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LA Clippers Face Off Against Lakers With Postseason in Sight

By Ethan Smith

ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers dribbles past JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a NBA preseason game at Honda Center on October 6, 2018 in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers dribbles past JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a NBA preseason game at Honda Center on October 6, 2018 in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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The LA Clippers and Lakers are near each other in the race for the Western Conference playoffs and their matchup on Monday could be the deciding factor for who plays and who sits at home.

The LA Clippers will face off against their bitter rivals in the form of the Lakers on Monday, with the matchup likely to have a playoff atmosphere in Staples Center.

The Clippers enter their matchup against the Lakers winning their last two games and three out of their last five. The Lakers matchup begins a stretch of eight straight games in Staples Center for the Clippers, with an upcoming seven game home-stand coming up following this game.

The Lakers enter1-4 in their last five and 4-7 since the return of LeBron James after his 18-game absence due to a groin injury. The Lakers have 19 games remaining with only 10 of those in the confines of Staples Center.

The teams split their previous two meetings with two matchups left to go in the season.

The Clippers came out on top in the first matchup, winning 118-107 behind 36 points from Lou Williams, which at the time was a season-high for Williams off the bench. Danilo Gallinari would add another 19 points in that victory, but the bench was the story as five players had a plus/minus above 10 and helped score 22 consecutive points in a stretch of the second half.

As for the second time the two teams met, the Lakers would squeak past the Clippers in overtime. That matchup was James’ first game back from his groin injury, contributing 24 points, 14 rebounds and 9 assists in a winning effort. At the time, the Lakers only trailed the Clippers by one game and that gap has clearly increased since.

Lance Stephenson added 20 points in that matchup but is listed as “out” tonight with a left foot injury. Tyson Chandler is “questionable” while Lonzo Ball is also “out” with an ankle sprain.

As for the Clippers, Luc Mbah a Moute and Wilson Chandler will likely be out for this matchup as they deal with their respective injuries. There is a small Luc plays though, as he is currently listed as “questionable”.

Next. Clippers show no fear ahead of Battle of LA. dark

The Clippers and Lakers both have their eyes on the postseason, but both currently sit in very different positions. The Clippers have a huge opportunity to extend the gap between them and the Lakers, while the Lakers hope to gain some ground in hopes for Lebron James to extend his postseason streak.

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