Northwest division

Fifth in NBA preview series: Southwest Oct. 22, Central Oct. 23, Pacifi c Oct. 24, Southeast yesterday, Atlantic tomorrow, Celtics Tuesday

Northwest division in order of predicted finish:

Utah Jazz

Last season: 54-28, lost in second round
Coach: Jerry Sloan
Starting five: PG Deron Williams, SG Ronnie Brewer, SF Andrei Kirilenko, PF Carlos Boozer, C Mehmet Okur
Key additions: None
Key losses: None
Outlook: Williams will be sidelined during the beginning of the season with an ankle injury . . . The Jazz are a talented team always viewed under the radar, and fi nishing in disappointing fashion last season didn't help their profile . . . Expect young guards Brewer and C.J. Miles to give the Jazz an added boost on both sides of the floor.

Portland Trail Blazers

Last season: 41-41, missed playoffs
Coach: Nate McMillan
Starting five: PG Steve Blake, SG Brandon Roy, SF Nicolas Batum, PF LaMarcus Aldridge, C Greg Oden
Key additions: Oden, Batum, SG Rudy Fernandez
Key losses: G-F James Jones, F Darius Miles, G Jarrett Jack
Outlook: It's amazing how much young talent the Blazers have on their roster, but they are inexperienced . . . Oden has a lot of pressure on him to prove he is the next great NBA center . . . Expect sharp-shooter Martell Webster to replace Batum in starting lineup once he's healthy.

Denver Nuggets

Last season: 50-32, lost in first round
Coach: George Karl
Starting five: PG Anthony Carter, SG Allen Iverson, SF Carmelo Anthony, PF Kenyon Martin, C Nene
Key additions: F-C Chris Andersen, F Renaldo Balkman
Key losses: C Marcus Camby, F Eduardo Najera
Outlook: The losses of Camby and Najera will hurt the Nuggets strongly from a defensive standpoint, but Andersen's addition will help soothe the loss some . . . Karl has been keying on improving defensively and has told Iverson and Anthony to share the wealth offensively . . . Can Nene, who had a great training camp, stay healthy after long bouts with injuries?

Minnesota Timberwolves

Last season: 22-60, missed playoffs
Coach: Randy Wittman
Starting five: PG Randy Foye, SG Mike Miller, SF Ryan Gomes, PF Mark Madsen, C Al Jefferson
Key additions: Miller, PF Kevin Love, G Kevin Ollie, G Blake Ahearn
Key losses: F Antoine Walker, G Marko Jaric
Outlook: Expect Jefferson to be a bubble All-Star candidate, but poor record will likely keep him off team . . . Love is a great offensive player and tough, but his lack of athleticism will hurt him in NBA . . . The Wolves need forward Corey Brewer to live up to his potential that made him a lottery pick.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Last season: 20-62, missed playoffs
Coach: P.J. Carlesimo
Starting five: PG Earl Watson, SG Kevin Durant, SF Jeff Green, PF Chris Wilcox, C Nick Collison
Key additions: PG Russell Westbrook, PF Joe Smith, G-F Desmond Mason
Key losses: G Luke Ridnour, C Francisco Elson, F-C Donyell Marshall
Outlook: The Thunder have sold out every game this season in Oklahoma City and have a season ticket waiting list . . . Oklahoma City, however, will be the doormat of the Western Conference because of its youth and lack of talent inside . . . Keep an eye on the growth of the future All-Star Durant, Green, and Westbrook.

MARC J. SPEARS