Just like that, the All-Star break has come and gone. Now, about 70% of the NBA will be gearing up for the playoff race that's expected to heat up as soon as the calendar flips to March.

The L.A. Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings are in a dogfight for the eighth seed in the Western Conference. That also isn't ruling out the potential for the San Antonio Spurs or Utah Jazz to fall out of the race. Over in the Eastern Conference, the Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, and Washington Wizards will be vying for the seventh and eighth seeds.

On this week's episode of the ClutchPoints NBA Podcast, we discuss the playoff race and introduce the Hot Take thermometer.

Hosted by ClutchPoints' Frank Smith, CP Clippers' reporter Tomer Azarly, and CP Lakers' reporter Ryan Ward.

iTunes LINK: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/clutchpoints-nba-podcast/id1446694067?mt=2