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LA Clippers: Five remaining must-win games before the playoffs

By Ryan Snellings

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts to a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Staples Center on April 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts to a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Staples Center on April 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 01: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers drives the lane against Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on April 01, 2021 in Los Angeles, 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 01: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers drives the lane against Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on April 01, 2021 in Los Angeles, 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

LA Clippers Must-Win #4: May 1 versus Denver Nuggets

Another potential playoff matchup comes just three days later against the Denver Nuggets. Much like the 76ers, their center rotation will be tested against Nikola Jokic.

The Nuggets and Clippers have split the season series at one game apiece with the Clippers taking the first game on Christmas. On April 1, the Clippers fell to Denver despite a late rally that put them in a position to win. This third game not only determines the tiebreaker but could have heavy seeding implications.

Neither team will show all their cards in this game as a playoff matchup might happen but this game could still have huge implications and the Clips cannot afford to lose it.

LA Clippers Must-Win #5: May 6 versus Los Angeles Lakers

The last must-win for the LA Clippers comes against their hometown rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. The last matchup was nothing to write home about with the Lakers missing both of their superstars, Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

By May 6, however, both should be back and amping up for the postseason. Again, this could be a first-round matchup (crazy, right?) so both teams will be feeling each other out without giving anything away. The good thing here for the Clippers is that they already have the tiebreaker, defeating the Lakers on opening night 116-109 and on April 4 104-86.

Even though the game might not hold as much meaning as some of the others mentioned for standing purposes, there will be enough of an emotional need to win out of both teams. This game also marks the last extremely tough competition for the Clippers as four of the next five games come against teams that likely won’t make the postseason.

Next. Kawhi Leonard rumor takes pressure off winning now. dark

Do you agree that these five games are must-wins? Let us know on Twitter and check back here as the season winds down for all your LA Clippers’ coverage!

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