Golden State Warriors vs. the Northwestern Division: Predictions

April 11, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Nick Collison (4) shoots the ball during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The City Thunder defeated the Warriors 116-97. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder

2012-13 Record: 60-22 (made playoffs, lost second round 1-4 to the Memphis Grizzlies)

The Thunder are still one of the best teams in the NBA.  Period.  They lost Kevin Martin off the bench, but he was never really the replacement for James Harden they wanted him to be anyway. They’ve also got a wing defensive stopper in Thabo Sefolosha, helping them boast a top-tier defense in terms of field goal percent allowed, three-point percentage allowed and overall defensive efficiency.  Not to mention one of the league’s best point guards and scorers and the second best player in the NBA in Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, respectively.

Prediction: 1-2

This is still one of the top five squads in the entire league, and their defensive strengths play to the Warriors’ offensive weapons.  They match up more evenly with Golden State than any other northwestern team, and are the only ones I’m predicting to have a positive record against them.  There’s a chance that the Dubs steal one and go 2-1, but  wouldn’t bet on it.  Plus, the Thunder have one of the best home crowds in the league, and two of this year’s contests between the two teams will be played on their turf.

Golden State Warriors Overall Northwestern Record: 10-5

The Northwestern will be a solid division this year.  Outside of their top two teams though, they’re mediocre at best, and their weaknesses match up with all that the Warriors do well.  Against this division, look for the Dubs to have a great year.