Western Conference: Predicting the final standings
By Ken Newhouse
Mar 23, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes (22) reacts against the Brooklyn Nets at the Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Nets 101-95. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
4. Los Angeles Clippers
My oh my. This has been one up and down season for the defending Pacific Division champions. Blake Griffin has recently been diagnosed with a staph infection in his elbow, and will be out for the next three weeks. At 35-19, the Clippers sit in the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings.
One may say with the injury to Blake Griffin and the poor play of Chris Paul, that L.A. would likely fall off the map and tumble down the playoff ladder. That hasn’t been the case as of late. After suffering their longest losing streak of the season with blowout losses at Cleveland, Toronto and Oklahoma City, Los Angeles has regrouped nicely with dominant wins at Dallas and home vs. Houston.
DeAndre Jordan has picked up the slack in the short absence of All-Star Blake Griffin. My only concern with this team down the stretch is the health of Blake Griffin and the possible fatigue of Chris Paul. Outside of Paul, Griffin, and Jordan, who can this team rely on day in and day out? Matt Barnes is not the answer.
The Clippers will need to do everything in their power to avoid a first round matchup with either the Spurs or Grizzlies in order to do any damage in the postseason.
Prediction: 53-29
Next three: vs. San Antonio, vs. Sacramento, vs. Memphis