When James Harden first joined the Clippers, it was unclear how the team would make it work with four ball-dominant players sharing the floor. Their 6-0 start in the James Harden era did not look promising either. However, their fit now looks very different from how they were in November. The Clippers have figured out their rotation, with Harden taking up main point guard duties and Russell Westbrook coming off the bench. This adjustment was a game-changer, as the Clippers have gone 16-5 since ending their losing skid.

Consequently, their recent performance has elevated them as strong favorites, with +650 odds to win the Western Conference Finals on Sports Betting Dime. According to a former NBA player, the Clippers are edging closer to beating those odds.

JJ Reddick’s bold Clippers’ prediction comes with a twist

In the recent episode of The Old Man and the Three, JJ Reddick, joined by Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones Jr., sat down to share three bold predictions for the year 2024. For the third prediction of the day, Reddick made a bold assertion. According to him, if there is one team that might win a Western Conference Finals berth outside of the Denver Nuggets, it is the LA Clippers. However, there is a twist. While they might reach the Conference Finals, he believes they will ultimately fall short and lose that decisive game.

These statements aren’t merely unsubstantiated claims; he supports them with evidence. He highlights the improved efficiency of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George over the last nine games, coinciding with Harden embracing a supporting role on the team. Notably, Leonard, George, Powell, and Harden have all maintained shooting percentages above 40% across the past 19 games. “They’re really good,” remarked Reddick. However, he cautions that this prediction isn’t “absolute,” given the constantly evolving landscape of the NBA.

The Clippers found their missing piece

The Clippers were one of the best teams in the league, even without James. However, the constant injuries to their star players, Leonard and George, had thrown a wrench in their championship aspirations over the last couple of seasons. Therefore, they needed another star who would keep them afloat during such stretches.

Read More: Kawhi Leonard’s Problem Isn’t the Same as James Harden’s as the Latter Once Got Blunt About His Body

The Klaw was successful in avoiding the injury bug up until December 20. However, he sustained a hip injury during a game against the Dallas Mavericks after he collided with Mavs forward Grant Williams. He has missed four games since; however, with Harden in the lineup, the Clippers managed a 2-2 record in Leonard’s absence. Not only do the Clippers benefit from Harden’s firepower, but they also found the point guard they have long been searching for to pair with George and Leonard.

Do you think JJ Reddick’s prediction might come true? Let us know in the comments!

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