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2017 NBA Playoff Picture: Clippers fighting for fourth seed still

By Keith Rivas

Mar 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) in the second half of the game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. Clippers won 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) in the second half of the game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. Clippers won 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the 2017 NBA playoff picture takes shape, where the Clippers will be is still being determined.

Whether they have home court advantage or not, the Clippers are going to square off with the Utah Jazz. Utah barely missed the postseason a year ago, but came back with a vengeance. If anyone is a dark horse this time around, it’s them.

As for the Clippers, they hope to make this season end the way they want. Previous attempts at a championship with the talent they have can’t haunt them forever.

For the 2017 NBA playoff picture to go their way, not much has to happen. Los Angeles will finish with two games at Staples Center. First on Monday against the Rockets, then Wednesday against the Kings.

Unfortunately for the Jazz, their last two games are consecutive clashes with San Antonio and Golden State. Playing the top two teams might seem like it’s a hard mountain to climb, but it could help them pull off the upset.

They’ll first travel to Oakland then to San Antonio for those remaining games.

When thinking of the playoff match up, regardless of how seeding turns out, the Clippers can’t let health mess them up. This could very well be this core’s last full shot at getting a championship, with Doc Rivers’ future even not-so-certain.

Should they advance to the second round, the Clippers would likely face the Warriors. Not the team that you want in your way, but that’s the way it seems to always work out for Lob City.

It’s not to discount the eighth seed, but there’s not much room for an upset of that proportion in the first round.

Next: Will Lakers Keep Tyler Ennis?

But hey, miracles happen — something like that would help the Clippers tremendously.

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