The Los Angeles Clippers have been up and down all season long, but they have a big opportunity right now.
They sit in fifth place in the Western Conference with a 41-36 record, and they’re just half-a-game behind the fourth-place Phoenix Suns, which means they have a real shot at getting home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
However, L.A. isn’t healthy, as Paul George has been out with a leg injury, and they could also be without Kawhi Leonard when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
In addition, forward Marcus Morris will sit out the contest.
Kawhi Leonard (personal) is QUESTIONABLE tomorrow for the Clippers.
Paul George and Marcus Morris remain OUT.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 30, 2023
The Clippers made some moves in February, which included signing former league MVP and Los Angeles-area native Russell Westbrook, but upon his debut, they went on a five-game losing streak.
Since then, however, they have won eight of their last 11 games.
Westbrook has given them a fast-breaking dimension they have never possessed, and while he is a very flawed player, he is still a good one capable of elevating his team on any given night.
In the Clippers’ 141-132 win on Wednesday over the Grizzlies, he exploded for 36 points on 13-of-18 shooting overall plus 10 assists and only two turnovers while hitting all five of his 3-point attempts.
The Western Conference is wide open, and although the Clippers have a real shot at losing in the first round of the playoffs, they also have a real shot at making an extended run.
Although the Leonard-George era has been a festering disappointment thus far, this could be their best chance ever of reaching the NBA Finals.
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