Clippers at Bucks
The Los Angeles Clippers have clinched a Western Conference postseason berth in a season many predicted would end with them as spectators to the playoff fun. Streaking Los Angeles won six straight games and 11 of its last 12 as it enters the showdown with the host Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
The Clippers missed the playoffs a season ago and the club appeared to be in a revamping mode before exceeding expectations. "I'm just really happy for our guys," coach Doc Rivers told reporters after Tuesday's clinching 122-111 win over the host Minnesota Timberwolves. "Before the year, we went through all the articles about us and how bad we were going to be. I just told them, they don't know us." The Bucks have long wrapped up their playoff spot and have their eyes on landing homecourt advantage for the Eastern Conference playoffs. Milwaukee holds a four-game lead over the Toronto Raptors with seven games to play after recording a 108-94 home win over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (45-30): Los Angeles is in fifth place in the West but still harbors hope of reaching the top four and landing homecourt advantage for the first round while appreciating the achievement. "It's so hard to make the playoffs in the West," point guard Patrick Beverley told reporters. "To be in the category with some of the teams that we're in the category with, it's truly a blessing." Forward Danilo Gallinari matched his season high of six 3-pointers while scoring 25 points against Minnesota and scored 20 or more points in each of the past 10 games.
ABOUT THE BUCKS (56-19): Point guard Eric Bledsoe was the key figure in the win over the Rockets as he held James Harden to 23 points on 9-of-26 shooting while matching Harden's point total. "To do what he did on both ends of the court, that's pretty special," Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters. "I think he loves that challenge. I think he's an incredible defender." Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 19 points and 14 rebounds for his 52nd double-double of the season.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Clippers won 11 of the past 13 meetings, including a 128-126 overtime home win on Nov. 10.
2. Los Angeles rookie SG Landry Shamet (ankle) sat out Tuesday and is questionable to play against the Bucks.
3. Milwaukee SG Tony Snell (ankle) will miss his second straight game.