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Teams that may challenge the LA Clippers odds of winning the NBA finals

By Iliyan Lakhani

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Staples Center on November 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Staples Center on November 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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The LA Clippers are in the best position to win the NBA finals. With one of the best head coaches in the NBA and one of the best rosters, the LA Clippers seem to be flawless. Assuming the Clippers re-sign their free agents, they may have the perfect all-around squad. The Clippers are also led by one of the best head coaches in the NBA, Tyronn Lue.

Although the LA Clippers missed the play-in tournament in the 2021-22 NBA season, franchise star Kawhi Leonard missed the entire season due to an ACL injury. Leonard’s superstar teammate, Paul George, missed a combined 51 games throughout the season. Even though the superstar duo hardly played, the Clippers managed to finish at the 8th seed.

With Leonard and George returning to full health, the Clippers will be a tough team to beat. The Clippers also added Norman Powell and Robert Covington at the trade deadline, giving them more firepower on both ends of the floor. The last season the Clippers were at full health was 2020-21, in which, they made their first-ever Western Conference Finals appearance.

Throughout the NBA, there are only a few teams that can compete with the LA Clippers. There is only one factor holding them back and that is health. With hopes of a fully healthy roster throughout the season, the Clippers may be unstoppable. Continue reading to find out more about which teams can challenge the LA Clippers most next season!

Boston Celtics

After making an NBA finals appearance for the first time in 12 years, the Boston Celtics proved to the world how talented they truly are. The Celtics have a well-built roster as well as a great coaching staff and front office. The Celtics stand out due to their ability to compete on both ends of the floor. Led by head coach Ime Udoka, the Celtics made a deep playoff run in his first year.

The Boston Celtics match up very well with the LA Clippers. Although Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown may be some of the league’s best players, the Celtics have numerous other players who can contribute in numerous ways. Players like Al Horford, Robert Williams, Derrick White, and Marcus Smart, make a tremendous impact on both ends of the floor.

The Boston Celtics are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. The Celtics finished the 2021-22 NBA season with a defensive rating of 106.9 as they ranked 1st in the least amount of points allowed at 104.5. The Celtics were also ranked number 12th in points forced at 111.8. It is no surprise that the Celtics made an NBA finals appearance.

What separates the Boston Celtics from the LA Clippers is roster depth and experience. The Clippers have Kawhi Leonard who has won two championships, as well as guys like Paul George, Nicolas Batum, Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, and Norman Powell who are established NBA veterans. Tyronn Lue has been a head coach for 5 seasons and has won a championship in 2015-16 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Depth-wise, the LA Clippers check off each box. In their most recent season played, the LA Clippers had five players who averaged over 15 points per game, nine players who shot over 35% from the three-point line, and were loaded with wings as they had 7 rotational pieces(at least 15 min per game). On the other hand, the Boston Celtics have two players who averaged over 15 points per game, four players who shot over 35% from the three-point line, and are weaker at the wing position with only two rotational pieces(at least 15 min per game).

Although the Boston Celtics are a little bit stronger at the center position with Horford and Williams, the LA Clippers are not far off with Zubac and Hartenstein. The Clippers are stronger at the point guard position as they also have bigs such as Batum and Covington who can guard any position.

Overall, there is certainly a big gap between the roster depth as well as the level of experience between the LA Clippers and the Boston Celtics. Although the Celtics may pose a threat, the Clippers should have no problem winning a seven-game playoff series.

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