The Los Angeles Clippers will take on the Denver Nuggets tonight in a game that may end up being one of the most crucial of the Clippers’ final stretch.
The Western Conference playoff race is heating up, and the Los Angeles Clippers are right in the mix of it all.
Just one loss separates the No. 3 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves and the No. 9 seeded Clippers, which means that every game from here on will be extremely vital for every team involved.
Conveniently, the Denver Nuggets are one game ahead of the Clippers, with sole possession of the No. 8 seed. With a dominant core consisting of Gary Harris, Nikola Jokic, and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets are a force that the Clippers must overcome if their goal is securing a playoff spot.
What’s more, Paul Millsap may return tonight for Denver, who has played just 16 games this season. He’s listed as a game-time decision.
For the Clippers, their usual cast will be taking the court. With Danilo Gallinari out with a wrist injury, Tobias Harris will likely get the start at the 3.
In Harris’s most recent start against the Phoenix Suns, he put up 30 points and shot 71% from deep.
The Clippers won their last game against the Nuggets in January, 109-104. DeAndre Jordan was absent from the lineup, having just suffered an ankle injury in Sacramento. Mason Plumlee and Jokic combined for 22 rebounds against LA’s shorthanded front. Fans should expect to see a different result tonight when a healthy Jordan starts.
Los Angeles will play against 15 current playoff teams throughout the remainder of the season. While a majority of those are at home, the Clippers will still close with a difficult schedule.
If LA can stay healthy and win a solid portion of their remaining games, making the playoffs isn’t out of the question. Don’t hold on to hope for home court advantage, though.
Tonight’s game will tip-off at 7:30 PST on TNT.