The Los Angeles Clippers are heading into the 2024-25 NBA season with more questions than answers. DraftKings Sportsbook has set the team’s over/under win total at 40.5, with +120 odds for the over and -140 for the under, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding its two biggest stars, Kawhi Leonard and newly acquired James Harden.
With Paul George now in Philadelphia, the Clippers face an uphill battle to compete in a stacked Western Conference. Whether they can exceed 40.5 wins and make the playoffs will depend heavily on Leonard’s health and Harden’s ability to recapture his form.
Kawhi Leonard’s Injury Woes Continue
Kawhi Leonard’s availability will be a key factor in whether the Clippers can surpass 40.5 wins. Unfortunately for Clippers fans, Leonard has been unable to finish any of the last four seasons due to injuries. After suffering a partially torn ACL in 2021, Leonard has undergone three surgeries on his right knee, the most recent one addressing a torn meniscus last season.
Despite his resilience, Leonard’s knee issues have continued to linger, and he’ll be held out of drills to start training camp as the Clippers manage his rehabilitation.
At Clippers media day, Leonard provided an update on his health and the team’s cautious approach to preserving him for the playoffs:
“Everything has been going great for the past month,” Leonard said. “But being very cautious for reasons in the past. I haven’t been able to finish some playoff runs. So making sure I stay healthy for those important moments.”
Leonard played 68 games last season, his most since joining the Clippers, but another knee issue ended his postseason early. Given his injury history, it’s understandable why DraftKings Sportsbook has more favorable odds for the under at -140. The team’s West seeding over/under is set at 10.5, with +110 for the over and -130 for the under. While Leonard’s optimism about his recovery is encouraging, the reality is that his health will remain a question mark throughout the season.
James Harden’s Role in the New-Look Clippers
With George now gone, the Clippers will rely heavily on James Harden to take on a more central role in the offense. Harden, who joined the Clippers after George’s departure to the Philadelphia 76ers, is expected to handle the bulk of the playmaking duties while also providing scoring firepower. Harden himself acknowledged that his role will be significant this season, saying:
“I’m going to tell you one thing, it’s going to involve a lot of me. Not just because I can create a shot and I can get guys involved.”
Harden’s comments reflect his confidence in being the focal point of the Clippers’ offense. He even likened his role to that of Luka Doncic, who led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season with an isolation-heavy style of play.
However, Harden will need to significantly elevate his performance from last year, where he averaged just 16.6 points per game with a usage rate of 20.6%, his lowest since his sophomore season in Oklahoma City.
If Harden can return to the form that earned him the 2018 MVP award, the Clippers could surprise many and push for the over on their 40.5 win total. But if his decline continues, the Clippers could find themselves struggling to make up for George’s absence and Leonard’s potential limitations.
The Impact of Losing Paul George: A New Challenge
Losing Paul George is a major blow to the Clippers’ championship aspirations. During his five seasons with Leonard, George was instrumental in providing both offensive firepower and defensive versatility. Unfortunately, injuries often derailed the duo’s ability to stay on the court together, limiting the team’s potential. Now, with George in Philadelphia, the Clippers will need to adjust quickly.
Despite George’s departure, Leonard remains confident in his ability to carry the team:
“For anybody I’m on the court with, I don’t look at him to be my savior. I take care of my own role and the challenges that I have to face each and every game.”
While Leonard is determined to step up, the reality is that he will need help to fill the void left by George. The Clippers have added defensive-minded players like Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. to strengthen their perimeter defense, but neither player can fully replace George’s two-way impact. Additionally, the signings of Kevin Porter Jr. and Nic Batum are intended to help shore up the offensive gap. Still, these players aren’t on the same level as George, meaning the Clippers will have to rely heavily on Leonard and Harden.
Clippers Playoff Outlook: Can They Make a Run?
The Clippers are not just battling for wins—they’re also fighting for a playoff spot. DraftKings Sportsbook offers +190 odds for the Clippers to make the playoffs and -240 for them to miss. With Leonard’s health uncertain and Harden needing to shoulder more of the load, the odds reflect a difficult path ahead for LA.
If Leonard and Harden stay healthy and perform at a high level, the Clippers could reach the playoffs and possibly surpass their win total. But the team will also need significant contributions from role players like Ivica Zubac, Mo Bamba, and Kris Dunn. These players will have to step up in critical moments to compensate for the loss of George and provide depth over the course of an 82-game season.
Is the Over a Worthwhile Bet?
With the Clippers’ over/under set at 40.5, bettors have a tough decision to make. The safer bet appears to be the under at -140, given Leonard’s injury history and the challenges posed by George’s departure. However, the +120 odds for the over could be tempting for those who believe Leonard can stay healthy and Harden can return to form as an elite playmaker and scorer.
The Clippers’ playoff odds—+190 to make the playoffs and -240 to miss on DraftKings Sportsbook—underscore the difficult path ahead for this team. Ultimately, much of the Clippers’ success this season hinges on Leonard’s ability to stay on the floor and Harden’s performance as the team’s primary playmaker. If the stars align, the Clippers could exceed expectations, but the risk remains high.
For bettors, the Clippers present a fascinating mix of potential and uncertainty, making them one of the most intriguing teams to watch this season. Whether they can overcome their injury struggles and thrive in a competitive Western Conference remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the Clippers’ window for contention is narrowing.
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