Expert NBA Picks and Futures Odds for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2023

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Los Angeles Clippers Offseason Recap

The Clippers had a relatively quiet offseason, choosing to give their current roster a chance. They signed Russell Westbrook to a Rest-of-Season contract in February and extended his deal to two years in the offseason. Westbrook has shown consistency in staying healthy in recent seasons and brings a relentless energy to the team. He is a valuable third option and excels on both ends of the court.

Mason Plumlee was also signed to a one-year deal and will provide backup support for Ivica Zubac. At 33 years old, Plumlee is in the latter stages of his career, but he remains a reliable presence on the court. His scoring and rebounding abilities will help the Clippers maintain their high-level performance.

Los Angeles Clippers Season Expectations

The Clippers are expected to make a deep playoff run and contend for their first-ever NBA title. The pairing of Leonard and George raised hopes when Leonard joined the team after leading the Toronto Raptors to a championship in 2019. Leonard is known for his clutch performances and is one of the league’s best two-way players. Despite his offensive prowess, he also excels defensively. However, the challenge lies in keeping both Leonard and George on the court together. In the past four years, Leonard has only played 161 games, and George has played 189 games. It’s difficult for a team to find consistent success when their star players are available for only half of the games. While the Clippers were built to be a dynasty, it seems unlikely that they will ever truly reach their full potential. Additionally, with their superstars aging (32, 33, and 34 years old), expecting them to play 70+ games is unrealistic. During the previous season, both George and Leonard averaged 23.8 PPG, while Westbrook led the team with 7.6 Assists. If the Clippers can keep their star players on the court consistently, they are more than capable of maximizing the talent on their roster.

Los Angeles Clippers Schedule Breakdown

The Clippers start the season with games against the Trail Blazers, Jazz, Spurs, and Magic, with three of those four games being played at home. This provides an excellent opportunity for the team to begin the year with momentum. The most challenging part of their schedule comes in February, when they face a 7-game road trip between home games against the Lakers and Pelicans. Apart from that, their longest trip consists of only four games, which is crucial for their performance. Kawhi Leonard has already expressed his discontent with the league’s new resting policy, and he will have to navigate 15 sets of back-to-back games, potentially resulting in fines.

LA Clippers Odds

Despite their recent lack of playoff success, the Clippers are still considered one of the top contenders in the league, reflected in their betting odds. They have the 7th best odds (+1600) to win the NBA championship and are projected to achieve 45.5 wins, placing them 6th in the Western Conference. The potential of this team is undeniable, with Leonard, George, and Westbrook posing a significant challenge for any opponent. However, the biggest concern is the ability of all three superstars to remain healthy throughout the season. One interesting betting opportunity lies in the in-season tournament, where the Clippers face tough competition in the Nuggets, Mavericks, Pelicans, and Rockets. At +2500 odds, betting on the Clippers to win the tournament is highly tempting. The early timing of the tournament could allow their stars to stay healthy for the duration and prioritize the tournament games.

Los Angeles Clippers 2023-24 Season Predictions

The Clippers are not expected to make a significant impact in the postseason once again, as at least one of their aging stars is likely to miss a substantial portion of the season due to injuries. Kawhi Leonard has shown his ability to lead a team to a championship, even with a weaker supporting cast than the current Clippers roster. However, this season will prove challenging for the team to overcome obstacles, and they are projected to finish under 45.5 wins. Betting on injuries is never ideal, but the Clippers’ history suggests that it’s a likely scenario. On the other hand, in the play-in tournament, there is excellent value in a +2500 bet. If the Clippers can advance from their tough group, they have the potential to excel in a shortened version of the postseason. The tournament structure is favorable to the Clippers’ style of play, making them a compelling choice to either make a deep run or disappoint. With a 41-41 record, they may not have a successful regular season, but their triumph in the play-in tournament will overshadow it.

NBA Futures

Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook

NBA Championship 2023-24
NBA Champion
Milwaukee Bucks   +380
Denver Nuggets   +600
Boston Celtics   +400
Phoenix Suns   +650
Golden State Warriors   +1200
Los Angeles Lakers   +1200
Miami Heat   +2300
Los Angeles Clippers   +2200
Philadelphia 76ers   +2300
Dallas Mavericks   +2500
Memphis Grizzlies   +3300
Cleveland Cavaliers   +4000
Sacramento Kings   +5000
New Orleans Pelicans   +5000
New York Knicks   +5000
Minnesota Timberwolves   +7500
Atlanta Hawks   +8000
Oklahoma City Thunder   +8000
Brooklyn Nets   +10000
Toronto Raptors   +10000
San Antonio Spurs   +12500
Chicago Bulls   +20000
Portland Trail Blazers   +25000
Utah Jazz   +25000
Indiana Pacers   +30000
Orlando Magic   +35000
Houston Rockets   +40000
Detroit Pistons   +50000
Charlotte Hornets   +50000
Washington Wizards   +75000

Western Conference 2023-24
Western Conference Winner
Denver Nuggets   +250
Phoenix Suns   +350
Golden State Warriors   +550
Los Angeles Lakers   +750
L.A. Clippers   +950
Dallas Mavericks   +1200
Memphis Grizzlies   +1400
Sacramento Kings   +2200
New Orleans Pelicans   +2800
Oklahoma City Thunder   +3500
Minnesota Timberwolves   +4000
Houston Rockets   +10000
Utah Jazz   +10000
San Antonio Spurs   +10000
Portland Trail Blazers   +15000