James Harden and the Clippers are facing two scenarios that could leave them out of a direct playoff spot

The Los Angeles Clippers will play their final regular-season game this Sunday afternoon, with their playoff hopes on the line. James Harden’s team is set to face the Golden State Warriors, and two potential scenarios could result in the Clippers landing in the Play-In Tournament.

After facing significant criticism earlier in the season, Harden recently addressed the backlash, and fans are eagerly anticipating the game against the Warriors. With several other teams also vying for playoff positions, the Clippers‘ chances of securing a direct playoff berth could be jeopardized.

One thing is already clear: the Clippers will not finish in the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings. However, there are still multiple scenarios in which they could earn the fourth or fifth seed. The only two scenarios in which they miss the playoffs outright are if they end up in the Play-In Tournament.

In the first scenario, the Clippers would miss out on a direct playoff spot if they lose to the Warriors, the Nuggets beat the Rockets, the Grizzlies defeat the Mavericks, and the Timberwolves top the Jazz. In this case, the Clippers would finish in seventh place and face the Grizzlies in the Play-In Tournament.

James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers reacts during play against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Intuit Dome on April 08, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

The second scenario sees the Clippers in the Play-In Tournament if they lose to the Warriors, and the Nuggets, Mavericks, and Grizzlies all win their respective games. Should this happen, Los Angeles would face Memphis for a spot in the postseason.

see also

Clippers’ James Harden delivers strong message about negative narratives surrounding him

Clippers’ potential playoff matchups if they reach the 4th or 5th seed

With the Clippers potentially heading into the Play-In Tournament, several outcomes in their final regular-season game could determine who they face in the postseason.

The Clippers have the chance to secure the fourth seed in the Western Conference under six different scenarios. If they clinch this spot, they would face the Nuggets in four of those scenarios, while the other two would see them matched up against the Timberwolves.

The fifth seed is the most likely outcome for the Clippers, with eight possible scenarios that could place them in this position. In this case, they would meet the Nuggets in six of those eight scenarios, while the remaining two scenarios would pit them against the Timberwolves.