Day-to-Day: Clippers without Chris Paul and West expectations vs. reality

We discuss how Western Conference NBA teams are faring compared to their preseason win projections and how Chris Paul’s injury affects the Clippers’ forecast in the latest episode of The Step Back’s Day-to-Day NBA Podcast, hosted by Jason Mann.

Nothing But Nylon host Kevin Ferrigan joins the show for part one of a two-part discussion. We look at the up-and-down Clippers, how far they are likely to fall with Paul being out for 6 to 8 weeks, and whether they are capable of another playoff gear with Paul and Blake Griffin healthy. We also discuss teams that have outplayed their expectations so far, how James Harden has been maximized in Mike D’Antoni’s system for the Rockets, how the Jazz might be just hitting the tip of the iceberg in their potential, how Russell Westbrook has carried the Thunder beyond triple-doubles, and whether Harden or Westbrook is a better MVP candidate so far.

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We also discuss why the Grizzlies seem to outperform expectations every year, how the Spurs are continuing to thrive after Tim Duncan, whether San Antonio’s stout defense will hold up in the playoffs and how the Lakers might not seem impressive on the court but seem to be building a strong culture.

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