NBA: 4 bold predictions for the stretch run (that actually make sense)

The Clippers take the second seed in the West

It is easy to forget that Kawhi Leonard is an NBA superstar in the prime of his career. Yes, he enjoys some good old-fashioned load management and doesn’t seem too invested in regular-season basketball. But he can turn his motor on at any time and the LA Clippers are the fourth seed with him missing much of this season.

Paul George – one of the least credited players in the sport – is putting together another very impressive season. This era of Clippers basketball has been plagued by a lack of a true point guard who can facilitate scoring. Enter Russel Westbrook. Russ can push the team in transition (the Clippers are currently 24th in pace of play) and use his playmaking skills to supercharge LA’s offense.

It’s a low-risk signing as well, as Ty Lue won’t be pressured to start Westbrook or play him in key minutes like Darvin Ham or Frank Vogel were. A healthy Leonard paired with George, Westbrook, and a roster teeming with two-way roleplayers can easily overtake the upstart Kings and young Grizzlies.