2. Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers shocked everyone last year, making the playoffs and then beating the mighty Warriors not one, but twice in the first round.
Now, the core of last year’s Clippers’ team is still very much intact with guys like Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell and Landry Shamet all returning but this time, they’re bringing some major help in the form of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
The acquisition of both George and Leonard immediately catapulted the Clippers from upstart playoff team to championship favorite!
On offense, these guys are two of the best in the business but it’s on the defensive end where these guys have the rest of league dreading facing up against them.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that if healthy, this is the best defensive perimeter duo since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
Now, you add that to a Clippers team that – under Doc Rivers – already showed it had the heart of a champion a year ago and you have arguably, the team to beat next season.