March 25 – 30
March 25 – @ Brooklyn Nets
Remember how I said KD might be coming back? That may have happened by March 25. Of course, that’s just a rumor at this point. If it does, KD would need to get some regular-season games under his belt before the team enters the playoffs.
If he comes back, I don’t think the Clippers win. If he’s not back though, the Clips take this one. We’ll lean towards the latter.
March 27 – @ Detroit Pistons
Next up is a visit with Blake Griffin. The Pistons added Derrick Rose this season in order to get more scoring from the guard position, but Rose hasn’t shown us any reason to believe he’s going to be a huge difference-maker.
The Pistons do offer the problem of size in the front court, but it’s nowhere near the level of talent that Philadelphia has. This one will be surprisingly tough (Blake performs well against his former team) but the Clippers will pull out a win.
March 28 – @ Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are another cakewalk that should let the Clippers get some much-needed rest for their players towards the end of the game. With the Hornets’ biggest signing this summer being Terry Rozier, expect this one to be over by the third quarter.
March 30 – vs. Indiana Pacers
Victor Oladipo, Malcolm Brogdon, Myles Turner, and Domantas Sabonis come to Staples to play the Clippers. With Oladipo back, the Pacers are going to be a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference.
Facing the Pacers just twice during the season, the Clippers won’t have much exposure to them and therefore will be vulnerable. Even after getting rest against the Hornets, I can see the Clips letting this one slip away.