The Los Angeles Clippers currently sit at 13-9 after a win against the Denver Nuggets and two-time MVP winner Nikola Jokic. This was their second win over the Nuggets so far this season.
LA also has wins over the Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, and the Golden State Warriors. This is all without Kawhi Leonard.
James Harden has looked like the James Harden of old, Norman Powell has emerged as a potential All-Star, and Ivica Zubac has averaged a double-double so far this year.
The Los Angeles Clippers occupy the 7 seed in the Western Conference.
The question becomes: Are the Clippers Actual Contenders?
Vegas thinks so.
Los Angeles Clippers Have 13th-Best Odds
The Los Angeles Clippers are tied with the 13th-best odds to win the NBA Championship per Bovada Official. There are several teams that the Clippers have already beaten ahead of them in the odds to win the title.
Also Read: Kawhi Leonard Ineligible For Individual Accolade
Even without Kawhi, the defense has looked phenomenal. It’s clear that the Clips have plenty of depth as several key players have stepped up off the bench.
Mo Bamba, Kris Dunn, Amir Coffey, and Kevin Porter Jr all have stepped up their game defensively in the absence of their star. Still, LA could take their game to the next level. Kawhi Leonard himself sure thinks so.
On the Patrick Beverly Podcast, Pat Bev and crew discuss the potential of the Los Angeles Clippers on their latest episode. Pat discusses his recent conversation with Kawhi about how Kawhi thinks the NBA isn’t ready for “the Klaw.”
It seems that Kawhi remains completely confident in his abilities and the potential the Clippers have when he returns.
The Clips have found their identity early in this season, and Kawhi will only deepen that identity once he returns. The potential for this team is through the roof.