The LA Clippers enter the 2024-25 season with a mountain of uncertainty. Despite finishing with a solid 51-31 record last year, injuries once again prevented the team from making a deep playoff run.
Kawhi Leonard, who played 68 games during the regular season and averaged 23.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 52.5% from the floor, dealt with right knee inflammation throughout the postseason. After struggling in Game 3 against the Dallas Mavericks, Leonard was ruled out of Game 4 and eventually shut down for the remainder of the series. Without their best player, the Clippers fell in six games to a Dallas team that went on to the NBA Finals.
The Clippers faced a major offseason shake-up with the departure of Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers. George, a key two-way player for the Clippers, signed a four-year, $211.6 million deal with Philadelphia, forming a new trio alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. George’s exit left a significant hole in the Clippers’ lineup, especially in terms of offense and perimeter defense. While Leonard remains the team’s focal point, the absence of a second superstar like George will put immense pressure on Leonard and James Harden to carry the load.
To compensate for the loss of George, the Clippers made several offseason moves, though none could match George’s all-around impact. They signed Derrick Jones Jr., a defensive specialist known for his athleticism, and added Mo Bamba, a rim-protecting center with untapped potential. The Clippers also took a chance on Kevin Porter Jr., whose talent has been overshadowed by off-court conduct. Veterans like Nicolas Batum and Kris Dunn were also added to strengthen the team’s depth, but it’s clear that the Clippers are leaning heavily on role players to keep them competitive in a brutal Western Conference.
What lies ahead for this Clippers squad entering the 2024-25 season? Let’s take a closer look, along with the latest odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Will Kawhi Leonard and James Harden Stay Healthy?
The biggest question for the Clippers remains the health of Leonard. While he showed flashes of his old self last season, playing his most regular-season games since 2017, his knee issues continue to loom large. After missing the entire 2021-22 season with a torn ACL and being sidelined for part of last year’s postseason with a meniscus tear, his ability to stay healthy through the regular season and playoffs remains the top factor. At 33, it’s not going to get easier for Leonard to deal with injuries.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Leonard’s season outlook presents a betting opportunity. He’s currently +12000 to win MVP, ranking 18th among all candidates. Leonard’s points prop is set at 24.4 points per game, with -115 odds for both the over and under. Leonard is favored at -340 to average 23+ points, but bettors looking for more aggressive returns can find +130 odds for him to average 25+ points, +1000 to average 28+, and +3000 to average 30+ for the season.
James Harden, now 35, will also play a pivotal role in raising the Clippers’ floor throughout the season. He signed a two-year extension in the offseason after providing elite playmaking and needed scoring ability. With George gone, Harden will be asked to take on a bigger role, especially on offense, where the Clippers need him to be a reliable scorer and facilitator. However, where this team stands in the loaded Western Conference raises some serious questions.
Harden is an extreme longshot for MVP at +70000, but for believers in his ability to step up, there are scoring props worth considering. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Harden is +135 to average 20+ points per game, +1000 to average 23+ points, and +4000 to average 25+ points. However, while he will naturally be needed to be more aggressive as a scorer without George, particularly on nights that Leonard is sidelined, Harden’s passing ability presents a lot of intrigue, too.
While Trae Young and Tyrese Haliburton are the favorites to lead the NBA in assists per game on DraftKings Sportsbook, Harden is tied with Luka Doncic for third at +1000. With George gone, Harden’s role as the primary facilitator could put him in a prime position to lead the league in assists, especially if Leonard stays healthy and finishes off the looks created by Harden. For bettors looking for more aggressive returns, Harden is +200 to average 10 or more assists per game, and those betting on a significant leap can find +2000 odds for him to average 12 assists or even +5000 odds to average 14 or more assists.
The Clippers will need both Harden and Leonard to thrive individually to carry the group through the tough Western Conference landscape. Losing George in free agency without replacing him with a star creates a tall task ahead to compete.
The Western Conference Gauntlet
The Clippers’ road to the playoffs is made even more difficult by the increasing competitiveness of the Western Conference. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, and Denver Nuggets are solidifying themselves as legitimate contenders, and the rest of the conference isn’t far behind.
With the Thunder returning MVP runner-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and adding Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, they are expected to build on their No. 1 seed finish from last year. Meanwhile, the Mavericks’ addition of Klay Thompson alongside Doncic and Kyrie Irving makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the league. The Nuggets, anchored by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, remain a major threat as they look to reclaim their championship form. With the league’s best defense last season and a trip to the Western Conference Finals, the Timberwolves cannot be overlooked. Anthony Edwards continues to improve and their core remains intact.
Other teams such as the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings are also poised to challenge for the top spots. The Suns will hope for better health from their star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Meanwhile, the Kings have added All-Star DeMar DeRozan to pair with De’Aaron Fox, creating a dynamic backcourt capable of competing with the best in the league.
As the top teams battle for playoff seeding, the Clippers find themselves amid a highly competitive play-in race. With the loss of George and uncertainty surrounding Leonard’s health, the Clippers are likely to compete for one of the lower seeds in the Western Conference. Several teams are vying for those coveted spots, including the New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Houston Rockets.
The Pelicans, led by Zion Williamson, hope to avoid the play-in tournament entirely, but Zion’s health remains a question mark. Meanwhile, the Warriors are in a state of transition after losing Klay Thompson, leaving Stephen Curry to carry much of the load. The Grizzlies are counting on Ja Morant’s return to bounce back after an underwhelming season, and the Rockets are on the rise with a developing young core and recent veteran additions only helping them to grow.
Clippers Face Long Odds for Postseason Success
The Clippers face long odds in the Western Conference, where the competition is as tough as it’s ever been. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Clippers’ win total is set at 40.5, with slight favor toward the under (-115) compared to the over (-105).
This is a stark drop from their 51-win season last year, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding Leonard’s health and the loss of George. The Clippers are listed at +180 to make the playoffs on DraftKings Sportsbook, meaning oddsmakers believe there’s only a 35.7% chance they’ll qualify
The Clippers’ path to the playoffs is filled with potential obstacles. Leonard’s health is the biggest concern, and the departure of George has left a major gap in both offense and defense. Harden will need to be more consistent and embrace a larger role, while the team’s supporting cast, including Jones, Bamba, and Porter, must step up to help keep the Clippers competitive. The front office is limited as it gets in terms of assets to make midseason changes, too.
While betting on the Clippers to make the playoffs at +180 on DraftKings Sportsbook could provide value if Leonard stays healthy and Harden delivers, the safer option might be to take the under on both their win total and conference seeding. However, there is a clear opportunity here if you believe in this team’s outlook to overachieve.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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