Blake Griffin

3 Reasons the LA Clippers could win the NBA Championship

Published Apr. 15, 2016 2:36 p.m. ET

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It's time to unite.#TogetherAsOne https://t.co/8Ftn24UcDg
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 14, 2016

The real season begins on Sunday for the LA Clippers.

Despite missing star forward Blake Griffin for the majotiry of the regular season's second half, the Clippers ended things at 53-29.

A first-round matchup with Portland starts on Sunday at 7p on Prime Ticket.

While the path to an NBA title will go through Golden State, here's a few reasons why the Clippers could win it all.

Blake's back

As mentioned before, Griffin missed 45 games with various injuries but his return has already benefited Los Angeles. While Griffin works to get his game legs back to 100 percent, the rest of the team will get him as many looks as he needs to feel a rhythm. He's one of the Top 10 players currently in the NBA ... and the postseason usually brings the best out of the really special players.

Don't forget DJ, CP3 and JJ

In Griffin's absence, center DeAndre Jordan, point guard Chris Paul and sharp shooter JJ Redick picked up the slack. With Griffin now back in the starting lineup, the Clippers still have several weapons as their disposal. DJ's rebounding (and hitting his free throws) will be key, especially late in games, and CP3 is sure to continue his expertise as a floor general. And don't forget about JJ open on the wing ...!

Warriors ... come out and play

Yes, the Clippers were 0-4 against the 9-loss Warriors this season. Yes, the Warriors are far and away the best team in NBA, with the best player in the league hitting 3's like they were nothing. However, stranger things have happened and especially in the postseason. If the Rockets can beat up on Golden State in the first-round, it could open a window for Los Angeles to strike if it advances to the next round. Any win in the postseason is tough, but maybe, with Griffin in tow and this squad getting into a groove, the Clippers solve their issues vs. the Warriors.