2024 LA Clippers playoffs picture after loss vs Sacramento Kings (April 2): Updated standings, schedule and more

Despite their three-game winning streak, the LA Clippers were unable to maintain their momentum on Tuesday in a road game against the Sacramento Kings. The 109-95 loss prevented them from further solidifying their position as the fourth seed in the Western Conference playoff race, leaving them vulnerable to the teams trailing closely behind.

Despite One-time league MVP Russell Westbrook’s 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting, the Clippers were unable to secure a win. The Kings dominated in the middle quarters, outscoring the visitors 67-46, leading to the LA squad’s defeat.

Despite the fact that leading scorer Kawhi Leonard was absent from the game due to right knee soreness, it also did not contribute to their cause.

The Clippers’ loss halted their momentum on the home stretch of the regular season, leaving them with a 47-28 record. They are currently only two games ahead of both the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans, who both hold identical 45-30 records.

LA Clippers’ Path to the Playoffs: Standings and Potential Matchups

Despite the loss to the Kings on Tuesday, the Clippers still had some breathing room for potential mistakes due to their three-game winning streak leading up to the game.

Currently, they hold the fourth spot in the highly competitive Western Conference, with the Mavericks (fifth) and Pelicans (sixth) close behind, keeping the pressure on.

Maintaining their spot in the top six is crucial for Los Angeles to secure an outright playoff spot and avoid competing in the play-in phase (reserved for teams seven to 10) of the tournament.

LA Clippers Playoff Schedule and Matchups

Although they currently maintain the fourth spot in the Western Conference, the LA Clippers can count on the support of their hometown fans to provide them with an extra boost in their upcoming games. This is especially true as six of their last seven matches will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The team will begin a three-game stretch at home on Thursday, starting with a match against the reigning NBA title holders and top-ranked team in the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets (53-23). The LA squad will then face the Utah Jazz (29-47) on Friday and the Cleveland Cavaliers (46-30) on Sunday.

The only remaining away game on their schedule is against the Phoenix Suns (44-31) on April 9.

Following this, the LA Clippers will conclude their regular season schedule with three consecutive home games against the Suns, Jazz, and Houston Rockets (38-37), respectively.

With the exception of Utah, every team that the Clippers are set to face is currently fighting for higher rankings in the playoffs. This includes Houston, who is also trying to secure their spot in the play-in games. As a result, these upcoming matches are crucial for the Clippers and will not be easy victories.