With free agency barely behind us and the season still a ways away, we got your predictions for the LA Clippers in 2019-20 in our second part of the series.
We asked, you answered. Once again, thank you to everyone who completed our questionnaire regarding your thoughts about the LA Clippers upcoming 2019-20 season. You can find part 1 of your answers here. What follows is part 2 where we dive a little deeper into what Clipper Nation thinks about the most highly anticipated season in the history of the LA Clippers. As we saw in part 1, Clippers fans tend to forego the rose-colored glasses for a more realistic viewpoint.
Question 9 – If the Clippers reach the NBA Finals, who will they match up against?
Clippers Nation sees the East as a two team race. The Clippers, should they reach the Finals will be pitted against either the reigning MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks or the very tall Philadelphia 76ers.
The only other team receiving votes were the revamped Brooklyn Nets. No love for the Knicks huh Clipper Nation?
Personally, the Bucks scare me more than the Sixers. Philadelphia might be a match-up nightmare for the Clippers, and honestly for any team in the Association. Their projected starters are all over 6’6″. Their shortest stater isn’t even their point guard! However, it’s the Bucks that have the MVP and who came closer to the Larry OB last season. Don’t underestimate the motivation of coming close and falling short of the goal is for a team.
Answer #9 – If the Clippers make the Finals they will play either the Milwaukee Bucks or the Philadelphia 76ers
Question #10 – How many games will each of the big LA four play during the regular season?
Like some of our other questions, this one was a “thinker”. Any real fan of the Association is now familiar with the term “load management”. We have always known the regular season is nice, but not all that important. The real goal was to match up well and be healthy as your team enters the playoffs.
The great Greg Popovich was ahead of the curve on this one, of course. He held back stars Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Danny Green for the final game of a six-game trip back in 2012. He was fined for protecting his players and planning for the upcoming playoffs. The official statement from league offices were that this action was doing “…a disservice to the league and our fans“.
Popovich > NBA League Office
Now, we know that Pop was right. Resting players over the long 82 game NBA regular season is a must. If he hasn’t already he should ask for a refund on that $250,000 fine! So, understanding that both the Clippers and Lakers will likely rest their stars, how many games do you think they will play?
- Kawhi Leonard – 61-70 games
- Paul George – 61-70 games
- LeBron James – 61-70 games
- Anthony Davis – 71-81 games
Clipper Nation is preparing for at least a few games without either Leonard or George. They also feel that the LAC should rest LBJ more than he has rested in seasons past. With the Lakers now having Davis in the fold they may not be as reluctant to rest the King. Being the youngster of the group Clipper Nation feels confident Davis will play the most games of the Fabulous LA Foursome!