The Lakers dropped their magic number to win the 3rd seed in the Western conference and the Pacific division title to 1 after their 114-106 double overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday afternoon. The Lakers have 1 game remaining on their schedule and the Clippers, who are just a 1/2 game back of the Lakers in the standings, have 2 games remaining. With the Lakers owning the tie breaker over the Clippers due to winning the season series 2 to 1, the Clippers will have to get a game ahead of the Lakers in order to take the Pacific division crown. The Lakers’ magic number will go down with every win or Clippers lost; once it hits zero the Lakers will clinch the Pacific division.
The Clippers will play the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow night in Atlanta and end the season on the road against the New York Knicks on Wednesday. The Lakers will play their regular season finale against the Sacramento Kings in Arco Arena on Thursday. The Lakers could possibly have clinched the 3rd seed by the time they take the floor in Sacramento if the Clippers lose either of their 2 final games.
The Lakers are guaranteed no lower than the 4th spot and home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Lakers would like to avoid a first round match up against the Memphis Grizzlies who are currently in the 5th seed.
– Fern Rea “@fullcourtfern”
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