The suspension of the NBA has impacted every team across the entire league. Only 22 teams will resume the season under some of the strangest circumstances in league history. Today, we take a look at the teams in the Northwest Division.
The Northwest Division has several serious threats to the Western Conference crown. Perhaps one of these teams will be the next to represent the conference in the NBA Finals.
Analyzing the Northwest Division Post-NBA Suspension
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets were healthy going into the break so they haven’t gained an advantage when it comes to rest. However, Nikola Jokic recently tested positive for COVID-19. Now, the team will be hoping for him to have a speedy recovery before the season resumes in Orlando. Denver could be a dark horse team if Jokic does manage to suit up as his weight loss will help his conditioning and allow him to stay on the court for longer stretches.
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz are arguably the most negatively impacted team by the pause as star forward Bojan Bogdanovic underwent wrist surgery during the break. The Jazz’s second-leading scorer has already been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Now, Donovan Mitchell will carry an even heavier offensive burden, which could tire him out. Moreover, the health of Mitchell and Rudy Gobert is still up in the air since no one knows if the coronavirus carries any lingering issues.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the biggest surprise of the year and has proven doubters wrong all season. The pause has definitely benefitted veterans such as Chris Paul and Danilo Gallinari, who both have lengthy injury histories. Although they remained relatively healthy this year, the time off will still help them go into the playoffs feeling fresh. Perhaps Oklahoma can keep surprising fans by pulling off an upset or two.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are arguably the most dangerous team heading to Orlando who’s currently outside of the playoffs. Injuries have decimated Portland this season following a Conference Finals appearance last year. No one will be surprised if the Blazers force a play-in tournament with Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins completely healthy. Portland will undoubtedly be a team to watch out for when the season resumes.
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