1. The LA Clippers need health
I know. This is the cliche choice but it’s so true.
The LA Clippers have to get healthy. It is honestly probably the biggest issue they’ve had this season and a big part of why they struggle to be consistent.
Paul George has missed 11 games, the most recent being a late scrub due to dizziness. Kawhi Leonard has missed 8 games. Marcus Morris missed 10 as did Patrick Beverley. Nicolas Batum missed three.
Those are all key players on this roster who have not been able to get on the court together due to injury concerns.
Luckily, none of their issues seem to be long-term and have been freak accidents, such as Kawhi’s mouth laceration or Morris and Batum’s concussions.
There’s nothing you can do to prevent those types of injuries from happening so let’s just hope that the basketball gods took everything out on the Clips in the first half of the schedule as they enter a grueling second half.
If the team is going to build that chemistry (again, especially important if they add someone), they all need to be on the court for as much as possible. I do expect some rest to be given with so many games being played in short order. Outside of those planned nights though, the Clippers need everyone available.
I realize a lot of this depends on luck but every championship team has that luck factor, right?