Los Angeles Clippers 2018-19 Schedule Breakdown: March
By Abhishek S
AMBIGUOUS MONTH-END SCHEDULE
March 28 @ Milwaukee Bucks
Yet another franchise falling short due to their deficit in experience and leadership.
While Giannis Antetokounmpo has exhibited his superiority on the floor, uncertainty has been cast on his qualities as a leader. Though Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe have contributed significantly alongside the Greek Freak, the dearth of an adequate 4 and 5 resulted in them being ousted by teams with a superior front court. However the astute move of incorporating Ersan Ilyasova to fill the void left by the injury prone Jabari Parker, issues them a durable big man with the capability to stretch the floor. This risk-free inclusion supplies them with much needed depth in this domain.
The skilled, yet inexperienced Thon Maker lacks the maturity to play a pivotal role in a franchise competing for the Eastern Conference championship. Under the expertise of Brook Lopez, he could break out of his shell soon with the veteran provisionally leading the team from the start. If Lopez manages to approximate the production he’d exhibited with the Nets, the Bucks could grow exponentially and develop into a legitimate contender in the East.
Surrendering DeAndre Jordan to the Dallas Mavericks and replacing him for the aging Marcin Gortat will enfeeble the Clippers’ front court markedly. While the Clippers compose superior bench strength, the possession of a superstar forward and abundantly skilled roleplayers could sway the odds in Bucks’ favor.
PREDICTION: LOSS
March 30: Cleveland Cavaliers
Coming off a gruelling road trip, the Clippers will likely be rejuvenated in their return to the Staples Center. Confronting a depleted Cavaliers team for the second time in the span of a week, the Clippers will likely get off to an explosive start.
Kevin Love, their first choice scoring option will experience a burdensome night with Luc Mbah A Moute assigned with the responsibility of keeping the versatile forward in check. While Beverley, Bradley will offer further defensive prowess; Lou Williams, Tobias Harris and Danilo Gallinari could equip them with offensive upside. Moreover, with Marcin Gortat bestowing a reliable rebounding presence and Montrezl Harrell generating high energy plays off the bench, the Clippers could wrap this game up fairly quickly.
PREDICTION: WIN
March 31: Memphis Grizzlies
The health of borderline All Star Mike Conley will carry tremendous significance in the outcome of this contest. His premature season ending injury in the prior season had enforced the Grizzlies to tank in order to acquire a building block for the future.
The recruitment of Jaren Jackson Jr. supplies them with a versatile big man with tremendous two way ceiling. While his offensive game demands polish, his superlative defense could translate instantly at the highest level. The inclusions of Kyle Anderson and Garrett Temple will aid in revamping the depth of their roster, but the forfeiture of two way guard Tyreke Evans end up being immense.
With Marc Gasol demonstrating signs of dwindling with age, the former first round draftee picked up the offensive load for the Grizzlies in the previous campaign. Pairing the rejuvenated guard with Mike Conley and Marc Gasol would have equipped the franchise with a combative backcourt and a potent frontcourt. However, his departure diminishes the competitive edge of the team.
Higher grade depth and dogged defensive mentality will assist the Clippers in ending the month on a positive note by securing a convincing victory. A favorable record in March will yield the franchise a necessary boost in the business end of the season.