Ladies and gentlemen, you should bet on the LA Clippers (+2000) to win the Western Conference championship. Right now.
Hear me out. Paul George’s elbowed is healed and he’s looked like his usual self in his recent return to the court. And with Norman Powell set to return to the lineup this Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns after sitting out with a broken foot, is a championship push out of the question?
Maybe. Maybe not.
They’ll have to first get past the play-in tournament to actually secure a spot in the 2022 playoffs. Additionally, there’s the rust and lack of game reps with one another, which matters — ask the 2019-20 Clippers. And then comes the potential task of having to dethrone the reigning Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns, or potentially outplaying the dangerous No. 2 seeded Memphis Grizzlies.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell — out since Feb. 12 with a broken foot — plans to make his return vs. Phoenix tonight, sources tell ESPN. A final decision on his availability will come after pre-game warmups. Another significant Clipper headed back before the playoffs.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 6, 2022
But, it’s possible. We saw a similarly undermanned Clippers squad a year ago upend the West’s No. 1 seed before going six with the Suns. Their roster is better this time around, with the additions of Robert Covington, Norman Powell and Isaiah Hartenstein.
I’m a believer, but I understand those names might not move the needle for everyone. At least, not enough to pull a first-round upset over the teams with the two best records in the NBA. I get it.
But perhaps the name Kawhi Leonard will change some opinions. I’m not here to say one way or another if Leonard gives it a go this season post-ACL surgery. But I do find it strange that last month before a national television game against the Warriors, the Clippers randomly had Kawhi do a pregame workout on the court in front of the public. What was the point?
Oh, and he’s doing some on-court stuff at the practice facility.
Oh and Kawhi Leonard is here pic.twitter.com/NBq4Tj7ILG
— Law Murray ☔️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) April 5, 2022
. @MirjamSwanson on Kawhi Leonard shooting: “There was a guy out there shooting on the court. I don't imagine you have much to say about him?"
Ty Lue: "I didn't see him." pic.twitter.com/rvDDd5UYcm
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 5, 2022
Regardless of how much you allow yourself to believe in the Clippers’ chances at coming out of the West, this is about risk-reward. LA currently has +2000 odds (at Tipico Sportsbook) to win the West, which are numbers that may move by the time Norman Powell gets a few games in. Those will assuredly shorten if the Clips make the playoffs and the Fun Guy eventually comes back.
The dip is all but over, so now’s your last chance to jump on.