Clippers can clinch in front of capacity crowd at home

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 topseeded 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 Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech or Johnson & Johnson vaccines coming at least two weeks before — or attest to a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours.

In addition, those accompanying children 2 or older must attest to a negative COVID-19 test within the previous 72 hours. Other restrictions: 8 Bags larger than 5 inches by 9 inches by 1 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.

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