NBA Playoffs 2017: Clippers punch ticket for sixth straight year

As we set up the playoff picture for the NBA playoffs 2017, we can now confirm the Clippers will be in the mix.

Following their win over the Utah Jazz on Saturday, Los Angeles was able to see one of their teams make it to the postseason. This will mark the sixth straight time that the Clippers will play in the postseason — a franchise record.

Winning by 13, the Clippers clinched in interesting fashion. By beating the Jazz, they locked in their playoff berth with a win over their likely first round opponent.

The NBA playoffs 2017 will also be a chance for the Clippers to take out a conference juggernaut. Both San Antonio and Golden State could be in for some trouble, but that depends on if the Clippers stay healthy.

Whether it’s health, luck of the draw, or the curse of a 3-1 lead, the playoffs haven’t been kind to them lately. Keeping Chris Paul and Blake Griffin in the picture are crucial for moving forward, and that may not happen without a ring.

Some think that the championship window for them is closing or is already closed. Deep down, there’s still a chance.

Not a great chance, but hey, it’s not like having odds in their favor worked for them before.

Also, in order for them to win, they’ll need a full team effort. Not just big games from their stars, but also from their bench.

Players like Jamal Crawford and J.J. Redick can be irreplaceable in those moments.

Should they end up with Utah in the first round, it’ll tell us how ready they really are. Struggling, or even losing, against the Jazz would tell us all we need to know.

Next: Could Blake Griffin Join Lakers?

And it might set the tone for future free agency periods.