The Clippers embarked on a four-game eastern trip that is crucial to their postseason goals. It’s not a make-or-break situation, but they could find their season on the edge if the outcomes aren’t favorable.
For instance, if they win all four games, the Clippers would solidify themselves as legitimate playoff contenders. Win two or more of the games and they could settle in at No. 7 in the Western Conference standings.
Falling out of the top eight with 11 regular-season games left seems pretty unlikely (ninth-place Sacramento was five games back going into Tuesday’s games), but if the Clippers lose all four games on this trip it could leave them flirting with a scenario where they would need to win a pair of win-or-go-home games just to make it into a first-round series.
Trying to predict where the Clippers will land isn’t easy. Starting Wednesday, they face the New York Knicks (44-26), who are third in the Eastern Conference, followed by a game Friday against the Brooklyn Nets (23-49), then Sunday at the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers (57-14) and finishing off the trip at the Orlando Magic (34-38).
The Clippers beat the Knicks and Nets earlier this year and upended the Cavaliers a week ago. The Magic, whom the Clippers beat in November, could be a trap game considering Orlando’s recent play.
The Magic have won three of their past four games, including victories against the Cavs and Lakers, and the Clippers know they need to stay healthy and continue staking their game on solid defense if they want to avoid the Play-In Tournament.
Like others, Clippers guard Norman Powell has been keeping an eye on the tight race in the Western Conference. The Clippers started Tuesday in seventh place, one percentage point ahead of the Timberwolves but Minnesota owns the tiebreaker.
Yet, amid the math and what-ifs, Powell said he only wants to see one scenario play out – one in which the Clippers secure a playoff spot.
“I’m following (the standings) all the time, especially with this Play-In stuff when you are trying to stay out of that. I already played the Play-In (and) I ain’t trying to do that again,” Powell said.
In 2022 and with two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard out for the entire season, the Clippers finished eighth in the West and lost both their Play-In games, leaving a bitter impression on Powell.
“You play 82 games. The season is the season,” Powell said. “I know it’s a money play and it was good for us (league) when COVID was going on (in 2020) and doing that in the bubble and everything. But you play 82 games for a reason. The top eight teams are the top eight teams.
“(Now) you’re giving teams that wouldn’t potentially make the playoffs in previous years a chance. And in one game anything can happen. So, it’s kind of unfair to the teams that work hard and put themselves in playoff spots in the race to jeopardize (a playoff chance) off one game.
“But it’s working for the league. It’s intense. Viewership’s up, (they) make more money as a league. So, I understand it. But we played 82 games for a reason.”
HARDEN QUESTIONABLE
James Harden, who limped around the locker room after rolling his right foot in the loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night, is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Knicks with a sore foot.
His status for the rest of the trip is unclear.
CLIPPERS AT KNICKS
When: Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. PT
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York
TV/radio: FDSN SoCal/ 570 AM