The Los Angeles Clippers take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Thursday night.

The Clippers (46-23) enter Thursday with a one-game lead over the Nuggets for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, and they've prevailed in three of the past four games. Their most recent success came Tuesday night, when they toppled the Toronto Raptors by a 115-96 score. Kawhi Leonard and Terance Mann co-led the Clippers with matching 20-point tallies, with Leonard adding seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac posted an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one block. Marcus Morris poured in 14 points, while Rajon Rondo supplied 11 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal.

The Clippers will remain without Serge Ibaka (back) for Thursday's game.

The Hornets (33-36) currently hold the No. 8 seed via tie-breaker over the Indiana Pacers and have now clinched a play-in spot over in the Eastern Conference, despite the fact they've lost three of their past four games. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday night, when they fell to the Denver Nuggets by a 117-112 score. Devonte' Graham paced the Hornets with 31 points, supplementing them with five assists and four rebounds. Terry Rozier supplied 21 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Cody Zeller and Jalen McDaniels produced matching 15-point tallies, with Zeller also recording 10 boards. P.J. Washington generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists, four steals and three blocks.

The Hornets will be without Cody Martin (ankle), Miles Bridges (COVID-19 protocols) and Gordon Hayward (foot) for Thursday's contest. Caleb Martin (thumb) will carry a questionable tag.

Thursday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Clippers own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 125-98 win March 20.