Apr 14, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) in the fourth quarter at US Airways Center. The Clippers beat the Suns 112-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
10. Portland Trail Blazers (51-31) 4th In Western Conference
The Blazers have suffered some serious injuries that have landed them in this spot. They are as fun a team to watch as any, and withDamian LillardandLaMarcus Aldridgerunning the show, they can compete with anyone. When you start taking away their supporting cast though, like any good show, the product gets worse; that is exactly what happened in the City of Roses.
First shooting guardWes Matthewswas lost to a torn Achilles, ending his season. His backupArron Afflalo, who the Blazers picked up hoping would solidify their bench, didn’t make it to the end of the regular season either, as he strained his right shoulder and remains questionable for the playoffs. Going against a team like the Grizzlies, you cannot afford to not be at full strength. The Blazers looked like they could be sleepers in the Western Conference, but will have to try again next season as they should bow out rather easily in the first round as they do not even have home court advantage even though they won their division and hold the four seed.
9. Los Angeles Clippers (56-26) 3rd In Western Conference
This may shock some people, as the Clippers are contenders according to some people; well not the people who put this together. The Clippers, aka Lob City, are fun to watch asDeAndre JordanandBlake Griffinthrow down thunderous dunks fromChris Paul. That is all nice and fun for the regular season, but when it matters most in the playoffs the Clippers, and especially Paul in his career, come up short.
The Clippers have a lot more problems than you would like to see entering the postseason, especially for a contender. They struggling to defend wings, have virtually no relief for Paul, and have the likes ofHedo Turkoglu,Glen DavisandAustin Riversin their rotation. That trio off the bench will scare literally no one, as the Clippers go six, maybe seven deep at best depending on what you get fromSpencer Hawes. There is only so much you can expectJamal Crawfordto do off the bench, as he already carries an immense scoring load but could be asked to play some point guard in the playoffs so Rivers plays less.
That is all problematic before even mentioning who their first round matchup is against; the reigning champion Spurs. If you’re looking for an ‘upset’ in terms of strictly seeding, look no further. Paul’s playoff success, or lack thereof, will have another year of stats to back it up with, yet he will for some reason still receive a pass.
Next: Rose in the Spring
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