Golden State Warriors: Ranking Best First Round Playoff Matchups

4. Los Angeles Clippers

Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Though the Dubs and the Los Angeles Clippers have split their meetings so far this season, it is clear that Golden State has the decided advantage in this rivalry. Despite their talent, it appears the Clippers are slowly but surely fading into the background in the ever-competitive Western Conference. With the success of teams like the Grizzlies, Blazers, Rockets, and the Warriors, the Clippers will likely finish the season in the bottom half of the Western Conference playoff picture and as an underdog in their first-round playoff matchup.

While the numbers only show a slight regression, the on-court play of Blake Griffin has declined drastically this season. With a seeming overconfidence in his newfound jumpshot, Griffin has taken his game away from the basket and as a result, his rebounding rate has taken a significant dip. While DeAndre Jordan remains an intimidating low-post defensive presence, Griffin’s above-the-rim offensive ability was the engine that made the Clippers run.

Even Chris Paul doesn’t appear to be what he once was. While he is still the NBA’s best floor general, his ability to take over games like he used to has practically vanished, and the Clippers no longer look like a team with championship aspirations. If the Clips match up with the Dubs in the playoffs, Green could easily manhandle Griffin on the defensive end, and the Clippers would simply not have the weapons on the perimeter to respond to the offensive barrage of the Splash Brothers.

Next: Portland Trail Blazers