Clippers season predictions: A play-in run and a Kawhi Leonard twist

THREE BOLD PREDICTIONS 

The Clippers will make the play-in tournament:When a team has nothing to lose, things can suddenly start to click. Don’t be surprised if this team somehow surpasses our very low expectations this season. 

DariusGarland will become an All-Star again in the next few years: Ty Lue is going to help bring the best out of Garland. The former point guard is going to pour himself into the franchise’s new point guard. That could get interesting. 

KawhiLeonard is going to have a breakout season: After too many injury-riddled seasons with the Clippers, here’s to betting Leonard is going to have an eye-popping season with the Raptors. That would be the Clippers’ luck, right?

Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland drives to the basket as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray defends during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. AP Photo/Kyusung GongFIVE GAMES TO WATCH 

Oct. 23 at Lakers: The hallway rivalry is always interesting, though this season it shouldn’t be too competitive. That said, it’ll be fun to watch Hachimura play against his former team. 

Nov. 1 at Warriors: The Warriors eliminated the Clippers in the play-in tournament last April. Can the Clippers avenge that loss?

Nov. 2 vs. Raptors: Leonard returns to Los Angeles to play against his former team. After everything the Clippers are going through, it’ll be interesting to see how the crowd reacts to their former superstar. 

Los Angeles Clippers forward Rui Hachimura shoots over Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Dec. 31 at Cavaliers: Garland will face his former team in Cleveland. He spent his first seven years of his career with the Cavs. That’ll surely be an emotional game for him. 

Jan. 9 vs. Celtics: The Clippers will host Paul George and the Celtics, another former franchise star who is now with another team. 

The Post’s Forecast – 42-40 

The Clippers will perform a little better than assumed, winning 42 games and making the play-in tournament before being eliminated from the playoffs. That would count as a major success for them this season.