With just 16 games remaining in the NBA regular season, the Los Angeles Clippers find themselves in a precarious position. Having dropped seven of their last 12 games, they have slipped to the eighth seed in the Western Conference, leaving little margin for error in a tightly contested playoff race. Their current record is 36-30.
Adding to their woes is the absence of Norman Powell, the team’s leading scorer this season. The Clippers are without nearly 24 points per game in his absence, and the impact has been evident. Powell has missed 19 games this season, and in those matchups, the Clippers have struggled to stay above water, posting a 9-10 record. Meanwhile, the four teams currently ahead of them in the standings are surging, riding three- to five-game winning streaks.
The biggest concern isn’t just slipping in the standings, it’s the potential danger of the play-in tournament. While a total collapse seems unlikely, the Clippers are only five games away from falling out of the playoff picture entirely. Even if they remain in the 7-10 range, the play-in format is a risky path, where one bad night could mean the end of their postseason hopes.
On a positive note, Kawhi Leonard appears to be rounding into form at the right time. Over the last ten games, he has averaged 22 points, six rebounds, three assists, and nearly two steals per game, providing stability amid the team’s struggles.
The Clippers had a chance to build momentum after a three-game winning streak but stumbled against a struggling Pelicans team last night. With head coach Tyronn Lue sidelined by a lingering back issue that forced him to leave Sunday’s win over the Kings, assistant coach Brian Shaw took the reins. After the disappointing loss, Shaw acknowledged the team’s lack of energy, saying, “They came out, and they were the hungrier team right from the start.”
With the season winding down, the Clippers need to turn things around fast. Norman Powell’s return would help, but they must tighten up their defense and take care of weaker opponents in the meantime. Since the All-Star break, they’ve allowed 110 or more points in seven of 11 games-a troubling trend. Relying on the unpredictable nature of the play-in tournament is a real risk for the Clippers and a dangerous spot for any contender.
The Clippers continue their three-game road trip after beating Miami 119-104 on Wednesday night. They play Atlanta on Friday, and they return home to face the Hornets, on Sunday at 4 p.m., and they stay at home to play the Cavaliers on Tuesday, at 7:30 p.m. and the Grizzlies on Friday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m.