Golden State Warriors: 2017/18 Pacific Division Preview
By Marc Princi
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers will kick off this Pacific Division preview. The Clippers are definitely an intriguing team this year, with questions surrounding their prospects in the post-Chris Paul era. The Clippers will encounter some adversity this season as they navigate the rough waters of the Western Conference.
The team now falls in the hands of veteran forward Blake Griffin. This season will prove whether or not Griffin is a true leader, and if he has put his past maturity issues behind him. Miloš Teodosić, the Clippers’ Chris Paul replacement has his work cut out for him. While he is an accomplished EuroLeague player, the NBA is a different animal. While he should perform well this season, the Clippers will definitely feel Paul’s absence. The Clippers will have stability at the center position, with workhorse DeAndre Jordan holding down the paint. The rest of the Los Angeles Rockets – excuse me – Clippers, should be nice complementary players to the team’s stars.
The Warriors and Clippers have had a nice rivalry in recent years, so, look for that to continue this season. I don’t feel as if the Clippers are as strong as last season, so I predict the Warriors will win the season series 3-1, and maybe even 4-0.
Season Prediction:
I predict the Clippers to finish the season with a record of 48-34. I believe the Clippers will be the 5th seed in the West at season’s end. As the only other Pacific team besides the Warriors set to make the playoffs, the Clippers will likely be a first-round exit.