Rowan Kavner
DALLAS – While it may have been a suboptimal week in terms of wins and losses for the Clippers against a couple of the West’s elite teams, the national outlets didn’t hold that against them.
Here’s where NBA.com, ESPN.com, SI.com, CBSSports.com and BleacherReport.com placed the Clippers after last week’s action, along with a brief explanation for the position. Note that each publication updates its picks at different times. Click on the ranking under each publication to see the full explanations.
NBA.com
Clippers No. 5 – John Schuhmann noted the Clippers two losses last week, but there were encouraging signs, including a goaltending call which probably would’ve changed the result of the Rockets loss. Schuhmann also noted Blake Griffin’s finishing ability and mid-range shooting as reasons for the top five positioning.
ESPN.com
Clippers No. 7 – The loss to the Rockets moved the Clippers back, as Marc Stein noted what James Harden and Dwight Howard were able to accomplish.
SI.com
Clippers No. 6 – Jeremy Woo also recognized how the missed goaltending call affected last week’s outcome against the Rockets, as well as Chris Paul’s strained groin. Woo expressed a concern for the ball-handling when Paul goes down despite a “beefed up” bench.
CBSSports.com
Clippers No. 4 – Matt Moore said a two-game losing streak would hurt most teams more than the Clippers, particularly considering how close each game was.
BleacherReport.com
Clippers No. 3 – Grant Hughes didn’t punish the Clippers with the Warriors’ loss calling them “the best among mortals” and Blake Griffin “a revelation,” noting his mid-range jumper.
