LA Clippers: Potential matchups for new-look NBA playoffs
If the league decides to place the teams with the top four records into the playoffs, regardless of conference, the Clippers would just make the cut and face off against the team with the best record in basketball, the Milwaukee Bucks.
And fans were hoping the team wouldn’t have to see them until the Finals.
The Bucks are the class of the NBA this season, with a league-best 53-12 record. They have the best Defensive Rating in the league (101.9), the seventh-best Offensive Rating (112.6), and play at the fastest pace (105.0). They also swept the season series agianst the Clippers 2-0 this year.
On November 6, the Bucks defeated the Clippers 129-124 in Los Angeles. Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were inactive for that game. On December 6, with the team closer to full strength, the Clippers lost in Milwaukee 119-91.
The Bucks are lead by reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, another of the very few players who could possibly challenge Leonard for “best player on the floor in a series” status. They also have the depth and defensive versatility to match up with the Clippers deep bench of bevy of offensive options.
Where the Clippers hold the advantage in this potential series would be in experience. The current Bucks deepest playoff run was last season, when they lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Toronto Raptors (lead by none other than Kawhi Leonard.) The Clippers have a slight edge when it comes to key veteran players with a championship caliber.
Next. Ranking the LA Clippers preferred first round opponents. dark
That doesn’t mean it would be easy. Not even close. But it would be exciting, for sure. In this hypothetical scenario, with the Lakers in the opposite semi-final matchup, it also sets up the potential for an all-Los Angeles NBA Finals matchup.
And wouldn’t that be something to look forward to.