The New York Knicks will face a tough test Wednesday night when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers. New York holds the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference at 45-26, while the Clippers are 40-31 and the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.

With Detroit leapfrogging Milwaukee into the No. 5 spot, the No. 3 vs. No. 6 first-round playoff matchup has a new look. A Knicks victory over the Bucks on Friday would accomplish two crucial goals: slowing the surging No. 4 Indiana Pacers, who now trail New York by just 2.5 games, and solidifying the Bucks’ current position at No. 6.

James Harden had 29 points, six rebounds and six assists, Kawhi Leonard scored 27 points and the Los Angeles Clippers prevented the New York Knicks from clinching a playoff berth with a 126-113 victory Wednesday night.