NBA: Previewing the Pacific Division

3 of 6

March 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) moves the ball up court against Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s interesting to ponder where the Los Angeles Clippers might be if they hadn’t been bitten by the injury bug multiple times over the past few years.

The Clippers have been overtaken by the Golden State Warriors over the past two years, but they still have perennial All-Stars. Los Angeles has a core of veterans that are ready to win, but they have to prove that they can get through the Western Conference.

Chris Paul was injured in the playoffs, but he’ll be good to go once the season gets underway. The same can be said for Blake Griffin, although there has been more concern over his various injuries this offseason.

DeAndre Jordan is coming off a successful stint with Team USA in Rio, in which he often ran with the starters. The Clippers, led by Doc Rivers, will once again be one of the top teams in the division and the conference. However, the obvious question will persist: can they get past the Golden State Warriors?

The Clippers’ biggest hindrance is their health. Can they stay healthy for a full season? If so, can they sustain the health through the grind that is the NBA Playoffs? At this point, that is a legitimate question that will be answered throughout the course of the 2016-17 season.

Next: Sacramento Kings