Clippers vs. Thunder preview and game thread: Wrapping up the seeding games

The 2020 NBA Playoffs are almost here, the LA Clippers are gearing up for their first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks, which begins Monday...but first, they have to finish the string of seeding games, with Friday’s finale against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Clippers have clinched the No. 2 seed in the West, their playoff series is set and if anything, this game is more of a risk or a chance to give bench guys some playing time than a big game. Basically, aside from game rhythm and pride, there’s not much to play for in this one for LA.

The situation is a little different for Oklahoma City. They know they’ll be playing the Houston Rockets in their first-round series, but seeding for No. 4 and No. 5 between those teams has not been set. The teams are even in terms of record, and with both of them playing Friday, their ability to clinch the No. 4 seed is in OKC’s hands, so they have a little more motivation than the Clips.

One more note: Former Clippers guard Chris Paul won’t face his old team in this one, as the Thunder veteran is ruled out with a hand sprain.

The biggest hope for this game from the Clippers’ perspective? No new injuries! Let’s go out there and not get hurt, fellas.

Game Information

Where: AdventHealth Arena, Orlando, Florida

When: Friday, 3:30 p.m. PT

How to watch/listen: ESPN, Fox Sports Prime Ticket

Injuries/Absences

Clippers: Patrick Beverley (left calf) — OUT; Montrezl Harrell (self-isolation) — OUT; Landry Shamet (left foot) — OUT

Thunder: Lu Dort (right knee) — OUT; Chris Paul (left hand) — OUT; Dennis Schroder (self-isolation) — OUT