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The LA Clippers continued to struggle for consistency following another loss, this time against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Clippers have won five games in their last 10 but remain No. 4 spot in the Western Conference. So, can the Clippers hold on to the spot and have homecourt advantage in the playoffs?
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George combined for 49 points, but it was not enough to prevent a 112-104 defeat in New Orleans. The Clippers were missing James Harden and Russell Westbrook, who have been vital to their success this season.
Nevertheless, the Clippers need to maintain the health of Leonard and George. Injuries have played a huge part in their success, or the lack thereof, over the years. They are playing their final season at the Crypto.com Arena before moving to a new location in Inglewood.
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LA Clippers team standings
The LA Clippers remain fourth in the Western Conference, with a 42-24 record. They are still among the best teams in the league but will need to play better if they want to have a higher seed in the playoffs. They are three games behind the No. 3 spot, which is occupied by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
However, the good news for the Clippers is that the New Orleans Pelicans are two games behind despite the loss on Friday night. Nevertheless, they need to put together strong performances in the final stretch of the season to maintain homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Also Read: Former Clippers guard snubs Mavericks as 2024 NBA Finals contender for former champions
LA Clippers schedule
The Clippers have a relatively easy schedule for the rest of the season. That should be enough to secure the fourth seed, but they will need to stay consistent. Ty Lue has weathered the struggles after James Harden's arrival, and their current struggles are likely easier to overcome.
Kawhi Leonard and the rest of the team will still face top teams like the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns, twice. However, they also have some easier foes like the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets.
LA Clippers X-Factor
There's no question that the X-Factor for the LA Clippers in the final month of the season is their health. They are missing two of their "Big 4" in Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Westbrook is expected to return in the first round of the playoffs, while Harden has a minor shoulder injury.
Kawhi Leonard is being hampered by back spasms and Paul George recently sat out a game due to soreness in his left knee. If the Clippers want to have a real shot at the NBA championship, they will need to keep their best players healthy.
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