LA Clippers: Sleeping Giant Contenders

The LA Clippers are emerging as a significant dark horse contender in the league. They recently secured back-to-back victories against favored opponents, the Lakers and Rockets, showcasing their upset potential. Kawhi Leonard continues to demonstrate his elite status, playing at a top-10 level, capable of reaching a top-5 peak. James Harden also consistently performs, maintaining a top 15-20 player ranking. The team's defense has significantly improved since early December, keeping them competitive even in recent losses against the Wolves and Rockets. There's a clear commitment to Coach Lue and JVG's defensive schemes, proving the Clippers are still actively competing. With Derrick Jones Jr. returning soon and Ivica Zubac sidelined, the Clippers can leverage players like Lopez and Collins for floor spacing. This strategy, seen against Houston, creates crucial operating room in the paint for Kawhi and Harden, enabling more effective kick-outs to shooters. The Clippers could bolster their bench scoring by trading for players like CJ McCollum or Malik Monk. Such a move might be feasible without compromising their future salary cap or asset flexibility for the 2026 and 2027 free agency periods. Despite their current standing, the Clippers are only three games away from a play-in spot, facing one of the easiest remaining schedules. With teams above them potentially incentivized to tank, the LA Clippers truly represent a sleeping giant in the league. LAClippers NBA KawhiLeonard JamesHarden NBAPlayoffs