The Los Angeles Clippers are very much in contention for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, but they are not without a flaw.

What would normally be considered one of the hottest matchups in the NBA's Western Conference in the weeks ahead of the playoffs is now a game between two teams desperate for a win.

The Los Angeles Lakers will try to keep a three-game home win streak alive when the Lakers face the Los Angeles Clippers

The Phoenix Suns (28-33) are 11th in the Western Conference standings, and host the No. 7 Los Angeles Clippers (32-28) on Tuesday.

Both the Suns and Clippers had lost their last 4-of-5 games approaching tonight, though Los Angeles is in possession of the seventh seed in the Western Conference. It's been a dismal year for the Suns, and Beal offered the following analysis on why things have crumbled in the desert:

Phoenix and Los Angeles will take the floor in a matchup of Western Conference opponents. Tuesday's meeting is the first this season for the two squads.

Yes, the Suns do have the toughest remaining strength of schedule. Yes, the Suns have to prove that they can consistently hang with the best of the best in the league. Yes, the Spurs have a significantly lighter schedule to close the season. None of that matters now.

Detroit aims to extend its five-game road win streak with a victory over Los Angeles. The teams play Wednesday for the first time this season.