Many viewed the Golden State Warriors and L.A. Clippers in a similar boat entering the season, such is the aging nature of both Western Conference teams.
It's the Clippers who find themselves in an increasingly disastrous position though, having sunk to a 4-10 record and with the sort of injury concerns that could stunningly make them 'sellers' rather than 'buyers' come the mid-season deadline.
Clippers could be a shocking potential trade partner for the Warriors
Playing without star forward Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers lost back-to-back games against the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers by a combined five points on Sunday and Monday.