As the LA Clippers have 17 games to finish the season, head coach Tyronn Lue and his staff are officially in a crisis of emergency. They have dropped into the play-in tournament and face a potential risk of completely missing the 2025 postseason.
Furthermore, these struggles bloomed directly after the all-star break, when Norman Powell was ruled out for several games due to injury. He returned against the Los Angeles Lakers, played nine minutes, and was back on the sidelines.
Furthermore, the Clippers have lost seven games since the break, moving them from a top six spot to the eighth seed. This is considered a danger zone with a hefty amount of pressure riding on this season.
Additionally, the Minnesota Timberwolves(7th) and Golden State Warriors(6th) are each on five-game winning streaks. This makes it difficult for the Clippers to escape their current position.
Though the play-in could benefit LA as it allows them to battle for the seventh seed, it diminishes rest and preparation for the first round. These disadvantages are why the Clippers should have acted hastily before giving up the sixth seed.
Nonetheless, the Clippers would still have a chance to make history if the season ended today.
The LA Clippers would have to face the red-hot Minnesota Timberwolves in the play-in tournament
Before the NBA playoffs begin, the LA Clippers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the play-in tournament. This is a rematch from 2022 when LA lost without Kawhi Leonard, who was still recovering from ACL surgery.
If they win, the Clippers will be paired with the Denver Nuggets as the seventh seed. This would be an interesting series, given the 2-2 regular season tie.
However, if the Clippers lost to Minnesota, they would still have a shot at the eighth seed in the second round of play-in games. This would either determine whether they are fully eliminated from playoff contention or play the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have won the regular season series with one meeting left.
Oklahoma City would be the most significant test in the Western Conference, but the Clippers would still have a chance at passing if they prepare well enough and if their superstars are healthy. These factors must glisten for LA to progress into the second round.
In the event the Clippers lose both games and miss the top eight, the front office will proceed with a major turn for the future.