Golden State Warriors vs. the Northwestern Division: Predictions

Apr 7, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) looks to shoot the ball over Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson (25) in the first quarter at ORACLE arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

2012-13 Record: 43-39

The Jazz took a huge hit this summer in losing Al Jefferson, their greatest interior offensive threat, to Charlotte.  They have a Wooden Award winner coming in in the form of Trey Burke, but he’s a rookie and is bound to be talented but raw.  This is the first team on this list that I’m pretty sure will take a hit on record this year, maybe into the red.

Prediction: 3-0

A team that’s weakened inside is already a problem when you’re playing against David Lee, who is one of the most efficient all-around offensive big men in the league today.  Add to that a team that has middle of the road to below-average defense, and bottom-ten perimeter defense allowing an average of 37 percent from three, and this squad is decidedly weaker against this year’s Golden State squad.  This one should be a season sweep.