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NBA: 2016-17 Predictions For The Pacific Division

By Carter Johnson

Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; A large welcome Kevin Durant digital billboard is displayed outside of Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; A large welcome Kevin Durant digital billboard is displayed outside of Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 30, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) during an NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Los Angeles Clippers

2015-16 Record: 53-29 (2nd in Pacific Division) 

2016-17 Prediction: 57-25 (2nd in Pacific Division) 

It’s do or die in 2016-17 for the Los Angeles Clippers.

After rising to relevance overnight with the addition of Chris Paul in 2011, LA’s other team has failed to capitalize on that newfound popularity, advancing no further than the second round of the Western Conference Finals in the Lob City era.

Although there have been whispers about the dismantling of the current team, they will become all the more real next season as both Paul and Blake Griffin are on the last leg of their respective contracts and could seek to go elsewhere if the team comes up short yet again in the 2017 playoffs.

With the two perennial MVP candidates expected to be back from season-ending injuries alongside a rising star in center DeAndre Jordan and a solid supporting casts that includes J.J. Redick, three-time Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford and former NBA champions in Paul Pierce and Mareese Speights, the Clippers once again stand to be a contenders in the Western Conference as arguably the third best team behind the San Antonio Spurs and the No. 1 team on this list.

After years of being stifled by injuries, controversies and collapses, the Clippers are hoping this is the year that they finally get the perfect storm and reach the Western Conference Finals. For the sake of their future, they have to make it happen.

Next: No. 1