BREEZY START TO THE MONTH
March 1 @ Sacramento Kings
The Clippers will feel content starting the month confronting a potential lottery team. While the Kings constitute a satisfactory young group, their shortfall in experience will possibly hinder them for the new few years. While their centerpiece De’Aaron Fox could issue higher consistency, the performance of Harry Giles in the Summer League, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Willie Cauley Stein in the prior season offer them signs of encouragement moving forward. Further, drafting Duke product Marvin Bagley Jr. furnishes them a versatile stretch four with tremendous two way potential.
However, commendable recruitment from LA’s front office will aid them in remaining potent on both ends of the floor next year. While Sacramento might possess a promising, youthful core, they certainly lack the firepower in going toe to toe with the Clippers. Rivers and his team would be an odds on favorite to win this match-up.
PREDICTION: WIN
March 3 vs New York Knicks
Acquiring an accomplished coach accompanied by a phenomenal draft exhibited Scott Perry’s prowess as an executive. Under his direction, the Knicks could spring into relevance in the near future. Presently, the loss of Kristaps Porzingis for the foreseeable future disrupts their playoff chances for the forthcoming season.
However, similar to the Clippers, their strength lies in their depth. The addition of Mario Hezonja via free agency, and Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson by virtue of the draft tenders them with youthful, athletic forwards with a high ceiling. With Trey Burke surpassing expectations and Frank Ntilikina substantiating his defensive expertise in the preceding year, the New York based franchise will cherish the possibilities in the coming season.
Having established himself as a superior coach in contrast to former figures who had occupied the same role in the past, David Fizdale would likely transcend expectations placed on the franchise. Nevertheless, with the Clippers comprising higher quality and depth in every department, nothing less than a victory will be tolerable.