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LA Clippers: Evaluating each possible scenario to the finals

By John Jablonka

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 05: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers talks with Paul George #13 in the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 05, 2020 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 05: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers talks with Paul George #13 in the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 05, 2020 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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LA Clippers
LA Clippers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The standings being close and the new format means that the LA Clippers could match up with almost anyone in the playoffs. So, let’s evaluate each scenario.

The LA Clippers have been among the three teams contending for the title this season and despite the hiatus for months, and a new playoff format, they are still right in that mix. What changes, though, is the path to the finals. This could be for the better or the worse, so let’s find out.

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Before the NBA got hit by the pandemic, the Clippers were the second seed, five and a half games behind the Los Angeles Lakers and one and a half games ahead of the Denver Nuggets. Now, the seeding of the Clippers will not change drastically, even with the proposed eight-game regular season.

It was reported that the teams would play out their regular schedule minus the eight teams that are not in the bubble. This means the Clippers would face the Brooklyn Nets (twice), New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Sacramento Kings. Three of those teams are lottery teams in the West and the Nets would also be a lottery team if they were in the West. They are only facing two teams with a record over .500.

That is a relatively easy schedule and they may finish their season 6-2 or 7-1. There is still a chance they may not win all those games, as those lottery teams will be highly motivated and could gain momentum to beat the Clippers in some of those games, which could result in them dropping to the third spot.

Regardless, they will most likely either be the second or third seed and avoid being in the same bracket as the Lakers. This could, however, change their first-round and second-round matchup. There are multiple scenarios, then let’s get to them.

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