Note: Sportsnet.ca will unveil a team preview every day from Oct. 1-30 counting down in reverse order where we believe the teams will finish.
The surging Clippers enter at No. 6:
2011-12 record: 40-26 (Division: 2nd Pacific; Conference: 5th Western)
Key additions
Willie Green (Acquired from Hawks); Jamal Crawford (Signed from Blazers); Grant Hill (Signed from Suns); Ryan Hollins (Signed from Celtics); Lamar Odom (Acquired from Mavericks); Ronny Turiaf (Signed from Heat).
Key subtractions
Reggie Evans (Traded to Nets); Randy Foye (Signed by Jazz); Ryan Gomes (Waived); Mo Williams (Traded to Jazz); Nick Young (Signed by Sixers).
Prediction:
52-30 (Division: 2nd Pacific, Conference: 4th Western).
Key player: Jamal Crawford
Always known as the first guard off the bench for the Trail Blazers and Hawks, the 2010 Sixth Man of the Year will likely be the Clippers starting shooting guard, with the only other options being Chauncey Billups or Willie Green, who are both under-sized shooters. How Crawford responds to playing against the opposing teams’ best players will go a long way in deciding the Clippers’ fate this season.
Outlook
You have to feel sorry for the Los Angeles Clippers. They finally make a splash in the NBA with the rise of Blake Griffin and the addition of Chris Paul, only to be upstaged by the Los Angeles Lakers once again.
The Pacific Division is a group of haves and have-nots, with three weak teams and two very strong teams, so the Clippers should end up with a very solid divisional record.
The highlight of their regular season will be every Staples Center clash with the hated Lakers. Expect the Clippers to throw everything they have at these games in order to restore some of the thunder stolen away by the Lakers rise to title contenders.
Looking at the roster, the crowd at point guard was somewhat alleviated with the departures of Randy Foye and Mo Williams (both of whom ended up with the Utah Jazz). Eric Bledsoe will be Chris Paul’s primary backup, while Chauncey Billups will likely split time between both guard positions.
Even though Grant Hill is rather advanced in age, he is a good veteran addition who along with Billups and Paul, adding some prestige to a Clippers team that has historically lacked a winner’s mentality.
If being back in Los Angeles helps Lamar Odom’s personal problems and Blake Griffin’s knee is fully healed, the Clippers will challenge the Lakers for top spot in the division.
Prediction:
52-30 (Division: 2nd Pacific, Conference: 4th Western).
Who will rule the battle of Los Angeles this season?
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