Clippers face Timberwolves for a spot in the playoffs

The Los Angeles Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves collide in a play-in game in Minneapolis on Tuesday night.

The winner of the contest will advance to the Western Conference playoffs and will face the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. The loser plays Friday for a second chance at reaching the postseason field and playing the Phoenix Suns.

Minnesota went 46-36 in the regular season, having a winning record for just the second time in 17 years. They now aim to return to the postseason for the second time since 2005.

Led by Karl-Anthony Towns (24.6 points and 9.8 rebounds), the Wolves have played consistent basketball all season long and are confident they will play in the postseason.

Minnesota went 4-6 in its last 10 games. On the other hand, the Clippers built some momentum late in the season, winning their last five regular season games (42-40).

The return of Paul George was a huge boost for the Clippers on both ends. The All-Star forward missed more than three months with an elbow injury.

George averaged 22.6 points, 6.8 assists and 5.6 rebounds in the five games after rejoining the team on March 29, making 21 of 40 3-point attempts (52.5 percent).

Los Angeles will be without guard Luke Kennard, while Minnesota guard Patrick Beverley will take on his former team.

“We’re not going through Pat. We’re going through the T-Wolves. This is not a Paul George vs. Pat Beverley matchup, this isn’t a Pat Bev vs. the Clippers matchup,” Paul George recently said. The Clippers won the season series 3-1.

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