Ivica Zubac’s double-double helps Clippers beat Spurs without Kawhi Le

The Clippers’ playoff fortunes rest in their hands and all they have to do is keep winning, increasing their chances of being a top-six team in the crowded Western Conference.

If the team can clinch a top-six seed, the Clippers would avoid the NBA’s play-in tournament.

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They took another step toward achieving their goal by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 122-117 on Tuesday night at the Intuit Dome behind the dominance of center Ivica Zubac.

Zubac had 24 points and 20 rebounds, his fourth game of the season with at least 20 points and rebounds, tied for the second most in the NBA. He also had five assists, making Zubac the first Clipper since Elton Brand in 2005 to have at least 20 points, 20 rebounds and five assists in a game. It also was Zubac’s 12th straight double-double, the longest streak by a Clipper since Chris Paul had 14 in 2013.

Read more: Kawhi Leonard plays first back-to-back of season as Clippers keep pace in West race

The Clippers have won five straight games and 12 of their last 14.

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By getting this win despite Kawhi Leonard sitting out, the Clippers (47-32) moved to fourth in the West, one game behind the third-seeded Lakers. The Clippers, who have three regular-season games left, would have home-court advantage in the first round if they remain in the fourth spot.

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said that getting “whole,” having James Harden take his game to another level and having new players Bogdan Bogdanovic and Ben Simmons ease their way into the system led to improved play.

“Being healthy, we kind of showed what we can do and who we can be,” Lue said. “And so, I think the trades, I think Kawhi being healthy, I think James playing at a higher level, I think it has really been good for us.”

The Clippers decided not to have Leonard play in a second straight set of…