The 2025-26 NBA Season: Anticipation and Projections
The commencement of the 2025-26 NBA season brings with it a wave of anticipation as analysts delve into team forecasts, assessing pivotal questions and projecting each franchise’s prospects — from retooling squads to those aiming for championship glory.
Focus on the Los Angeles Clippers
Last season, the Clippers closed out with a commendable record of 50 wins against 32 losses, securing fifth place in the Western Conference before being ousted by the Denver Nuggets in the initial playoff round. Their offensive and defensive ratings were 114.3 (ranked 15th) and 109.4 (ranked 3rd), respectively.
Offseason Developments
In the offseason, the team saw notable additions, bringing on board veteran talents like Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez, and John Collins, while parting ways with players including Norman Powell and Ben Simmons.
Kawhi Leonard Under Scrutiny
As the Clippers embark on this new season, the spotlight shines brightly on superstar Kawhi Leonard, whose status is clouded by ongoing investigations into allegations that the team might have skirted salary cap regulations through unconventional arrangements. These inquiries could potentially affect the team’s morale and Leonard’s performance. Moreover, the NBA’s findings could impose sanctions on the franchise, including owner Steve Ballmer, complicating their ambition for a championship — a goal that has remained elusive since the team’s founding in 1970.
Despite the surrounding turmoil, the Clippers exhibited resilience last season by achieving 50 wins even with Leonard participating in merely 37 games. Thankfully for the team, Leonard’s current condition shows promise, as he has entered training camp in good health and is actively playing during preseason, signaling a departure from the previous season when he was sidelined until January.
When healthy, Leonard significantly boosts the team’s performance. Last season, games featuring him translated to a winning percentage akin to a 58-win team, and their point differential mirrored that of a 66-win franchise. As the squad gears up with fresh talent, including Beal and Collins — both of whom are eager to revitalize their careers — they aim to enhance an offense that previously finished mediocre regarding scoring efficiency.
Building Depth
Brook Lopez‘s arrival adds further dimension to the roster, providing fluency in the offense and defensive organization, particularly alongside Ivica Zubac, whose defensive presence is vital. Last season, the team faltered defensively in his absence, highlighting Lopez’s potential impact as a vital anchor on the court. With a diverse roster, head coach Tyronn Lue now possesses the luxury of assembling strategies from an extensive talent pool, including returning players like Nicolas Batum and the currently injured Bogdan Bogdanović.
However, the Clippers’ roster is aging into uncharted territory, as they may be one of the oldest teams in NBA history, which raises concerns about their longevity and fitness throughout the exhausting season. Historical data indicates that teams with older players often struggle significantly in the later stages of long seasons, suggesting that the Clippers must navigate their youthful depth wisely.
Outlook for the Season
In a best-case scenario, a fit Kawhi Leonard could guide the Clippers to a standout season, possibly finishing with up to 55 wins and securing a favorable playoff seed. With a well-executed offensive strategy and contributions from acquired players, the team could see postseason success. Conversely, should injuries plague Leonard and others, there may be a regression, leading to missed playoff opportunities and exacerbating underlying issues within the franchise that could surface alongside the NBA’s investigation findings.
The Clippers’ season opener is scheduled for October 22 against the Utah Jazz, with a current over/under win total set at 48.5—higher than last year, which prompts optimism for this talented roster as they aim to prove doubters wrong and challenge for a title in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
Related Season Previews: West Division Teams
- Dallas Mavericks
- Denver Nuggets
- Golden State Warriors
- Houston Rockets
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Phoenix Suns
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Sacramento Kings
- San Antonio Spurs
- Utah Jazz
