• Clippers Odds to Win NBA Title: +320
• Clippers Odds to Win Western Conference: +170
• NBA Finals Exact Matchup: Clippers vs Bucks +370
• Lakers Game 1 Odds vs Clippers: +1, O/U 218.5, -108 ML
*Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook.
The Los Angeles Clippers head to Orlando with a 44-20 record and 5.5 games back of the one-seeded Lakers. The Clippers have been consistently good all season even as players like Kwahi Leonard and Paul George suffered injuries.
L.A. has the roster than can make a run at an NBA title. When healthy, the Clippers have one of the best rosters in the league. Now, the few months off from coronavirus should have everyone ready to go down in Orlando.
The Clippers are going to live and die by how well Leonard and George play down in the bubble. Those two drive the team and are also part of the reason why they struggled when or the other was out. Both players will need to healthy, including role players like Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell, and others.
When Lebron James is in the same conference as you, your team needs all hands on deck if they want to get past one of the best players in the league. One issue the Clippers could face is who will be with them in the Orlando bubble.
As of writing this, Landry Shamet, Ivica Zubac, and Marcus Morris are not with the Clippers down in the Orlando bubble. Shamet tested positive for coronavirus earlier this month, Zubac is currently dealing with a family crisis, and there is no word on Morris.
Morris has only played in 12 games this season, but Shamet and Zubac are key players to this roster. There is no word on if Shamet will join the team after he recovers from COVID-19. Also, Zubac should be close to returning as teammate Joakim Noah hinted on it via Instagram. Overall, the Clippers are ready to go and have the roster to do so. Now we’ll see if they have what it takes to take down the Lakers in the West.
Clippers Odds Analysis
The Clippers have the third-best odds to win the NBA just behind the Bucks and Lakers. L.A. sits at +320 to win it all and +170 to make it to the finals. Los Angeles has one of the most complete teams in the NBA, and have a squad that can compete with the Lakes.
The Clippers match up well against the best team in the West, which gives them value to win it all and win the West. Pending the return of Zubac and Shamet, Los Angeles has a deep roster that will help get them deep in the playoffs. One of their best role players is Lou Williams, who has been coming off the bench averaging 18.7 points per game and leading the team in assists with 5.7 per game.
Some sportsbooks are offering win totals for the final eight games of the season. The Clippers win total sits at 5.5 with -150 juice on the over. Their schedule is favorable to win six or so games, especially if everyone is healthy.
Bettors can also find value on the exact finals matchup. Right now, the Clippers and Bucks finals are +370 odds. Both teams need to make, but if you are someone that wants to fire on Clippers to win it all, then this a bet to consider. Los Angeles has the talent to compete with the Lakers, and they might have the depth to outlast them.
Overall, the futures on the Clippers will most likely be the best odd out there, especially if they make a run.
Clippers Remaining Schedule
• Los Angeles Lakers
• New Orleans Pelicans
• Phoenix Suns
• Dallas Mavericks
• Portland Trail Blazers
• Brooklyn Nets
• Denver Nuggets
• Oklahoma City Thunder
L.A.’s remaining schedule is manageable and will help them prep for the playoffs down in Orlando. They start by play in-city rival the Lakers before four of their next five games are against non-playoff teams. This should help create chemistry among the team so they can find a rhythm going into the playoffs.
In terms of strength of schedule, the Clippers are in the middle of the road, which is a bit easier than what their strength of schedule was during the season. They have the Goldilocks schedule of just right.
Los Angeles is 5.5 games back of the Lakers and has a game and a half lead over the Nuggets for the two seed. There is a good chance the Clippers finish as the two seed this season. Their schedule sets them up well to win about five or six games down the stretch. Regardless, the home-court advantage will not be a thing down in Orlando as every game will be a neutral site with no fans.
Clippers Strengths and Weaknesses
The Clippers did things well on both sides of the ball this year. They ranked in the top five offensive and defensive efficiency, including a 6.4 net rating, ranking them third in the NBA. The roster top to bottom is very good and stepped up even when George and Leonard were out during the year. Now, this team is healthy and ready to go down in Orlando.
The team runs through Kwahi Leonard, who had a net efficiency rating of 11.4 this season, the best on the Clippers squad. His player impact estimate graded out at 19.3, which was also the best for the L.A. team.
Overall, Leonard is their go-to player on this squad, but he is not the only guy that has made substantial contributions to the team. Paul George, Patrick Beverly, and Landry Shamert all made strong contributions on the offensive end this season. Lets also not forget about Lou Williams being a quality number three scorer on that team.
Los Angeles does a lot of things well on both ends of the floor. They can score at will while also locking down opponents. They rarely turn over the ball and make every possession count.
One issue they might have down in Orlando will include the team’s health. Leonard and George have missed over 12 games this season, with George missing 24. Right now, Shamert, Zubac, and Morris have not made it to Orlando yet, which could play a factor going into the restart.
This team is very talented when healthy, but that is going to be a big question mark. If everyone can stay healthy during the ramp-up in Orlando, then Los Angeles will be fine. However, if they miss a key player, then their season will be over early.
Los Angeles Clippers Prediction
Overall, I think the Clippers have a great chance of winning the NBA title. They arguably have the best roster going into the Orlando restart and have the best roster in the West after the Lakers lost Avery Bradley and Rajon Rondo.
There is some value on the Clippers odds to win the West and NBA title this year. Right now is probably the best time to buy as those odds will only drop as the season gets moving. The Clippers have the depth where they can bounce back if a role player gets hurt.
Everyone should be healthy and good to go to Orlando. L.A. is still waiting for a few more players to make it down with the team, so that will be something to watch as the season begins. The Clippers have a strong chance to make a run and should not be surprising if they do.
FAQ
Can the Clippers beat the Lakers in a Game 7?
Yes, the Clippers can beat the Lakers in a game seven. Overall, I think think the Clippers have more talent than the Lakers, especially given the circumstances. The Lakers are battling injuries and players sitting out due to COVID-19. The Clippers have a more well-rounded roster and can take the Lakers in game seven.
What is the Biggest Challenge for the Clippers?
The Clippers’ biggest issue is the availability of their roster. As of writing this, Los Angeles has seen players shuffle in and out of the NBA bubble, and some have yet to join the club. They should have a full team once the season begins, but that is not certain, however.
Can Kwahi Leonard Play 48 Minutes?
Yes, but the team would be better off giving him his normal rest. The Clippers have the depth where does not need to play all 48 either. The only way Leonard would do so is if the Clippers are suffering from injuries, and the team plays much worse with him off the court.
How can the Clippers win the NBA title?
Yes, the Clippers have a roster that is built to win a title. They arguably have the best roster down in the Orlando bubble. If everyone is available for the season, then they will have a great chance at winning a title.
Who is the Clippers best player after Kwahi Leonard and Paul George?
Lou Williams is arguably the Clippers’ best player behind Leonard and George. Williams has won three sixth man of the year awards and could win another one this season. He is averaging 18.6 points per game on 29 minutes. However, Williams will miss a few games for the Clippers because he left the NBA bubble for an unexcused reason.
