggets lost Bruce Brown, a crucial bench piece for the reigning champions. Replacing Brown won’t be easy, but Denver does boast a deep roster that still has Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. starting alongside Jokić.
There isn’t value in wagering on the Nuggets at -650 odds; it’s just tough to imagine them not winning the Northwest Division for the fourth time in the last six years.
Northwest Division Winner Sleeper Pick
Oklahoma City Thunder (+1000)
The Thunder are stockpiling draft picks like the world is ending soon, but they have a bright, young nucleus intact.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made the All-NBA first team last season, and Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, and Luguentz Dort have all shown potential.
After not having 2022 No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren (Lisfranc injury) available last season, the former Gonzaga star is expected to debut for Oklahoma City in 2023.
His return and the additions of Victor Oladipo, TyTy Washington Jr., Usman Garuba, Davis Bertans, and rookies Keyontae Johnson and Cason Wallace could be enough to help the Thunder push for the division crown sooner than expected.