Almost every NBA handicapper, including myself, predicted a Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers Western Conference Final last season. The NBA world was stunned by the coming-out party of Murray and Jokic of the Denver Nuggets knockout of the Clippers in the second round.
After signing George to a long-term deal, it appears management believes the tandem of George and Leonard can bring the bacon home.
The Clippers have also joined the arms race against the Los Angeles Lakers. They sign veteran winger Nickolas Batum to a one year deal who will help with load management for both George and Leonard off the bench.
The other major addition to the Clippers stacked roster, veteran Serge Ibaka to a two-year deal. Ibaka has proven himself as a valuable stretch 5 in this league mainly on the defensive side. Adding a defensive forward that can run will mesh effectively with the shutdown ability of George and Leonard.
As Doc Rivers exited the court after Game 7 loss to the Nuggets, everyone knew it would be his last time coaching the Clippers. Doc Rivers has since signed with the struggling Philadelphia Sixers.
The Clippers decided it was time to promote Missouri native Tyronn Lue from assistant to head coach. Lue found success coaching the then tandem of Lebron and Kyrie to the Cavalier’s first NBA Championship. Familiar with the system and the players, the Clippers’ change in head coach should have no negative impact on play.
The Clippers’ defensive talent will be their savior down the stretch when dealing with the matchups of top-tier teams such as the Lakers, Nets, and Bucks.
That being said, the Clippers will have value when covering the spread. Spreads of +5.0 against any opponent will have great value due to their best attribute of being able to match up with any team they play.
When dealing with bottom tier, mid-tier and even most top tier teams spreads of at least -4.0 will always have value. Hammer these spreads unless injury or load management are factors.
The current Clippers team will look to storm back on last year’s chemistry and have a great regular season with a little more rest than what was expected with the early playoff exit.
I predict this team will finish 52-30 in the regular season. I believe they will finish top 3 in the Western Conference and reach the Western Conference Final.
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