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The Philadelphia 76ers came up short against the LA Clippers on Wednesday night. The Sixers had a few opportunities to win the game, but the Clippers' defense held up. Philly remained No. 8 after the 108-107 loss to the Clippers.
The Sixers were up by five points with less than two minutes left when the Clippers took over. Kawhi Leonard gave his team a 105-104 lead after converting an and-one with 44 seconds remaining. Buddy Hield gave the Sixers the lead after hitting a 3-point shot in the next possession.
Leonard responded with another and-one to give the Clippers the lead again. He also blocked Kelly Oubre Jr. with around five seconds left. Oubre had another shot at winning the game, but Paul George made a great defensive effort to deny him at the buzzer.
Also Read: NBA insider confirms Nick Nurse's update on Joel Embiid's probable early return for 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers playoffs picture: Standings
The Philadelphia 76ers dropped to 39-34 following their loss to the LA Clippers. The Sixers remained No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference and are 1.5 games behind the top six.
It has been a tough stretch for the Sixers since Joel Embiid went down with a knee injury. Tyrese Maxey has been doing his best to keep the team afloat, but it seems like they will be in the play-in bracket at the end of the regular season.
Embiid was a difference-maker for the Sixers when he was healthy and the favorite to win the MVP. However, the injury was unfortunate, and Philly is hoping that he can return before the end of the regular season.
Philadelphia 76ers' Playoffs Picture: Schedule
The Philadelphia 76ers have the second-easiest schedule in the NBA with nine games remaining. The Sixers face non-playoff teams like Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets.
Meanwhile, the playoff teams remaining in their schedule are the OKC Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. If they don't finish in the top-six, they will have to compete with the Heat, Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls in the play-in tournament.
Philadelphia 76ers' Playoffs Picture: X-factor
The X-factor for the Philadelphia 76ers is Joel Embiid. They can't go far with their current squad, with Tyrese Maxey at the helm. But if Embiid can return before the end of the regular season, the Sixers will have a fighting chance to make the playoffs.
Guess the Lakers players!
