The Golden State Warriors are giving way to a new force in the Western Conference and 2020 should be the year of the LA Clippers.
The Rise and Fall of Pacific Division Juggernauts
The Golden State Warriors have dominated the NBA for several years, but now their star is fading. Injuries and transfers have reduced this formidable team to the laughingstock of the Pacific division and rendered its chances of reaching the playoffs virtually nonexistent. As the Warriors are simply trying to end their free fall, the LA Clippers are surging to new highs every week. 2020 could well be their year, as the team from Los Angeles could win their first NBA title ever.
Hope remains for the Golden State Warriors, as they’ve got a few exceptional basketball players in the starting formation. The likes of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and D’Angelo Russell can almost single-handedly win games, both at home and on the road. Unfortunately for the Warriors, three great players can’t make up for a long list of injured athletes who barely train with the team. Getting past the Houston Rockets, the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets to reach the playoffs is a tall order.
The Clippers have the talent and depth to win
One of the main reasons why the LA Clippers rank high in the preferences of bookmakers is that they have both the skill and the depth needed. A glance at the sportsbooks recommended by holy moly casinos will highlight the fact that the odds offered on a Clippers win are lower than ever before. Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Maurice Harkless have joined the team and there’s excellent synergy between the new arrivals and the veterans.
The LA Clippers parted ways with Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who chose to play for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. Meanwhile, Mfiondu Kabengele and Terrance Mann were drafted and they contribute to the team’s success during the regular season. Lou Williams, Patrick Beverley, Montrezl Harrell, Landry Shamet and others play a quiet but essential role match after match.
Home pitch advantage is huge for the LA Clippers
Staying within striking distance of the LA Lakers is a tall order this season, as the main theme from Los Angeles has a fantastic roster. On the bright side, the Clippers don’t need to overtake their city rivals at the end of the regular season. All they need is a solid placement that will give them home pitch advantage in most of the games in the playoffs series, as they are the best home team in the conference.
Champions are forged during the playoffs, but the key to winning the first NBA title in franchise history is staying healthy. The Golden State Warriors fell from grace after their key players suffered season-ending injuries and this is something the Clippers must avoid. The good news is that they have a more balanced side and barring any catastrophic injuries, they should be able to weather any storm.