UNDEMANDING MID-MONTH SCHEDULE
March 15 vs Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have pulled the trigger on a few dubious moves which could return to haunt them in the future. Procuring youthful, offensive studs with tremendous scoring upside could wind up being a one-sided interpretation.
On the contrary, they signify defensive liabilities with dodgy injury histories. Issuing them inflated contracts represents an injudicious move by the Bulls’ front office for the long term. While the young core of Markannen, Parker, Lavine, Dunn and Carter Jr. symbolize an abundance of promise, whether they compose adequate potential to carry the franchise into prosperity is yet to be noted.
While it may take their roster a few years to mature, they shouldn’t find many hitches on the offensive end of the floor. Where they will encounter a stumbling block, however, is on the defensive end. Their shortage of a consistent 3 and D player, affects the balance in their roster. Constituting several veteran faces in addition to a balanced roster, the Clippers would be a crystal clear favorite to overcome the Bulls.
PREDICTION: WIN
March 17 vs Brooklyn Nets
A face off against the Brooklyn Nets at the Staples Center represents the Clippers’ most uncomplicated contest in March.
The Nets have performed a commendable job this off-season, discarding the ludicrous salary of Mozgov, and attracting two protected first round picks accompanied by the utilizable, expiring deal of Kenneth Faried in a trade involving Isaiah Whitehead. However, their substandard moves in the past will hinder them from ameliorating their roster substantially for the upcoming campaign. Allocating roughly 70 million in cap, their opportunity to assemble a markedly superior roster will arrive in the succeeding summer.
Currently the additions of Shabazz Napier, Faried and Ed Davis furnishes them with roleplayers who could play a crucial hand off the bench. Securing Dzanan Musa using the draft as a vehicle bestows them a youthful, scoring forward. Nonetheless, their shortfall in quality will hinder them in staying competitive throughout the season.
Classified as a mere lottery team, the Nets will discover the Clippers to be a hurdle difficult to overcome.
PREDICTION: WIN
March 19 vs Indiana Pacers
Identical to the Clippers, the Indiana Pacers have strived in building a culture following the trade of their centerpieces. The unanticipated leap of Williams and Victor Oladipo aided in salvaging their seasons.
Posing considerable depth, the franchises could create an impression in their respective conferences. Quality free agency moves and a successful draft represented a fine feet by their front offices. While the Pacers could establish a home court advantage in the knockout phases in the plain sailing Eastern Conference, the Clippers could institute a genuine playoff run in the stacked Western Conference. Further, being led by accomplished coaches only enhances their possibility of staying in contention in the face of elite competition.
With both teams constituting similar quality and depth, this game could reach a captivating climax. However, with home court advantage by their side, the Clippers inch their way to victory in a tight contest.