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The 2021 NBA Playoffs get underway on Tuesday, May 18 with the new play-in tournament. The 7-10 seeds in each conference face off to finalize the final two spots in each conference’s eight-team first round. As the playoffs get underway, we’ll be breaking down DraftKings Sportsbook odds for each team to open the tournament and as teams advance through each round.
The Clippers’ front office wanted to blow everything up after losing to the Nuggets in last year’s playoffs and are contenders again despite giving Doc Rivers the boot. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George drive Los Angeles just like last year, and complementary pieces like Nicolas Batum and Serge Ibaka have helped the Clippers perform at a high level without Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell. Lack of depth at center is a concern because Ibaka has been dealing with nagging back pain, though. Ivica Zubac could have to take on a big role if Ibaka can’t produce, but consistent point guard play will also be important for the Clippers.
Clippers odds to win championship, May 17: +500
The Clippers have the second-best odds (+225) to win their conference and the third-best odds (+500) to win the championship. They failed to reach the conference finals as the second seed last year and their road to the championship could actually be easier outside of the top two this season. Some scary teams have dropped to the bottom spots in the Western Conference, so staying in the middle of the pack might actually help the Clippers’ odds to go the distance.
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