The NBA playoffs are on track, with the 7th place in the East and West being locked, and the Nets and Timberwolves advancing to the playoffs first. Today, the last 2 playoff spots remain in the playoffs. On the Eastern side, the Cavaliers compete with the Eagles for 8th place in the East. On the Western side, the Clippers competed with the Pelicans for No. 8 in the West. These four teams came to the same running line, won and advanced to the playoffs, playing the first round against the first division 1st place. Say goodbye to the playoffs and recharge your batteries and wait for the new season to come.
Due to the winner of the 9th/10th division, a second play-off is required. In order to give players plenty of rest, the NBA did not schedule back-to-back games, but instead took a day off before playing a second playoff. In the regular season, the Clippers are 8th in the West with 42 wins and 40 losses, and the Pelicans are 9th in the West with 36 wins and 46 losses. Although the two sides are closely ranked, the Clippers are six wins ahead of the Pelicans. Now, the two sides need to compete for 8th place in the West in the play-offs, and the format is really cruel.
Clippers vs Pelicans, which team can make the playoffs as desired? Since the losing side is directly eliminated, this is equivalent to a game of certainty. The NBA has no weak team, this format is full of variables, grasp it can get a playoff spot, and both sides will definitely go all out. The top-ranked Clippers, though, have not been a smooth ride. The two sides launched a playoff showdown, the Pelicans are expected to eliminate the Clippers to advance to the playoffs, McCollum's performance, will affect the outcome of the game.
Mid-season season, the Blazers made a personnel adjustment and CJ McCollum was traded to the Pelicans. At this point, the Blazers' backcourt double guns were dismantled. When McCollum left the team, he released a touching farewell letter, showing the tenderness of the iron man. After joining the Pelicans, McCollum played his best performance of his career so far. McCollum has played in 26 games for the Pelicans this season, averaging 24.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.3 steals and shooting 49.3 percent from the field, all of which are career highs.
The Pelicans were able to secure a play-off spot, and McCollum was credited with it. When it came to the play-offs, McCollum still did not disappoint, playing the role of winner and loser. In the first play-off game, facing the Spurs coached by coach Popovich, McCollum blasted down 32 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 1 block, with a plus-minus of +16 and a high of the first place in the game. In the end, McCollum helped the Pelicans beat the Spurs to secure a chance against the Clippers, one step closer to a playoff spot.
On the other hand, the Clippers, George's comeback is really morale-boosting. However, in the first playoff game, the Clippers were reversed by the Timberwolves. The 7th of the West, which was about to arrive, was taken by the Timberwolves at the last minute. Now, the Clippers have to fight the Pelicans for life and death, and the Clippers still have no intention of making a comeback. Before the showdown with the Timberwolves, a reporter asked about the comeback of The Little Card, and Clippers coach Terrenlu made no secret of it, saying: "He only has some personal training now, and has not yet done 3V3 or more intensive training." So, in the Clippers' showdown with the Timberwolves, Little Card didn't make a comeback.
Now, the Clippers are heading for their second playoff. However, for the sake of long-term considerations, it is unrealistic to let the small card come back to play the play-offs. This season, the Clippers have stumbled to a play-off spot, and if they can finally advance to the playoffs, it will prove that it is a successful season. After all, the little card season was reimbursed, and George was injured for most of the season. Truth be told, even if the Clippers advance to the playoffs, it will be difficult for the Clippers to beat the First Place Suns in the West in the first round without a small card.
In summary, the small card will not come back to the Clippers may be difficult to break the game, and the Pelicans are more willing to fight than the Clippers. However, considering that this is a game of certainty, the two teams will not have reservations, which is a test of the decision-making of both sides at a critical moment. McCollum has a good chance of being the winner again, helping the Pelicans beat the Clippers to advance to the playoffs!