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LA Clippers: 3 reasons fans shouldn’t worry about the team’s start

By Ryan Snellings

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 14: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on November 14, 2019 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 14: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on November 14, 2019 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LA Clippers (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Strength of Schedule

This is honestly one of the more important pieces worth noting. Context is key. The LA Clippers thus far have had the third toughest schedule in the league. This number is just based upon opponents’ winning percentages. It doesn’t take into account back-to-backs nor days of rest.

The Clippers have already had three back-to-back games. Compare that to the Lakers, who just had their first this past week and you can see how their record might feel a little impact. Surprisingly though, the team is 2-1 in the second game of back-to-backs, with the lone loss coming last night versus the Pelicans.

With the talk of “load management”, I’m sure you are aware of that. What I assume you aren’t aware of though, is the number of games with only 1 day of rest preceding them.

Of the team’s twelve games, five of them have been after only one day of rest. In those games, the team is 2-3. The team has still managed to keep a positive plus/minus in those five games, but honestly, the guys are just tired.

“Yeah, but it’s their job to be in shape and ready!”

Hey, you aren’t wrong. But let’s not act like players don’t use the beginning of the season to get ready. Hell, Kawhi himself said the first 82 games are just warm-ups. I’m not arguing that the team shouldn’t take these games seriously, but there are nights when they just won’t have it, especially given that they are worn down.

When playoffs come around, opponents are on even playing fields. There won’t be teams coming off three days of rest facing you who just played the night before.

Next. 3 stats that should improve with Paul George's return. dark

7-5 is not an ideal start, no, but there shouldn’t be this type of panic around Clipper Nation. Enjoy the ride. They will turn this around.

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