The season is dwindling down and teams are trying to peak in time for the playoffs. For the Clippers, their peak is not clear cut as they are clearly depleted in terms of roster availability. Though most of the main rotation players have been available (sans stars), the Clippers navigating the end of the season is no easy trek. Here are three predictions for the team as the season comes to a close.
Three Predictions to End the Clippers’ Season
Paul George and Norman Powell return
Fans and media were greeted by a welcoming sight in which Clippers forward Paul George was seen going through a workout. George has been staying in shape in anticipation of a return. But the footage of George using his injured right elbow to shoot is a great sign that he can return. Farbod Esnashaari of Sports Illustrated reported that George will be reevaluated in a few weeks. His workout is part of a “non-contact ramp-up regimen”. As far as we know, George can only shoot within 17 feet at the moment. Shortly after the Clippers’ social media account posted about George’s workout, the forward reposted on Instagram with a shushing emoji. Potentially indicating that his return is imminent.
George is not the only Clipper star to tease a return to action on Instagram. Recently, Norman Powell shared a post with the caption “The storm is coming, get ready”. Powell is still in a walking boot and a few weeks past his initial injury. Luckily for the Clippers, Powell avoided surgery. Thus giving him a better opportunity to return to action. If the Clippers want to make any noise in the postseason, Powell is going to make a big difference. Especially considering that Kawhi Leonard does not appear ready to return.
Amir Coffey signs an official NBA contract
This season saw numerous breakout performances from multiple role players. The lack of stars created opportunities for new guys to step up and prove their worth to the squad. And no player is more deserving of being rewarded than Amir Coffey. Coffey only averages 8.6 points a game, but he is one of the steadiest members on the team. In the Clippers’ recent win against the Washington Wizards, Coffey was one of only eight players that head coach Ty Lue played that night. A very telling sign of the trust that Lue has in the third-year wing.
Coffey also started the past few games in place of Terance Mann, who is also having a nice season. His shooting, defensive energy, and downhill and transition attacks make him a prime fit to support primary options, Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris. There was even an instance in which Coffey was the Clippers’ best player when the team was decimated by COVID.
It’s all a matter of time until Coffey puts pen to paper and receives an official NBA contract. The Clippers will need to waive a player, likely Semi Ojeleye or Rodney Hood so that they can open up a spot for Coffey. The front office may be waiting until the season officially ends, in the case that an injury occurs or to keep Coffey hungry. Either way, the offer is imminent and the Clippers will need to offer it so that Coffey can be eligible for the postseason.
Clippers lose to the Grizzlies in a tough first-round matchup
In round three of these two franchises’ playoff history, I predict that the Clippers ultimately fall to the red-hot Memphis Grizzlies. With the Golden State Warriors struggling, it appears that the Grizzlies may hold onto the number two seed in the west.
With Powell and George back, the Clippers have enough talent to squeak by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the play-in game. It will be no easy task as the game will be on the road and the team will have to accommodate for the returns of two scoring stars. Chemistry is something to keep an eye on when/if Powell and George return, but with the system and culture that Lue has instilled, it’s a possibility that the transition may not be as bad.
After narrowly overcoming the Timberwolves in the play-in, the Clippers would go on to face a rested Grizzlies team with home-court advantage. Though the Clippers would put up a good fight, the Grizzlies may be too much to overcome. Ja Morant has solidified himself as a bonafide star. And Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. have evolved and are having great seasons. In addition, the Grizzlies would feast on the boards against the Clippers. Memphis ranks first in that regard while the Clippers rank 20th.
The Clippers have the talent and depth to win the series and would definitely make it interesting. But they are catching Memphis at a time in which they are the hottest thing in the league. Contrarily to the Clippers, integrating George and Powell with little time to gel with the supporting cast may be their downfall. Again, it’s possible that they can get in a groove, but the margin for error is low when facing a team as good as Memphis.
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