L.A. Clippers: 5 Must-Win Games Heading into the Playoffs

Some would say that the hard part is over. The L.A. Clippers have all but locked up a playoff spot, a rare feat indeed for a franchise used to early vacations.

There is still some work left to be done, though.

The Clippers are being doggedly pursued by the Memphis Grizzlies for the No. 4 spot in the West. Meanwhile, the Clips themselves are hard on the heels of the division leading L.A. Lakers who currently hold the No. 3 spot.

Here are five games that the Clippers need to win from here on out to be in the best shape for a strong postseason push.

April 16th vs. Thunder

The Clippers have taken two out of three from Oklahoma City so far this season with Blake Griffin poster slams over Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka accentuating both victories.

With both the Grizzlies and Lakers idle that day, the Clippers can gain ground on both with a home win over the top seeded Thunder.

Beating OKC for the third time this year would also give the Clippers a nice psychological boost should the teams face off in the playoffs.

April 18th at Nuggets

Playing against the Nuggets in Denver will be a stern road test for the Clips, especially considering the Nuggets need every win they can get to make it to the playoffs. 

The Clippers, who struggled mightily on the road to begin the season, are actually one of just three teams in the West with a winning record away from home.

On the same night, the Grizzlies and Lakers play cupcakes against the Hornets and Warriors respectively, so the Clips will have their work cut out for them if they want to keep pace.

April 19th at Suns

The Suns are in a similarly desperate situation as the Nuggets, trying to make a last-ditch effort to sneak into the playoffs. Also making this a toughie is the fact that it's the second night of a back-to-back on the road.

The Clippers are 9-8 this season in the second game of a back-to-back, but just 3-5 on the road in that situation.

The Suns have won two of the three meetings this year and both of their wins came when the Clips were playing the second game of a back-to-back.

April 24th at Hawks

In their only other meeting this season the Clippers dominated the Atlanta Hawks en route to an easy 14-point win.

Their upcoming contest figures to be more competitive as it will be in Atlanta and the Hawks are fighting for playoff positioning in the East.

Once again, both the Grizzlies and Lakers are idle that day, so it's another opportunity for the Clippers to gain some ground in the standings.

April 25th at Knicks

In their regular season finale, the Clips head to historic Madison Square Garden to tangle with the New York Knicks. 

This could be a meaningless game for one or both teams, but the more likely scenario is that both squads will want this win as it could be the difference between a higher and lower seed in the playoffs.

This will be the only meeting between the two during the 2012 season, making it all the more special. In their first meeting last year Blake Griffin had his breakout game, going off for 44 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, while doing bodily harm to any Knick who got in his way around the rim.

This will be the last chance for the Clippers to stake their claim to the No. 3 seed in the West and potentially a Pacific Division title. With both the Grizzlies and Lakers playing their final game on the following night, the Clips need to go out on top in this one.