LA Clippers: Who should we want as a first-round matchup?

The LA Clippers could face a number of teams in the first round. Heres’ their ideal matchup.

It’s finally official. After it was reported yesterday, the NBA season will return on July 31 in Orlando as 22 teams compete to win an NBA championship. With eight regular-season games left to determine seeding, the LA Clippers could have several teams as their first-round matchup.

Who are the possibilities? Right now, the team is slated to face off against the Dallas Mavericks. If the standings shift at all, the Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, and even the Denver Nuggets.

Obviously, in a tight Western Conference, none of those teams are slouches. Still, given the options, I think the obvious preferred choice is clear.

The LA Clippers should hope to get the Dallas Mavericks as their first-round matchup.

Before the hiatus, I came to the conclusion that the Houston Rockets would be the ideal matchup, given their lack of size and inability to guard Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. However, given that James Harden has apparently lost weight and is in better shape than ever, the Rockets might be a little more threatening.

Now, I’m leaning towards the second team on that list, the Dallas Mavericks. Granted, Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis are a tough matchup but it’s because of them I select the Mavericks over any of the other teams with star duos.

While both are great players, neither has playoff experience. In fact, the whole team is young with only three players having over six years in the league under their belt. Meanwhile, the Clippers have an experienced roster who shouldn’t get flustered even with the delay that has happened.

Dallas has only beaten the Clippers in one of their three games this season. That game was way back in October and LA was without both Paul George and Patrick Beverley.

Would a series versus the Mavericks be a guaranteed sweep? Of course not. Even prior to the hiatus, you could not guarantee a sweep. Given the unforeseen way this season is going to finish and with no teams having home-court advantage, it’s going to be tough for any team to sweep any round.

The Clippers should be fine with whoever they get in the first round. Still, if given a choice, they should hope to get the Dallas Mavericks as their matchup.