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What to expect at Clippers-Jazz Game 6 with capacity crowd at Staples Center

A small cluster of fans in stands surrounded by empty seats
For the first time this season, Staples Center will be at maximum seating capacity for a Clippers game on Friday.
(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
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The Clippers on Friday can accomplish something never done in franchise history, in front of a home crowd not seen in 15 months.

A win in Game 6 against top-seeded Utah would clinch their first appearance in the conference finals. The game will be played in front of a Staples Center crowd whose capacity is no longer restricted after statewide COVID-19 regulations were lifted Tuesday. The arena had hosted a maximum of 8,000 spectators for Game 4 on Monday; full capacity is closer to 19,000.

Those in attendance must still abide by arena protocols, including wearing a mask when not eating or drinking. In an email to fans, the Clippers said spectators are required to attest to being either fully vaccinated — with their last shot of either the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines coming at least two weeks before — or attest to a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours.

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The Clippers needed Paul George to fill the sudden absence of injured leader Kawhi Leonard on Wednesday and haul them past the Jazz. Playoff P did.

In addition, those accompanying children 2 or older must attest to a negative COVID-19 test within the previous 72 hours.

Other restrictions:

—Bags larger than 5 inches by 9 inches by one inch are not allowed.

—Those sitting courtside must provide proof of vaccination in addition to proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 48 hours.

—Food and beverage service for courtside ticket-holders will not be offered but fans in the rest of the arena can eat and drink at their seats.

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—Tickets remain fully digital, with no cash accepted inside the arena.

Kawhi Leonard becomes the eighth All-Star to miss a playoff game while Chris Paul is in COVID-19 protocols. LeBron James blames a compressed schedule.

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