As of today, March 21, 2022, the Los Angeles Clippers are 8th in the Western Conference.
Their magic # to clinch #8 is 5, which gives them home court should they lose the first play-in game vs #7 (currently the Denver Nuggets).
Clippers coach Ty Lue has stated the team will begin to rest players, preparing for the post-season.
With little chance to move up to 7 (LA has only 9 games remaining) it’s a perfect opportunity for the NBA’s 7th oldest team (27.4 average age).
LA has a 5 game lead on both the Pelicans and lakers who are tied for the 9/10 slots.
They will host the Pelicans on April 3rd and have no further meetings vs the lakers, sweeping the season series, 4-0.
Should the Clippers lose to the 7 seed (likely Denver or Minnesota), they will host the winner of the 9/10 play-in game.
If the Clippers win that game, they will be locked in to #7.
The San Antonio Spurs are only 2.5 games away from the 10th spot. They have 13 games remaining.
Like Ralph Lawler used to say, fasten your seat belts.