Doc Rivers/Associated Press file photo

As the team that will finish fourth in the Western Conference standings, the Clippers for the longest time had been looking at a first-round matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies, who have been in fifth for some time.

However, before Sunday’s slate of games, the sixth-place Portland Trail Blazers had pulled within a half-game of Memphis. Portland had five games remaining, the Grizzlies six – including their games Sunday against Golden State and Orlando, respectively.

Although coach Doc Rivers doesn’t like to ponder the standings too soon in the season, he’s certainly aware of them right now.

“Yeah, I mean, we look at all that and we’ll prepare for whoever we play; you have to be (prepared),” he said.

It might be nice if the Clippers knew right now who their first-round opponent will be, but Rivers said it’s better than it was this past season.

“I think we had up to four or five teams we were preparing for and this year it’s a lot easier because there are really only two that you have to have great focus on,” he said.

Including Sunday, Portland had games against Golden State, Sacramento, Oklahoma City, Minnesota and Denver. Memphis had games against Orlando, Chicago, Dallas, Golden State, the Clippers and Golden State again.