The L.A Clippers have been a team always on the cusp of getting deep into the playoffs until something drastic happens. Last year both of their stars Blake Griffin and Chris Paul got injured and missed the remainder of the playoffs. This year the Clippers have been hit by the injury bug again as Chris Paul missed time due to a thumb injury. After rehab, Paul is back in the lineup for tonight's game against the Spurs as the Clippers are now playing with all their key pieces in the rotation. Can the Clippers finally start making their championship push now that all their pieces are back, or has the window closed on the opportunity?

Health is the key

Chris Paul is the a key piece for the Clippers on both sides of the floor. Paul is averaging 17.5 points and almost 10 assist per game. He also averages 2.3 steals per game. This shows how Paul can impact the game on both ends of the floor. Behind Paul is Austin Rivers and Raymond Felton. Rivers isn't your true point guard, and Felton is a decent backup, but not a Chris Paul either. Blake Griffin has been hindered by injuries this season as well only playing in 37 games this season, including tonight's game vs the Spurs. When Griffin played he played well averaging 21.6 PPG and 8.7 RPG. When the Clippers have their two stars in the game they can be a handful. The Clippers haven't played with all their pieces in tact since the middle of December.

Coming back, they have to get their chemistry together, as they enter a homestretch of the NBA season, where hitting your stride is very important.

Window is closing

It's critical for the Clippers to be healthy now as their window for getting a championship is closing soon. Chris Paul is turning 32 in May and he is a star player, but if this isn't working he might want to find a situation where he can win a championship instead of being part of a team that is always on the cusp.

Blake Griffin is going to be a free agent in the summer, and he might want out if he believes he has a better shot at a title somewhere else. His name was also among trade rumors, which might be a signal Clippers management might want to move in a different direction. The Clippers best shot might've been last year, but injuries derailed that as Paul and Griffin were out with injuries.

The NBA is a opportunity league, and if you don't take it, you'll be kicking yourself afterwards. Doc Rivers will do his best this summer to keep the star core together, as he has no interest of being part of a rebuilding project. With this window closing, the Clippers need to stay healthy and gel together as they have a hard conference to move through.

With the Clippers healthy and fresh off the all-star break, expect them to make a playoff push the remainder of the season. Paul and Griffin need to make a move now as their window for championship glory is closing fast.
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